Polk County is about to have its first LGBTQ+ center. The Rose Dynasty Center will provide medical, counseling and other services starting June 11. “It’s important because we all want that space to be able to come together where we all feel safe,” Jason DeShazo, the center’s founder who puts the Rose in the Rose Dynasty Center, said. For years, the central Florida native has performed drag shows under the name Momma Ashley Rose, raising money for local charities. The new one-stop service center has always been his ambition. “Being in my 40s and knowing that I didn’t have this as a kid, this was a dream of mine and so many people. It’s fulfilling it, it’s exciting,” DeShazo said. “I think all the emotions come together in the aspect of, oh my gosh, this is actually happening here in this town.” The Rose Dynasty Center will offer basic medical services, therapy and other resources. The services are available to everyone, but the center is specifically a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. “I mean, we’ve seen the political climate. All the stuff that’s gone now over the last couple of years, not only in the state of Florida but across the country,” DeShazo said. “And I think it’s more important than ever.” MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pride/polk-county-first-lgbtq-center/67-8531aa31-561d-459c-b76d-3de667ba9759 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►X: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay