A new LGBTQ Delaware County community center in Upper Darby opened Feb. 10 that focuses on LGBTQ youth and the BIPOC communities, writes Nate File for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The center, the first of its kind in Delaware County, was established by the Upper Darby social justice nonprofit UDTJ (Understanding, Devotion, Take Action and Justice).

UDTJ had a ribbon cutting and open house on Saturday. The center will be open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays.

The community center is meant to be “intersectional and open to all people,” according to the UDTJ leadership.

Founded in 2020, the UDTJ was the driving force behind the Delaware County Pride parade.

“We always dreamed of having a community center and space for the youth, for LGBTQ people, for BIPOC people to feel safe and included,” said Kyle T. McIntyre, co-founder and director of operations for UDTJ.  “Delaware County has just historically lacked those spaces and those resources.”

The center will organize programs and events and provide a safe haven for at least 100 people a month to start.

Offerings include a youth empowerment program, mentorship, workshops on opioid education, violence de-escalation, and open mic nights. 

Find out more about what the LGBTQ Delaware County community center will be offering in The Philadelphia Inquirer.