From its humble beginnings 31 years ago to its bright and spacious facility today, the San Diego LGBT Community Center has become our community’s “pearl of Pride” as it now serves more than 13,000 people annually.

Located at 1309 Centre St., the newly renovated structure is staffed by 50 employees and nearly 300 volunteers who have advanced and organized a variety of health services and social events that remain an invaluable asset to members of our community.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Delores Jacobs, The Center has dramatically increased its menu of programs while providing strong support to the Hillcrest Youth Center, The David Bohnett Cyber Center, a public policy department, a Women’s Resource Center and enhanced senior services.

Additionally, the facility underwent a stunning cosmetic makeover that resulted in a grand reopening in April of 2003. The renovation project yielded a reconfigured public area on the first floor, including a new a drop-in center, plus expanded community meeting rooms, the Olin-Grinchuk Senior Center, a cyber center and an enhanced community resource center.

The history of The Center dates back to the early 1970s, when it conducted legendary “rap groups” from a much smaller facility on B Street. It eventually moved to Normal Street, where it remained throughout much of the 1990s before relocating to its roomier, present address.

Today, the LGBT Community Center is the second oldest and third largest in the country. It gives numerous organizations a home for meetings, conferences and special events that include weekly bingo games, parenting seminars, health fairs and volunteer sign-up sessions for San Diego LGBT Pride, to name a few.

“We are proud that The Center has never lost its focus and commitment to providing top-notch, life-saving health and mental health services,” says Jacobs. “And we believe The Center is the best way for LGBT San Diegans to connect with each other. Our efforts reflect our desire to make those connections positive and meaningful.”