The Los Angeles LGBT Center held its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 21 celebrating the achievements of youth and senior graduates from the Youth Academy and vocational programs.
“This event is one of my absolute favorite parts of my job,” said Kevin McCloskey, Director of Community-Based Programs. “In the face of the federal government that wants to shut us down and silence our voices, we are here to be loud and proud and to celebrate the accomplishments of our community.”
To the Los Angeles LGBT Center and all the staff, thank you for seeing me, for helping me become the version of myself I dreamed of being.
Debbie Castellanos, graduate
Among the dozens of honorees were graduates of the Center’s social services vocational training program, students who had completed their GED, high school, or college, and emerging chefs from the intergenerational Culinary Arts program.
For some, like Debbie Castellanos—a graduate of both the Youth Academy and the Center’s Culinary Arts training program—the ceremony was a powerful reminder of just how far they’ve come.
“People doubted me because of where I come from, because of how I present myself, and how I speak,” Castellanos said. “But I still got up … I pushed myself even when it was hard, even when I felt alone, and when people looked at me as if I couldn’t make it.”
The Center’s Culinary Arts training program is a 300-hour course that equips students with the skills needed to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Over the past year alone, students helped prepare more than 125,000 hot and fresh meals for Center members, according to Nick Panepinto, Director of Culinary Training and Operations.
“It’s so incredible to see students come into these programs year after year and leave feeling confident in their abilities, excited about their futures,” said Susan Feniger, celebrity chef and co-chair of the Center’s Board of Directors. “To our graduates, I hope you’re as proud of yourselves as I am of all of you. This graduation is a moment of triumph—for you and for our community—but it’s just the beginning.”
Castellanos is now putting their skills to work as a line cook at the beloved breakfast spot Calabama, located just across the street from the Center, and hopes to continue building a thriving career in the culinary world.
This graduation is a moment of triumph—for you and for our community—but it’s just the beginning.”
Susan Feniger, Co-Chair, Board of Directors
At the ceremony, surrounded by cheering friends, fellow Youth Services participants, and Center staff, Castellanos accepted both of their certificates and vowed to keep pushing toward their dreams.
“To the Los Angeles LGBT Center and all the staff, thank you for seeing me, for helping me become the version of myself I dreamed of being,” Castellanos said. “Thank you for the support, the check-ins, and the real love when I needed it the most.”
This year’s graduation, captured by FOX 11’s Good Day LA, reminds us that when LGBTQ+ people are given tools, support, and love, their success uplifts the entire community.
Read More
“Trans Youth Deserve Care”: Hundreds Rally Against CHLA Decision to Halt Gender-Affirming Care
Cynthia Erivo Embraces Her Queerness at Center Gala: LGBTQ+ Youth ‘Need to See Me Speak Out’
Bretman Rock, VINCINT, and Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Youth Shine at 32nd Annual Models of Pride
