Out & Connected: Building Careers, Building Community at The Center

By Gus Hernandez

Jobs are more than just a paycheck; they are a pathway to stability, dignity, and self-expression. For LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender and nonbinary individuals, finding employment that affirms identity and values can be a daunting challenge. That is why The San Diego LGBT Community Center is proud to host Out & Connected: Empowering Professional Development Fair on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10am to 1pm at The Center, located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest.

This one-day event is more than a job fair. It is a community-powered space for connection, empowerment, and opportunity. Out & Connected is designed to support LGBTQ+ professionals, students, and job seekers by linking them with affirming employers, skill-building workshops, and resources that foster inclusive workplaces.

Why This Matters Now

Across the nation, we are witnessing a troubling rollback of LGBTQ+ protections. In 2025 alone, federal agencies have removed gender-neutral identifiers from official forms, revoked pronoun options in workplace systems, and deprioritized enforcement of gender identity discrimination claims. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), once a key ally in protecting LGBTQ+ workers, has shifted its focus away from gender identity protections, raising concerns about the future of workplace equity.

Meanwhile, executive actions have stripped federal recognition of gender identity in health programs, cut funding for HIV services that support transgender individuals, and proposed eliminating gender-affirming care from essential health benefits. These decisions directly impact LGBTQ+ people’s ability to access care, maintain employment, and live authentically.

The chilling effect of these policy shifts is real. Employers may feel pressure to scale back inclusive practices and LGBTQ+ workers may feel less safe asserting their rights.

For transgender and nonbinary people, the stakes are even higher. Transgender and nonbinary service members are being forced out of the military, losing not only their jobs but also critical benefits. 

In many states, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is targeting inclusive workplace policies, leaving queer and trans workers vulnerable to discrimination and instability. Equity in employment is not just about income, it is about justice, healing, and belonging.

Economic Empowerment Is LGBTQ+ Liberation

Economic empowerment is a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ liberation. Out & Connected is one way to build community power and promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity. By creating spaces where LGBTQ+ professionals can be affirmed, supported, and equipped to thrive, we are actively resisting the forces that seek to marginalize us.

What to Expect at Out & Connected

Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone re-entering the workforce, Out & Connected offers something for everyone. The event will feature:

• Skill-Building Workshops
  Hands-on sessions focused on resume writing, cover letter development, and job search strategies tailored to LGBTQ+ professionals.
• Networking Opportunities
  Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in fields like healthcare, education, nonprofit work, and more.
• Interview Practice
  Hone your interview skills with hiring professionals in both virtual and in-person formats, gaining confidence and feedback in a supportive environment.
• Professional Headshots

A skilled photographer will be on-site to provide free professional headshots, perfect for LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, and personal branding.

• Employer Engagement
  Meet with LGBTQ-affirming employers who are actively hiring and committed to inclusive practices. These organizations understand that diversity is not just a value, it is a strength.

Who Should Attend?

Out & Connected is open to everyone: job seekers, students, professionals, recruiters, and employers. Whether you are looking to hire or be hired, this event is a chance to build meaningful connections and advance LGBTQ+ equity in the workplace.

Register at https://bit.ly/pd-fair-2025 to let us know you are attending.

Calling All LGBTQ-Affirming Employers

If you are an employer who shares our values and is currently hiring, we invite you to table at our professional development fair. A few spots are still available! Visit https://bit.ly/pd-fair-employers to register or reach out to events@thecentersd.org for more information.

Join Us

We invite you to be part of this transformative day. Whether you are seeking your next opportunity or looking to support others in their journey, Out & Connected is a space for growth, solidarity, and empowerment.

In a year when LGBTQ+ rights are being challenged at every level, from the workplace to the military to healthcare, this event is a powerful reminder that our community is resilient, resourceful, and ready to rise. Let us build the future of inclusive employment together.

Visit https://thecentersd.org/events/out-connected/ to register as an attendee or learn more about this event and other events at The Center.