SF LGBT Center

The SF LGBT Center connects community members to opportunities, resources and each other to achieve a stronger, healthier and more equitable world for LGBTQ people and allies. From its bright purple building at 1800 Market Street at Octavia, it offers more than 200 programs and welcomes thousands of people each month, from youth looking for a first community to seasoned artists and business owners.

The Center opened its doors in 2002 and has grown into the focal point of San Francisco's LGBTQ community, a place where people who need resources, support or a place to gather can find comfort and celebration. Its safety net programs prioritize the most vulnerable members of the community, including people of color, transgender people, lesbian and bisexual women, disabled people, youth, elders, immigrants and low-income individuals, and it partners closely with local community organizations to fill gaps in services.

Youth Services serves LGBTQ+ young people ages 16 to 24 through a drop-in space and navigation services. The drop-in program offers food, hygiene supplies, clothing, gender-affirming gear and resource referrals, and navigators help young people find safe and stable housing as a coordinated entry access point. Free, confidential, gender-affirming mental health services are available in English and Spanish, and the Qmmunity newsletter keeps youth informed about workshops and gatherings.

Employment Services treats employment as a fundamental right for LGBTQ+ people. Specialists offer career exploration, resume and LinkedIn help, interview preparation and application support, plus weekly virtual and in-person drop-in hours. The Trans Employment Program provides job referrals, career coaching, support for being out at work and legal services. Financial Services offers free financial counseling for anyone living, working or receiving services in San Francisco, HUD-approved first-time homebuyer workshops, and Below Market Rate rental workshops and counseling. Small Business Services provides one-on-one consulting, a nine-week New Entrepreneur Training Program and the Queer Street Marketplace.

Arts and culture fill the building. The purpose-built ground-floor Gallery shows established and emerging LGBTQ+ artists, the 2,300 square foot Rainbow Room hosts theater, storytelling, comedy and film, and the Queer Vibes concert series spotlights local performers. Queer & Well brings free monthly events around yoga, expressive arts, crystal healing and other care practices, and community programs include international visitor tours and policy work. Each year the Soirée raises funds for the Center, the Building the Block: Rainbow Reunion celebration fills the street with music and vendors, and the Center marches in the San Francisco Pride Parade.

The Center is open Monday through Thursday with other times by appointment, at (415) 865-5555 or info@sfcenter.org. Volunteers join after a 90-minute orientation and can help at the Welcome Desk, the Cyber Center, special events and more. The community space is also available to book, with sliding-scale discounts for nonprofits, and donors can give online, fundraise, donate items or use workplace giving.