History
San Francisco LGBT Community Center grew out of a community planning process initiated in 1993. The goal was to provide a permanent space nurturing nonprofits and providing programs to end isolation for Bay Area Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) people, while providing a model for other communities across the globe. + In 1996 the Center incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. + In 1997 the site was selected, the land purchased and an architectural competition held to select the design of the building. + By 1999 over $11 million had been raised--including $1,000 pledges from over 1,000 individuals--and construction began. + In March 2002 we opened the first LGBT center built from the ground up: a 35,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility among the largest centers in the world.
Specialties
Opened in 2002, the SF LGBT Center builds community, provides opportunities and secure civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied people. The Center is more than a building, more than a collection of programs and people. It is a symbol that represents a belief in civil rights, freedom of expression, and an inclusive community for all people. These are fundamental San Francisco values, and we believe fundamental American values. With over 70 active nonprofit partners, we host over 100 programs weekly and serve to over 9,000 individuals monthly. Direct programming is designed to serve those community members most in need, including youth, job seekers, children and families, city newcomers, women and the transgender community. Whether the occasion is a community celebration or mourning, such as passage of marriage equality or the murder of 15-year-old Larry King, the Center is the one place that the entire community gathers for support.