GLBT center opens in Huntsville amid gay pride celebrations

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - This year's pride month was marked by two monumental events for the gay community and  the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act and then dismissed Proposition 8 in California.

While same-sex unions remain banned in Alabama, the gay community in Huntsville said it is only a matter of time.  On Sunday a celebration was held for the opening of a new community center located on Poole Drive.

It's the only Gay Lesbian Bisexual Trans gender community center in the state.

"There have been centers in the past, but they have come and gone for different reasons in Alabama. However, we have a renewed energy here in Huntsville," said the GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services Executive Director, James Robinson.

The center opened its doors at a critical time when change is sweeping across the nation.

"It's a safe space and it's open. They can come here for support, they can come here to talk with someone," explained Robinson.

The agency has come a long way in the last three years. It has gone from a one-man organization to a service with an office and several employees.

The organization is looking to make even bigger strides by getting the ban on gay marriage lifted in Alabama.

"The Supreme Court making these decisions was tremendous and now it's going to be a domino effect across the country because what is right, is right," said Robinson.

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