by Shaun Knittel - SGN Staff Writer

On February 18, Gay City Health Project began staffing the revived Seattle LGBT Resource and Referral Line (206-323-LGBT), and new LGBT Library. From 6-8 p.m., members of the LGBT community were invited to have some refreshments and meet Gay City's staff and volunteers.

In the past, the Resource and Referral Line and LGBT Library were run by the Seattle LGBT Community Center, which closed its doors in 2008.

The LGBT Library is a collection of about 2,000 books, and includes fiction, poetry, memoirs, Queer and Transgender studies, law and civil rights books, HIV/AIDS studies, and more. The library provides a space for people to sit, read, discuss, and learn more about the LGBT community. The library is located behind the Kaladi Brothers Café (511 E. Pike St.) and is open Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m., and Saturday 3-5 p.m.

"Each book is available for checkout," Gay City volunteer Jeffrey Campbell told SGN. "We don't have a library card. Instead, we create a user account for someone using an e-mail account. Once you have an account with us, you can check out a book for up to two weeks."

Trained Gay City volunteers staff the revived Seattle LGBT Resource and Referral Line.

Members of the community can call the line when looking for referrals on a range of topics, including advocacy, arts and music, drugs and alcohol, education, family, health, HIV/STD information and testing, HIV vaccines, hepatitis, quitting smoking, clinics, cancer, housing, legal, sexuality, and social organizations. In addition, the Seattle LGBT Resource and Referral Line can also be used for special-interest needs within the community, such as Bisexual, deaf and hard of hearing, Intersex, people of color, Transgender, youth, spirituality, religion, and sports and recreation. Gay City officials say community members can also count on the line for support in areas like emotional support, crisis support, and domestic violence.

"Anyone who calls the phone line will be referred to the proper resource, according to their needs," Gay City resource coordinator Susan Rees told SGN. "All of our trained volunteers know that we do not provide services over the phone; we are here to help provide access to the services the caller may need."

In addition to the Seattle LGBT Resource and Referral Line, Gay City officials say that if you are in crisis, you can call the Crisis Clinic's 24-hour Crisis Line at (206) 461-3222.

"Part of building a healthy community is connecting LGBT people to the incredible resources available in Seattle, and beyond," Gay City officials told SGN.

Gay City Health Project is a multicultural Gay men's health organization located in Seattle, Washington. Gay City is the leading provider of HIV and STD testing in King County. Gay City's mission is to promote the health of Gay and Bisexual men and prevent HIV transmission by building community, fostering communication, and nurturing self-esteem. For more information about Gay City Health Project, the Seattle LGBT Resource and Referral Line, and the LGBT Library, visit the organization online at www.gaycity.org.

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