LGBTQ Center Orange County

The LGBTQ Center Orange County exists so that every part of Orange County's LGBTQ population has the resources it needs to thrive. Its mission is to advocate on behalf of the county's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities and to provide services that support their well-being and positive identity. The Center began as a volunteer organization in 1971, incorporated as a nonprofit in 1975, and is one of the oldest LGBTQ community centers in the United States. Programming is designed for gay men, lesbians, youth, transgender and bisexual people, Spanish-speaking community members and LGBTQ families.

Health comes first for many people who walk through the doors at 1605 North Spurgeon Street in Santa Ana. The Center offers free, confidential HIV and STI testing several days and evenings a week, with walk-ins welcome and appointments recommended. The mental health team provides individual, couples and family therapy, including grief counseling, with daytime and evening hours seven days a week, and a counseling intake line at 714-953-5428 ext. 3300. Adults can join weekly groups like the 55+ Senior Group on Zoom and Translenials, an in-person processing group for transgender, gender nonconforming and intersex adults. Staff also help people with insurance find LGB and trans affirming doctors.

Since 2014, Trans*itions Health & Wellness has guided transgender people and their families through transition. Monthly Trans Orientations introduce counseling, hormone services, name and gender marker change clinics, groups and events, and the program connects people with trans affirming medical referrals and legal services. The Center's Immigration Resources work supports low-income, HIV-affected, documented and undocumented LGBTQ immigrants with a legal advocacy clinic, immigration consultations, ESL and citizenship classes, and know-your-rights materials in English and Spanish.

Young people are at the heart of the Center's work. The Youth and Young Adult Program serves LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 26 with free weekly groups such as Quartz, Rainbow Connection, Prism, Genderflood, VIVID and Study with Pride, along with mentorship, arts, outings, college readiness workshops and leadership projects. Highlights include the annual LGBTQIA+ Youth Convening and Queer Prom. The Center partners with more than 50 Gender and Sexualities Alliances and LGBTQIA clubs in Orange County schools, and its Elevate Program brings restorative justice, free mental health counseling and the OUTlet group to LGBTQ youth of color and the adults who support them.

Community life extends beyond the main building. The David Bohnett CyberCenter offers free computer and internet access for job searches, homework and research. The Brad Brafford LGBTQ Center on 4th, in downtown Santa Ana, hosts art exhibits, courses and events that celebrate LGBTQ culture. The Spectrum Program leads opioid and stimulant use prevention, gives out Narcan at no cost and refers people to affirming treatment, while the Center's trainers teach LGBTQ 101, Trans 101 and Safe and Welcoming Schools to educators, providers, businesses and law enforcement.

Anyone can be part of it. Volunteers facilitate groups, serve on the Trans Committee and Events Committee, and lend marketing and legal skills, and university students can intern for credit, including master's-level counseling trainees. Supporters give through membership and donations, shop through Ralphs Community Rewards, and gather at fundraisers such as Siptember. Call 714-953-5428 or email info@lgbtqcenteroc.org to get connected.