LGBTQ Youth Center finds new home in heart of Forest Hills

QUEENS, NY (July 3, 2018) - Forest Hills’ bustling Austin Street, which boasts countless restaurants and shops, is now home to one of the borough’s premier LGBTQ youth drop-in centers.  On June 28, Generation Q, a program of Queens Community House (QCH), hosted a ribbon cutting event at its new location, marking its official Grand Opening on 71st Road.

The program has provided a safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth and their allies for nearly twenty years, and offers a wide variety of educational and recreational opportunities, as well as social and emotional support. Prior to the move, the center was tucked away in the bottom level of a public housing unit on 62nd Drive.

“I’m excited about this new space as it has so much more accessibility to public transit,” said QCH Executive Director, Ben Thomases.  “It has huge growth potential under the  leadership of Director, Lindsey Duel. Sitting on top of this transit hub, we have the opportunity to bring young people from all over the borough.”

The event was attended by nearly 100 supporters, including participants, partners and the program’s founders, Larry Menzie and Councilman Daniel Dromm. Menzie addressed the group, “I hope that each time a young person walks into this space, you do what can to make them feel special and welcome. It should be a moment they never forget.” The program started in Menzie’s living room in April of 1999.

The new center is located at 107-20 71st Road in Forest Hills.

To learn more about Generation Q, Like the program’s Facebook Page @GenerationQRules or visit www.qchnyc.org.

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About Queens Community House: Founded in 1975, Queens Community House, is a multi-site nonprofit organization that offers a wide network of comprehensive services to individuals, families, and communities throughout Queens. From 32 sites in 14 neighborhoods, QCH helps thousands of Queens residents to thrive in school, make healthy life choices, succeed in educating themselves, become engaged citizens, stabilize their housing situations, and make the most of their senior years.  Learn more at www.qchnyc.org.

Contact:

Jennifer Weil, Communications

Queens Community House

108-25 62nd Drive, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Office: (718) 592-5757

jweil@qchnyc.org