Keeping Us Safe

Nick Hodges, Board Member

Tuesday May 12, 2009 9:08

I first became involved with CUAV in the early 90's as a Halloween safety monitor when Halloween was a big, and safe, event in the Castro. I wanted to be  more involved so I became a crisis line volunteer and helped in that capacity for a couple of years. I joined the board for the first time in 1999 and then joined again in 2005 and became chair of the board for 3 years. 

I love CUAV and value what it does for the community so deeply. It has helped me understand that many people in our community are not safe and makes me value my personal safety so much. Our transgender brothers and sisters are still victimized by police the way all queer people were in the 70's and 80's. Queer youth are at tremendous risk of violence because they dare to be out and open in a way I was afraid to be when I was young. 

CUAV's new focus on creating accountability from all of us to make our neighborhoods safe is a turning point for the organization. I urge everyone to get involved in whatever capacity you can - financially, as a volunteer, as a board member. Being involved with this organization will change your life in the most positive way and you will meet an incredible group of allies and friends. 

Nick Hodges is the COO of Schwab Charitable Fund and has served on CUAV's Board of Directors since 1995.