The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert has reached a landmark moment with the official merger welcoming The L‑Fund under its organizational umbrella—an evolution that strengthens lesbian‑focused support throughout the Coachella Valley. Founded in 2012 by a visionary group of local Black lesbians, The L‑Fund has long provided emergency financial assistance, education and career support, arts grants, and life‑saving resources for cis, trans, and queer‑identifying lesbians. Now, as The L‑Fund at The Center, those programs gain long‑term sustainability, expanded reach, and deeper community integration.
The merger also ushers in new leadership. Dr. Karyl E. Ketchum—California State University Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies and longtime L‑Fund board member—joins The Center as the inaugural Director of The L‑Fund at The Center. Her mission is rooted in a powerful truth: many lesbians and queer women lack traditional safety nets, and community‑built support systems are essential. Two additional L‑Fund board members, Mei Ling Tom and Robbin Burr, joined The Center’s board earlier this year, reinforcing continuity and shared vision.
Community response to the merger has been overwhelmingly positive, including from The L‑Fund’s founding women. After exploring the partnership in 2025, both boards unanimously approved the merger in December. The Center will host a welcome reception at the McDonald/Wright Building on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 pm, inviting the community to celebrate this new chapter. More details are available at thecentercv.org/l-fund.