LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County is about to have its first LGBTQ+ center.
The Rose Dynasty Center will provide medical, counseling and other services starting June 11.
“It’s important because we all want that space to be able to come together where we all feel safe,” Jason DeShazo, the center’s founder who puts the Rose in the Rose Dynasty Center, said.
For years, the central Florida native has performed drag shows under the name Momma Ashley Rose, raising money for local charities.
The new one-stop service center has always been his ambition.
“Being in my 40s and knowing that I didn’t have this as a kid, this was a dream of mine and so many people. It’s fulfilling it, it’s exciting,” DeShazo said. “I think all the emotions come together in the aspect of, oh my gosh, this is actually happening here in this town.”
The Rose Dynasty Center will offer basic medical services, therapy and other resources. The services are available to everyone, but the center is specifically a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I mean, we’ve seen the political climate. All the stuff that’s gone now over the last couple of years, not only in the state of Florida but across the country,” DeShazo said. “And I think it’s more important than ever.”
The primary care medical services are being provided by the non-profit Pineapple Healthcare.
The Orlando-based medical group was looking to expand its reach and felt Lakeland was a good fit.
“So, we wanted to provide a good alternative for patients that says, 'Hey, come here to Lakeland instead of traveling 30 or 40 minutes to Bartow or an hour to Orlando or Tampa to get your needs met'," Pineapple’s CEO Ethan Suarez said. “We do concentrate on the LGBTQ community. We do service everybody. We do offer health and mental health services and primary care services for the whole community. But our specialty is in the LGBT.”
The Rose Dynasty Center will also offer meeting space, support groups and, occasionally, entertainment.
There's also a small library, including children's books, with several titles that have recently been banned.
Those interested in learning more about the Rose Dynasty Center can visit RoseDynastyCenter.org or visit the new center during its grand opening from 2-5 p.m. on June 9 at 1253 W Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland.
There will be entertainment, food and people on hand to explain more about the resources that will be available.
“Kind of a one-stop shop place where we can come together, and needs are met for the community,” DeShazo said. “Not just the queer community, but beyond.”