Not everyones job might involve poetry reading, a drag show and suicide counselingall on the same night.

But as resource center supervisor for the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center, thats all in a days work for Zan Gibbs. Since 1998, the 32-year-old Montreal native has focused on the Southeast Portland center dedicated to providing a safe and supportive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth.

Gibbs has been at SMYRC nearly since it started, when there was nothing comparable in the Portland area. She sees an average each day of 40 to 80 at-risk youth age 23 and younger. And Gibbs obviously loves her job.

It doesnt feel like its been 10 years, says Gibbs, whos known around the center by such names as Papa SMYRC and Zanimal. Its a different experience every day.

Gibbs is in charge of supervising the approximately 75 adult volunteers who run the place.

Her days at the center are as surprising as the kids who walk in. You can never predict the stability or crisis level of anyone walking in the door, she says. A typical day at SMYRC, she says, is one where she has to wear 20 hats, have 20 arms, and 20 eyes. Everyone needs to get their needs met, and everyone has different needs.

Gibbs says the biggest reward of working at SMYRC has been her realization that youths can do whatever they set their minds to, given the opportunity.

Recently, this sort of inspiration took root in Gibbs life as well. Having suffered from asthma since childhood, she became so inspired by the progress of her LGBTQQ youth she decided to take part in an Ironman competition. And this past summer, with full support from SMYRC youths and coworkers, plus seven years of training, she completed her goal.

This place is such a part of meI cant even imagine not being here, Gibbs says. Ive learned more from the youths here than anywhere else in my life.