For the first time in many years, Dolores Street Community Services has welcomed a new out executive director, Laura Valdéz.
Valdéz, 47, started July 30 at the Mission district nonprofit that provides resources for homeless, people living with disabling HIV/AIDS, and low-income, immigrant, and minority communities.
The agency, which is marking its 35th anniversary this year, is having a garden party reception to welcome Valdéz Thursday, September 6, and the public is invited.
Valdéz, who identifies as queer, is a longtime human rights activist and former deputy director of Gay Straight Alliance Network, now known as Gender & Sexualities Alliance Network.