We had the good fortune of connecting with Cece Cox, J.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cece, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
A mentor of mine once reminded a group of peers, “we GET to do this” when we were discussing the demands of our roles as CEOs at LGBTQ+ nonprofits. It is something that has stuck with me ever since. It’s a 24/7 job and the pace is intense, but I am immensely grateful that I GET to serve, and – I hope – to inspire. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Resource Center has been around for over 37 years and is a pillar of the Dallas LGBTQ+ community. However, it’s not always easy being out, and serving at an organization with focus on the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities. There is stigma, ignorance and fear directed toward us. And, there are efforts daily at the state and federal level to take away or prevent rights for our community. My work is also personal, so it can take a toll, but I am fortunate to have the support of family and friends. That lifts me up and sustains me. I am proud that I helped raise a son who is kind, compassionate, smart, funny and who calls me almost every day – he is the sunshine of my world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing we would have to do is ride bikes at White Rock Lake – there’s nothing like yelling “on your left” for 10 miles to get your appetite ready for some local craft beers and de-lish burgers at Good Friend, Good Burger, just north of the lake. Klyde Warren park is fun – who doesn’t like to people watch – and we could scoot over to the amazing Dallas Museum of Art, take in something presented by TITAS or one of the other organizations in the Arts District. I would introduce them to my friends and family, because those are my favorite people in Dallas! The strip on Cedar Springs, the heart of the Gayborhood is a must. If bars were open, I’d get a cocktail from Candace at JR’s and stand on the veranda outside (do you see the outdoor theme here)? Rafa’s Café on Lovers Lane would be the TexMex selection. Cosmos in Lakewood for bevies in a groovy, mid-century modern setting. Jimmy’s Food Store in East Dallas for provisions and then I would cook at home, my fave thing to do! For chillin,’ walk the labyrinth at Richland College or picnic at White Rock Lake. If I HAD to be inside, I still like Northpark Center – great shopping, art collection, people-watching and food. Catch a Mavs game, of course – those are so fun, and LUKA!!!!!!!!!!!! We would also have to make a stop at the Holocaust Museum, School Book Depository, African American Museum, Juanita Craft house and Little Mexico. And an architectural tour: the Hall of State at Fair Park, Thanks-Giving Square building, Texas Theater and JFK Memorial. Library Bar at Warwick Melrose Hotel and Salum Restaurant are two more must-visit spots. Bishop Arts Theatre Center has incredible performances in an intimate venue. I’d pair that with dinner and drinks or after-theater beverages in Bishop Arts. And, the Kessler Theater with it’s perfect small size and bar hosts some of the best concerts I’ve ever experienced in Dallas. The intimacy of the venue makes for a magical interaction with the performers. If they were here in the Fall and we could attend an event (post-COVID), Black Tie Dinner for sure – the largest fundraising dinner for the LGBTQ community and always a blast. Plus, won’t we all be ready to dress up again?! There is so much more, because the possibilities in Dallas are endless. Visitors will have to come back!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are zillions of people that I owe thanks to. I always start with Mom and Dad.

Website: www.myresourcecenter.org

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