Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
Press Release

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Proudly Names Kevin Turner-Espinoza as New Executive Director

Makes history as the first Black cis gay man to lead the organization in its nearly 25 year history 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

By - May 24th, 2022 05:06 pm
Kevin Turner-Espinoza. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.

Kevin Turner-Espinoza. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.

MILWAUKEE, WI ​ – The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, a trusted presence in local and statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy and programming for nearly 25 years, proudly announces its Board of Directors selected Kevin Turner-Espinoza as the new Executive Director. As a respected advocate and voice in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) movement, Kevin will make history as the first Black, gay, and cis man to lead the organization.

After conducting a robust national search, the Board of Directors selected Espinoza to take the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center forward.

Board Chair Marco Briceno stated

Kevin is qualified, trusted, and passionate about the Center’s mission along with the wellness of our community overall– it’s why he’s perfect for this role. He has a bold, progressive vision that is matched by a wealth of experience that will ensure the Center is here to provide programming and protections for queer people beyond another 25 years.

In this history-making move as the new Executive Director, Espinoza joins only a small number of LGBTQ-identifying leaders of color nationally that lead a queer-driven organization. Serving in the non-profit sector for more than 25 years, Kevin has been a key presence and voice throughout Milwaukee.

Kevin Turner-Espinoza stated

My queer siblings, chosen friends, family, and allies in this city mean the world to me. What a euphoric moment and opportunity to serve my community and the Center in a new capacity. As the Executive Director – and as a gay Black man – I directly see the ​ issues of race, gender, economic and health inequality we face everyday.

I’m unwavering in our mission and will ensure our voices are heard and our people are seen, protected, and at the table. I know there is a better tomorrow for us; we are unshakeable. Let’s do this, Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center provides effective and much-needed programming that includes training, workshops, support groups, feeding, clothing, ​ counseling, and advocacy in order to provide renewed empowerment, greater protections, and opportunities for the ever-growing queer community.

Kevin Turner–Espinoza identifies as a cis-gendered man, Black, Mexican, and Gay.

Go to MKELGBT.ORG to learn more.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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Comments

  1. rubiomon@gmail.com says:

    I’m so proud of my former student, Kevin. He has contributed so much to our community. Best wishes in your new endeavor!

  2. Burgelis says:

    Congratulations to the new Executive Director and to the Milwaukee LGNT Community Center!

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