by James F. Mills

GET TESTED

The Center Long Beach is now offering free HIV testing thanks to a grant from the L.A. County Health Department. “We’re one of the few to get funding from them,” explains Ismael Morales, the Center’s community health coordinator. “We’re so glad to have testing back at the Center. The last time we had testing here was 2005.” Testing is offered Monday-Friday from 1-3 p.m. by appointment and Monday-Thursday 4-8:30 p.m. for walk-ins. They hope to expand to include Saturday hours starting this spring. Tests are anonymous with results in 20 minutes. Free counseling is also offered.

IT’S GOOD TO BE A SQUARE

Shoreline Squares, Long Beach’s LGBT square dance club is offering beginner’s classes on Thursdays. “It’s not line dancing and its not square dancing like you see in old Western movies,” says Michael Zellner of Shoreline Squares. “The first three weeks are free to new students, so come find out what it’s really about. You don’t need a partner or special clothing, just wear what’s comfortable.” Classes offered Thursdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church at 5450 E. Atherton St. (near Bellflower Boulevard).

EVERYBODY, LISTEN UP!

Torrance’s South Bay Center hosts its monthly open-mic night. “Are you an aspiring musician? A wannabe comedian? Do you have a magic act or poetry to share? This is a chance for LGBT performers and LGBT-supportive performers to show off their talent,” explains Center Executive Director Dottie Wine. “We offer a relaxed coffeehouse environment and a supportive audience.” Open-mic night is Friday, Feb. 5 from 7-10 p.m. at the South Bay Center on Crenshaw Boulevard, just south of Redondo Beach Boulevard, across from El Camino College. Contact the Center to sign-up for a performance slot.

SOCIAL HOUR

The Center Long Beach hosts an MPower social networking group for men, women and transgenders ages 18-30 every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. “It’s based on the MPower model but we did some tweaking,” explains coordinator Ismael Morales. “It’s a good place to meet other young people, make friends and build community.” The group typically starts with an ice-breaker game, then has topic for discussion. At least once a month they organize an outing (movie night, etc). People are invited to drop in; all are welcome.

the details

HIV Testing at the Center Long Beach
Mon.-Fri., 1-3 p.m. by appointment
Mon.-Thurs., 4-8:30 p.m. for walk-ins
centerlb.org

MPower Group
Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
centerlb.org/programs/healthed.html#mpower

Open Mike Night
Fri., Feb. 5, 7-10 p.m.
southbaycenter.org

Shoreline Squares
Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
shorelinesquares.com