Staff, volunteers and community members cut the ribbon on the new LGBT Center.
After years in the making, LGBT Center officials said that they finally have a place to call home.
On Friday, center staff, board members and friends cut the ribbon on the center’s new space at 1323 N. Front St. in Harrisburg, which will serve as a hub for the local LGBTQ community.
“Tons of people have worked very hard for a number of years to make this a reality and we’re finally standing in something that was at one point a concept,” said Amanda Carter, interim executive director of the center. “We are here now, the space is beautiful and I just hope that we can continue to carry out our mission. This is just the beginning.”
The center, which was established in 2006, offers programming for LGBTQ adults and youth, with specific groups for people of color and seniors, among other communities.
Previously housed on the 1300-block of N. 3rd Street, the center moved out in 2021 and, for several years, operated remotely out of the former GLO-Harrisburg location on the 1700-block of N. 3rd Street.
LGBT Center Interim Director Amanda Carter spoke at the ribbon cutting.
However, after raising $350,000, the team was able to purchase its new building in July 2023 and renovate the 3,000-square-foot space, finally giving the center a home of its own.
“People were remarkably generous. They came through and stepped up,” said Ted Martin, board chair of the capital campaign committee and an LGBT Center founder.
The new center is ADA-accessible and includes offices, several meeting and multi-purpose rooms and a kitchen.
The LGBT Center leadership conducted community focus groups to find out what people wanted in the space, prompting them to include a quiet room for relaxation and a washer and dryer for those who need a free, safe place to do laundry.
Multi-purpose room in the LBGT Center
Ultimately, officials said that they hope the center is a safe space for everyone to feel welcome, included and accepted.
“This center belongs to every single LGBTQ person seeking community, connection and support in central Pennsylvania,” said Amanda Arbour, the previous executive director of the center.
The center will be open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday for an open house and reception, coinciding with 3rd in the Burg.
For more information, visit the LGBT Center’s website.
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