Meet Brian Poth | Cofounder | Executive Director, The Source LGBT+ Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Poth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The Source LGBT+ Center has worked intentionally since our founding in 2016 to build a culture of wellness and rest into the very challenging and rewarding work of providing direct services to LGBTQ+ community members in rural conservative Central California. Our work with youth, trans folks, and people living with HIV had never been done to this scale before in Tulare/Kings/Fresno Counties. We work with some of the best consultants to ensure that our team have the tools they need to succeed. LGBTQ+ people in rural parts of the nation are often underemployed and living below the poverty level. We have changed that for our community. The Source LGBT+ Center is the now the largest LGBTQ+ Center between Los Angeles and Sacramento employing 14 full time staff and delivering over 30 programs and services. We offer competitive wages, flex time, paid mental health days, 10+ holiday closures, winter break, merit bonuses, professional development, and 4-6% 401k contribution. We practice courageous conversations to deal with healthy conflict, and have adopted The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz as the foundation of our shared values.: “Be impeccable with your word”
“Do not take anything personally”
“Do not make assumptions”
“Always do your best”
Our staff feel healthy, rested, and eager to help others when their needs are met and their mental health is valued.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was a professional television actor for over 30 years. I moved home to be closer to family when my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. After living in Los Angeles for decades, moving home was a culture shock. As a queer, nonbinary person, it was hard to find community. It felt like nothing had changed in my home town. I knew if I was going to stay here, things would have to change. So, in 2016 myself along with cofound Nick Vargas began planning the opening of the first LGBTQ+ Center in our area. We didn’t know what we were doing, and there has been a lot of learning. But the humility to say we need guidance and help has led to some of the best advice and is the key to our success. We remain teachable and encourage ongoing professional and personal development for our team. Our mission is to provide supportive spaces within our community for LGBTQ+ people to learn, grow, belong, and thrive. We embody that with our team and they in turn model it for out clients and community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely go to Component Coffee. It feels very urban and vibrant and has a great vibe. Then maybe lunch at the Elderwood on the rooftop of the Darling Hotel. We would drive up through Exeter and Lemon Cove to Three Rivers and grab an ice cream at Reimers. That would be a great day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jay Waterman: Is my husband and one of my mentors. He works in substance use treatment and has been a guiding light on my journey for the past 8 years. His care of others and dedication to recovery, sobriety, and mental health are unmatched. He deserves to be celebrated. He has saved countless lives, including mine.

Website: https://thesourcelgbt.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesourcelgbt

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thesourcelgbt

Youtube: https://youtube.com/thesourcelgbt