Lesbifriend Luminary: Kimberley “KB” Bush
lu·mi·nar·y
/ˈlo͞oməˌnerē/ - n - a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
Each month we take a moment to show appreciation for an exemplary member of our community. Affectionately named “Lesbifriend Luminary”, we honor you.
Kimberley Bush (KB, she/they) is the Executive Director of The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, where she leads strategic initiatives that advance the health, wellness, and empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. With more than 25 years in nonprofit leadership, she has held several directorships including executive director, served as a cultural curator and board member, and built sustainable programs and impactful partnerships throughout her career.
Since 2014, she has served as the Center’s Director of Arts & Cultural Programs. In 2017, Kimberley founded the Center Arts Gallery and has curated award-winning festivals and exhibitions that amplify LGBTQIA2S+ voices. During her tenure as Interim Executive Director (2019–2022), while simultaneously serving as Director of Arts & Cultural Programs, she led the organization through the COVID-19 crisis, moving vital supportive services online and deepening community outreach and engagement.
Appointed Executive Director in February 2022, KB has guided a tiny-yet-mighty team, in partnership with the community, to advance the advocacy and fundraising that brought The New DC LGBTQ+ Community Center to life. Opened in April 2025, the 7,000-square-foot home has enabled the Center to expand its supportive life and human services while creating shared space for several game-changing LGBTQ+ sibling organizations under one vibrant roof.
KB is passionate about building inclusive, innovative, and resilient systems of support, ensuring that advocacy, creativity, and service remain at the heart of nonprofit leadership.
Her guiding principles are as follows:
● Walking authentically, with light, love, and service, infused with empathy, gratitude, joy, and intention
● Balancing life with local and international travel
● Staying physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit through outdoor adventures, self-reflection, and a commitment to change and growth
● A belief that anything is possible
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