Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center Has A New Executive Director: Nakita Venus

After an extensive search, Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (formerly Gay City) has announced they’ve found their new permanent executive director: Nakita Venus.

Via their website:

We are thrilled to introduce our new Executive Director Nakita Venus (they/them) at Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, the definitive hub for LGBTQ+ individuals in King County seeking affirming and responsive resources, wellness, and community. As we step into an exciting new chapter in our history, it is with immense honor that we announce the appointment of this dynamic and visionary leader to guide our work forward.

Meet Nakita Venus:

With a passion for health equity and community-driven change, Nakita Venus (they/them) brings extensive experience in advocacy, organizational leadership, and community engagement that will be instrumental as we continue our mission to promote the self-determination, liberation, and joy of LGBTQ+ communities.

Nakita Venus was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and moved to Colorado to obtain their degree in Environmental Sociology. This provided them with a framework of environmental justice, historical systemic oppression, and health equity that continues to guide their community-based work. When Nakita moved to Seattle and was looking for resources and community, over and over again, they were told to go to Gay City. Four years later, they are honored to take on the role of Executive Director. Prior to their work at Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, they were a death care worker and supported LGBTQ+ survivors as an advocate and educator. What has brought them the most joy throughout their career has been the opportunity to work directly with youth, whether facilitating discussions on urban agriculture, self-determination, or how to build healthy, loving relationships. Nakita continues to dedicate their time and energy to their community of queer and trans people of color through cultivating joy, reimagining communal healing, and moving through grief as a form of liberation. Nakita is a dancer and BIG nerd (e.g., Pokemon, Marvel, Anime, D&D…). Outside work, they are likely to be paddle boarding with their dogs or dancing with their cats while singing loudly to old soca and calypso music their pops used to play.

Interim Co-Executive Directors Kai and Bekah are excited to be supporting Nakita’s onboarding over the coming months as they both transition out of their own roles. 

Nakita joins our organization at a pivotal time, as we continue to expand access to vital care for LGBTQ+ folks experiencing intersecting health inequities and oppressions. As we celebrate Nakita’s arrival, we invite each and every one of you to contribute your energy, ideas, and passion. Together, we can create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can live whole, self-determined and liberated lives. Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved and provide valuable input as we expand the reach of our programming, and as always thank you for your commitment to our work. Without you, none of this would be possible. 

With heartfelt anticipation,

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center

MAIN LOCATION & HOURS

Address

400 E. Pine Street, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98122

Building Hours

Tuesday – 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday – Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Resource Center Hours

Tuesday 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday – Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Youth Drop-In Hours

Wednesday – Friday 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.*
Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.*
*Closed 9/29. 10/28 closing at 2pm.

Bathhouse Testing

Fridays at Club Z 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sea Mar Federal Way Testing

Tuesdays & Wednesdays walk-ins 9:00 a.m. to 11:00am, appointments 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.