The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center educates, empowers, uplifts, celebrates, elevates and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. To fulfill our mission, we focus on four core areas: health and wellness, arts & culture, social & peer support, and advocacy and community building.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center educates, empowers, uplifts, celebrates, elevates, and connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities of the District of Columbia and the surrounding region. Our mission is realized through intentional, community-driven programming designed to meet the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ individuals at every stage of life.

Our work centers around four core programmatic areas that holistically support the health, growth, and resilience of our community:

Health and Wellness: We provide affirming, accessible programs that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations, we offer free HIV/STI testing, mental health counseling, wellness workshops, support groups, and health education initiatives tailored to LGBTQ+ needs. Our programs emphasize prevention, access, and empowerment ensuring that every member of our community has the resources to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Arts & Culture: The Center serves as a creative hub that celebrates LGBTQ+ identity and expression through the arts. Our arts programming includes gallery exhibitions, film screenings, literary events, and performances that highlight the diverse voices and lived experiences within our community. By fostering artistic expression, we not only celebrate LGBTQ+ culture but also create platforms for education, dialogue, and social change.

Social & Peer Support: Building connection is central to our mission. Our social and peer support programs create safe, affirming spaces where individuals can share experiences, find belonging, and access peer mentorship. These groups serve a wide range of community members—including transgender and non-binary individuals, elders, people living with HIV, and LGBTQ+ people of color—ensuring that everyone can find community and support.

Advocacy and Community Building: The Center is a catalyst for civic engagement and systemic change. We equip community members with the tools and knowledge to advocate for equality, safety, and inclusion. Through leadership development, and coalition-building, we amplify LGBTQ+ voices and foster stronger partnerships across sectors. Our advocacy work connects individuals to the broader movement for justice, creating pathways for lasting impact.

Through these interconnected program areas, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center delivers innovative, evidence-informed, and community-centered programming that uplifts individuals and strengthens the collective fabric of our city. Our approach ensures that every initiative—whether a health workshop, an art exhibit, or a leadership training—advances our mission to create a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.