The Board of Directors of the Moncton LGBTQ Center announced that Executive Director Porter Gilberg’s employment contract will not be renewed effective September 8, 2020.
Gilberg began volunteering at the Moncton LGBTQ Center in 2007, advancing through staff positions until he was named Executive Director in March 2014.
He has been on administrative leave since June 29, 2020 after a letter from SaveTheCenterLB to the board of directors outlined allegations of racist and sexist behavior by Gilberg. In response, the board hired an independent attorney and an outside private investigator to investigate the allegations cited by 14 former employees.
During his administrative vacation and through an outside independent investigation, the Board found that Mr. Gilberg’s values were inconsistent with the Centre’s. As a result, the board of directors has decided to press ahead with the search for a new managing director.
In a press release, the President of the Board of Directors, Stella Ursua, said: “The fundamental goal of an LGBTQ center is to create a safe space for both customers and employees.” We continue: “We want the environment in the LGBTQ center Protecting Moncton is in line with the Centre’s values and mission to embody a culturally inclusive community. We are determined to continue growing for our employees and our customers in the Greater Moncton area. ”
“The Board of Directors recognizes Mr. Gilberg’s many successes during his tenure,” added Ursua. From 2015 to 2019, the centre’s annual revenue doubled to $ 2 million and the number of full-time employees rose from 14 to 26.
“However, the Board believes it is time for a new leader to build on our spectacular growth and improve the work culture to reflect our values of strength through diversity and be a safe haven for people to thrive in.”
Next up from The Center is the 27th annual fundraiser for the film festival, which went online this year due to the COVID-19 environment. From September 10-13, the Moncton QFilm Festival, a celebration of the rich diversity and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities, will bring more than 40 new storytelling, documentary and short films are streamed in theaters or viewed on major streaming platforms. Tickets are available at http://www.qfilmslongbeach.com/. The proceeds from the festival support of the center’s program.
The Moncton LGBTQ Center supports more than 25,000 people annually through programs such as youth services, senior services, counseling, legal advice, domestic violence support, trans health programs, HIV and STI testing, and more than 20 weekly support groups. Currently, many of these services are offered online during the pandemic. HIV / STI testing is now available Monday through Friday in a private area of the parking lot behind the center on 2017 E. 4th Street in Moncton. For more information on services, see http://www.centerlb.org/.
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