This October, the Calgary Sexual Health Centre is proudly celebrating their fortieth anniversary of providing services to the community. The centre began in 1972 as the Calgary Birth Control Association; a grassroots volunteer based organization focused on improving access to birth control and providing support to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Since 1972, needless to say the CSHC has evolved and adapted with the changing times. The programs the centre offers have adapted to meet the changing needs of growing and diverse communities. CSHC is the only non-profit organization in Calgary that offers an extensive range of programs and services that address sexual health issues in a comprehensive way for families, youth, adults and seniors across a spectrum of race, religion and sexual orientation. CSHC offers no judgment, and welcomes their doors to whoever is in need.

If you’re a teen and are considering entering into your first sexual relationship, there are many different resources for you to explore. Counselling Services are open to all, anyone who needs advice — this is the place to find it. If you’re confused about your sexuality, uncomfortable with your body and too embarrassed to seek help — this is the place to go! The only thing that the staff cares about is the well-being of the client. There are no boundaries, and no restrictions about what you can discuss.

In the year 2011 alone, CSHC was able to attend 38 community events thanks to the help of their enthusiastic volunteers. Through these events, the centre was able to reach 12,310 individuals with information and resources about healthy sexuality. Through partnership, CSHC was involved with 72 community organizations and 37 schools, impacting an addition 28,788 individuals with programs, information and resource materials.

The centre stands firmly behind their mission statement, "we aim to normalize sexual health in Alberta by proving evidenced-informed non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health services; by ensuring sexual health curriculum is integrated across jurisdictions." For the past four decades, the centre has accomplished these goals and more. Since 2009 CSHC has developed groundbreaking programs that have changed how society views sex, and has helped lower prejudice to those who are different. Programs such as Right 2 Love are one of a kind, the centre partnered with Disability Action Hall in order to support individuals with disabilities who want to change attitudes about the right to love. Right 2 Love participants celebrate their sexuality and fight for their right to love. Other notable programs include: Families Achieving Inclusive Relationships, WiseGuyz and Seniors A GOGO.

The centre offers all the tools and tips to practicing safe sex to avoid further spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Counselling services are available to discuss prevention methods and offer advice.  For those infected with any of these diseases, counselors are always ready to listen and offer advice for treatment, and tips for living a healthier lifestyle while battling a disease. Each individual who enters the door earns the same respect as another, no one is treated differently. That’s what the center is about, opening doors to smiling faces and positive influences.

To date, one of the feats the centre is most proud of is their strong advocacy for the LGBT community. In 1995 CSHC started the Questioning Your Sexual Orientation group for women. Since 1997 the centre has been delivering a strong anti-homophobia message and program in Calgary public schools, reaching over 5000 youth each calendar year. In 2009 the centre began offering professional development workshops to social workers, youth workers, nurses, doctors, and psychologists. These workshops, Creating A Culture of Respect for LGBT Clients and Co-Workers have reached thousands of professionals through this training. Factor in word-of-mouth, and individuals who attended these workshops sharing what they learned with friends and family, and there are hundreds more individuals that have been informed, and impacted by them.

Recently the CSHC team established a Gay Straight Alliance Network to support students, teachers, schools and community members to create safe spaces for LGBT youth and their allies. This year, the centre received United Way funding for a coordinator to help LGBT youth who are homeless to find the support they need to successfully transition into adulthood, and to learn that who they are is just perfect.

Step into the centre or visit their website and you will find a detailed list of positive associations and support groups for the LGBT community.

Looking back at all the accomplishments of CSHC makes you want to celebrate! This October, they will be doing just that! As mentioned, this year marks four decades of service in Calgary, so it’s time to party!

CSHC is beyond thrilled to be such a positive part of the community for four decades, the team looks forward to many more years of service, future friendships and making the future brighter for all.

Join CSHC on October 25th 2012 at Belgo for a night of celebration. A Revolutionary Retrospective will bring together long time supporters and new friends for a fun and thought-provoking celebration. Guests will enjoy a playful expose of how society’s views on gender, sexual orientation and reproductive health has shifted over the past four decades and how CSHC has stayed on grasp with the changing times.

The sexual revolution will be played out — and mirrored by cocktails, music, laughs and reminiscing about the change of times. Of course, followed with a toast to the future and dancing the night away!

Expect to be blown away by the silent auction! It will include a far out selection of "woodies" (wooden props used for condom demonstrations) custom painted by local celebrities, and a few celebrities that will take guests by surprise!

Mark your calendars as this is an event not to miss!