Our LGBTQ+ Spaces in Crisis: Rebuilding After Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton has left a devastating mark on Sarasota, impacting two safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community: Downtown Saraosota's ALSO Youth location and Fabulous Arts Foundation's new LGBTQ+ Center. Both centers offer support, mental health services, and advocacy, are now grappling with significant damage and need the community’s help to rebuild and continue their work.
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ALSO Youth Sarasota Center Closed Indefinitely
ALSO Youth, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties, has closed its Sarasota Center indefinitely due to severe damage from the hurricane. This closure comes at a time when LGBTQ+ youth need safe spaces and support more than ever. For now, the organization has moved its operations to their Bradenton Center, ensuring that its critical programs, including mental health services and leadership development, continue uninterrupted.
Despite the setback, ALSO Youth remains hopeful. “Our hearts are with all those impacted,” the organization shared. “We feel certain that our community will rebuild together.” For information about available programs, community members are encouraged to visit their website or reach out via email at [email protected].

The new LGBTQ+ center faces severe damage even before it opens its doors

The new LGBTQ+ Center, located in the Limelight District, was poised to be a transformative space for Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community. Spearheaded by Shannon Fortner and the Fabulous Arts Foundation, the center had been designed to offer mental health services, art therapy, and a sober space for those in recovery. It was set to provide a vital resource for healing and creativity during a time when anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislation are on the rise across the nation.

The center’s soft opening was originally scheduled for September 27, 2024, but was postponed first due to Hurricane Helene and then again due to Hurricane Milton. Unfortunately, as the center prepared for its launch, Milton caused extensive damage to the building. The roof was torn off, and rainwater destroyed much of the equipment, furniture, and supplies inside.

“We lost everything,” Fortner shared, adding that while they are filing insurance claims, the need for help from the community is critical. The center is calling for donations through its Give Butter campaign and seeking volunteers to help clear the damage and replace destroyed infrastructure.

“Every donation will bring us closer to reopening and continuing to hold space for healing, community, and creativity,” Fortner emphasized. The community can donate or volunteer their time to help clear debris and begin the rebuilding process.
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A Call to Action
As both ALSO Youth and the LGBTQ+ Center work tirelessly to recover from the devastation, the need for community support has never been more urgent. These spaces have and will provide invaluable resources and support for Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ community, and now, they need our help. Whether through financial donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we all have a role to play in helping these centers rebuild.

How You Can Help

• To support ALSO Youth, contact their Bradenton Center at (941) 254-7178 or visit their website for more details on programs and services.
• To help rebuild the LGBTQ+ Center, visit givebutter.com/hrfiSB to donate or volunteer your time.

Together, we can ensure these safe spaces continue to thrive and serve our community in times of need.
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