The Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center has come a long way since it was formed in 2014.

The 2022 Gala & LGBTQ+ Community Leadership Awards is 5:30 p.m. March 23, Centennial Catering and Conference Center at Homewood Suites, 3350 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley.

This 15th Gala is the final one featuring Bradbury Sullivan founding Executive Director Adrian Shanker.

The day after he presents his final speech for the Center, he departs for a new position as Executive Director of the Spahr Center, Marin County, Calif., an organization with goals and programs similar to those of Bradbury Sullivan.

The Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Center, is a festive event that includes entertainment, dinner and dessert, a cash bar, silent and live auctions, leadership awards and speakers.

This year’s theme is “Cabaret.”

Director of Development Matt Easterwood says attendees are encouraged to dress for the theme:

“What you wear depends on your imagination, something combining business casual with anything glitz and glam.”

The suggested colors are black, white, silver and red, with accessories that can include feathers, pearls, top hats, canes and sparkles.

The entertainment is the Looking Glass Revue, a Lehigh Valley burlesque troupe, and boylesque dancer Milo Pony.

Keynote speaker is Kasey Suffredini, CEO and National Campaign Director, Freedom for All Americans, a bipartisan organization for LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections nationwide.

Proof of COVID vaccination with booster shot is required for entrance. Face masks are required and available to attendees for no cost.e

Shanker says that the Bradbury Sullivan Center “continues to thrive beyond my wildest dreams.”

He describes the center as “a cultural hub providing the support our community needs and celebrating aspects of our community.

“We continue to grow and offer more for our community, with a staff of over two dozen people and a budget of $1.6 million,” says Shanker.

The center’s programs include cancer screenings, tobacco prevention, youth empowerment, an LGBT emergency services pantry for the homeless and home-insecure, a legal clinic and an information line. The center is conducting its biannual Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment survey.

Shanker says the center gave out more than 1,000 COVID and more than 300 flu vaccinations in 2021.

“All services are free and open to everyone. You don’t need an appointment, insurance or money,” Shanker says.

The center also hosts community groups, including a knitting and crafting circle and poetry readings. There are art and photography exhibitions in its galleries.

Shanker says that socially things are getting better for the LGBTQ population, but “We have so far to go for legal and health equity for people of color and transgender people.”

A Gallup poll that was released last month found that more than seven percent of Americans identify themselves as other than heterosexual, double the percentage reported in 2012.

Shanker notes that there are more LGBTQ fictional characters portrayed on television shows and in films and a number of celebrities have come out publicly:

“It is easier for people to come out. It’s easier to identify with something you can see. It’s a different world.”

A variety of services is needed for a larger population, Shanker says:

“We are a community of different communities, each having their own needs. Many older adults need affordable housing and have their own health issues.

“Many youths need emergency shelter and protection from bullying.

“People in their twenties and thirties need a culture connection and want to meet others to stop social isolation.”

Fortunately, there are more resources now for help, says Shanker:

“When we began, we had to build support in the area. Many places had never been asked to give before. They had never received a grant application.

“Now organizations reach out to us and say they want to support us.”

Sponsors for the gala include Air Products, Lehigh Valley Health Network and PPL Electric Utilities.

Shanker looks to the future:

“The center will continue to grow,and the board of directors will pick a new executive director who will lead with new visions and new ideas.”

Tickets: Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center, 522 W. Maple St. at Bayard Rustin Way, Allentown. www.bradburysullivancenter.org/gala; 610-347-9988