LGBT Center of Central PA
The LBGT Center of Central PA has announced its first full season of events since moving into its new Front Street location.
On Wednesday, the center said that it would hold a slate of community activities, including a lecture, an exhibit and a fundraising gala.
“Now that we are settled into our new home, we are so excited to bring new programs and events to the Central Pa. LGBT community and our allies,” Executive Director Amber Roadcap said. “My goal as new director is to build community and connection.”
After a years-long search, the LGBT Center purchased its building at 1323 N. Front St., Harrisburg, in 2023 and then undertook an extension renovation, cutting the ribbon on the new location this past May.
Events begin this Friday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. with a visit from Stonewall activist Mark Segal, who will speak as part of the launch of a new exhibit by the LGBT Center’s History Project.
Segal, the founding publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, participated in the 1969 Stonewall riots and was among the original founders of the Gay Liberation Front, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
He’ll speak as part of the launch of the project’s exhibit highlighting “America’s First Equality Governor,” according to the center. Gov. Milton Shapp was the first governor in the United States to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ state employees, protections he later expanded to include companies with state contracts. In 1976, Shapp also issued a Gay Pride Week proclamation.
The exhibit opening during Harrisburg’s 3rd in the Burg festivities is free and open to the public.
On the first Saturday of each month at 11 a.m., the LGBT Center will also host a family-friendly storytime, “Once Upon a Rainbow.” Families with kids of all ages are welcome to attend the event free of charge with snacks provided.
“Our hope is to build community for LGBTQ+ families and allies with the tagline ‘stories, snacks, and solidarity,” Roadcap said.
On Oct. 12, the LGBT Center will hold “Out in the Burg Bike Ride,” which will commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day. The event will start at 10 a.m. at the center, and all skill levels are welcome to join the ride along Riverfront Park. Registration is $35. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1016709935787.
In honor of the event, the Primal cycling equipment company created jerseys, shirts and socks emblazoned with LGBT Center’s logo. The company is donating 15% of the proceeds from the sale of its clothing to the center. LGBT commemorative jerseys can be ordered at https://via.primalcustom.com/collections/ts-9748.
These events will culminate in the LGBT Center’s FAB Gala on Nov. 2 at the Hilton Harrisburg. This year’s theme is “Fabulous Fantasies and Fairytales,” with the event raising funds for the center’s community programming.
FAB festivities will begin with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. gala. An after-party is planned at the new event venue, Karma, located at 706 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg, starting at 10 p.m.
Admission to the gala is $145 per ticket, $35 for the after-party, or $175 for both events. Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1014218483787.
The LGBT Center of Central PA is located at 1323 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.
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