LGBT community in Racine, Wisconsin has reason to be happy

A proposed community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents drew a sizable crowd by City Council standards to Tuesday’s meeting. The issue riled up at least a few people to the point where police had to be called to City Hall. The council approved a permit for the center despite wide criticism from concerned residents at the meeting. Both supporters and opponents turned out Tuesday to voice their opinions about the center. The council vote approving the conditional-use permit allows Bruce Joffe to use the building, 1456 Junction Ave., for the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin.
“This is something Racine doesn’t need. We need to show love to these people through Christ,” Renee Muller, one of the attendees said. “We do not need a center like this.”

At the meeting, people stood up to say they opposed the center because they believe it will promote gay activity, while others voiced their belief in the importance of the center. That was good news for both Shannon Jones, 28, and Ryan Thill, 21. They are both gay and said the center (1,725-sq-ft building) will help bring people together so that they do not feel isolated. Joffe said the center will include films, speakers, reading groups, STD and HIV testing and counseling, art shows and domestic violence workshops. He plans to open the center in April.

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