The Beyond Identities Community Center (BICC), a youth outreach program of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, opened at 3615 Superior Avenue in 2004. Following the closure of the Club 1722 Youth Project, the BICC was established to “provide a safe place for youth, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or race.” Much like its predecessor, the BICC’s primary goal was to “reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS infection among sexual minority youth in the Cleveland area.” The BICC offered free health testing, youth workshops, discussion groups, counseling services, mentorship, recreational opportunities, and youth-centered cultural and health events. During the week, the BICC was open to youths ages 13-22. On Saturdays, however, the BICC welcomed “college aged youths aged 18-24” to attend curated film screenings and events.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- Gipson, L. Michael. “A Day In A Young Life.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 26, 2004. Page 5.
- Gipson, L. Michael. “Against the Odds.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 25, 2005.
- Gipson, L. Michael. “Youth Drop-In Center Offers Many Programs.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2004. Page A-29.
- Glassman, Anthony. “Feds Pony Up $2.2 Million For Youth Center, Mpowerment.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 1, 2006. Page 4.
- Glassman, Anthony. “Ready for Our Close-Up, Mr. DeMille.” Gay People’s Chronicle. August 5, 2005. Page 3.
- Glassman, Anthony. “The Year of the Youth.” Gay People’s Chronicle. April 22, 2005. Page 2.
- Glassman, Anthony. “Therapy for the Mind.” Gay People’s Chronicle. April 23, 2004. Page 1.
- Jones, Tracy, and Earl Pike. “The Beyond Identities Community Center: A Community-Focused, Rights-Based Program to Address HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men of Color in Cleveland, Ohio.” In Health Issues Confronting Minority Men Who Have Sex with Men. Ed. Sana Loue. New York: Springer, 2007. Pages 233-254.
- Klaus, Jared. “Boyz in the Hood.” Scene. October 25, 2006.
- Pike, Earl. “Pride and AIDS: Remember What We Are Fighting For.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2004. Page A-25.
- “Prevention Services.” AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.