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San Francisco LGBT Community Center
Categories: Local Flavor Public Services & Government Local Services Community Service/Non-Profit Local Flavor, Public Services & Government, Community Service/Non-Profit [Edit]
1800 Market StSan Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 865-5555
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri 12 pm - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
37 reviews for San Francisco LGBT Community Center
37 reviews in English
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Review from Markito M.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2012
Have been to many conferences, film festivals, trainings and other events here.
Popped in with my wife today to see a linocut show by queer youth and really enjoyed it.
Adore the gender neutral bathrooms too.
So amazing that this place exists.
Wish the people at the front desk were a bit more welcoming. -
Review from Rebecca M.
New Orleans, LA
11/28/2011
I was planning a multi-day conference in San Francisco, but as I was based in NYC, finding a venue and trusting that it was going to be ok for my 150+ guests was difficult. Based on the recommendation of a work contact, we opted for the LGBT Center. Not only was it within our small nonprofit budget, but Cat and the Center were super accommodating for all of our special requests. Plus, we received a great catering recommendation as well (Amy Lai of Side by Side Gourmet).
The space itself is wonderful, the quick response to emails and calls made it easier for me to sleep at night, and Cat even arrived on site at 5:45 am to let in the caterer! The events could not have gone better and our guests loved the space and the convenience of the location. -
Review from Fire C.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 11/18/2011
I'm amending my review to commend the staff, particularly Cat, for being responsive and willing to make accommodations if possible to address my concerns.
I think it's important to add that it is a community center and that perhaps the community could help out since the Center has limitations in staff and offers such vital services and space for classes, a safe place to go to and information and resources for the Queer community.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2011
I've been coming here for events since it was first opened. There are some great services and… Read more »
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Review from Salonje R.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Attended a meeting on 2011-09-27 and it took forever to start. Started to think it was open space technology but eventually it got started. Jose O. was the person taking pictures without permission and it is not acceptable. In a nutshell, Older people just do not listen but I am glad there are changes on the horizon! Whoo Whoo!
Center is amazing! Conference rooms are free to certain organizations so it is great! Architectural design was amazing! I will love to come to this place in the future just to learn more about the services. -
Review from Aaron B.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
The LGBT Center was fantastic. I had to plan a large event for architects and engineers... a demanding lot. We got the entire 4th floor (including the terrace), and not only was the Center MUCH less expensive than many other options, they were willing to 'customize' the space for our needs, give us a comprehensive walk-through, and worked so well with our larger org that now THEY want to do an event here.
The space has an amazing view from the terrace, and really made the event feel much nicer than the space we had in SoMa last year. And it was only $10 more expensive for a space that was larger, had more than one bathroom, and had a refrigerator and easy-to-use stereo system.
Cat, as well as the rest of the staff, was more than nice, and more than willing to deal with a lot of stupidly inebriated fools that left a mess. In essence, they made me look really good, and I can't recommend them enough for your next event.
Please contact Cat (Cats@sfcenter.org) if you want to have an event where (at least for the location) the planning is stress-free and won't kill your org's budget. -
Review from Erica K.
Oakland, CA
12/16/2011
Our non-profit held our annual board/staff holiday party in the Andrews Ceremonial Room at the LGBT Center last week. The staff were very helpful throughout the planning process and the venue was wonderful. The room was the perfect size for some guests to sit and eat and others to mix and mingle. While it was a chilly evening, the large balcony overlooking Market Street was a wonderful added bonus, and we had access to all of this space at a very reasonable price. We will definitely go back next year!
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Review from Mike M.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
I've been renting a room there to teach classes for a few months now and love it! Cat and the folks there do a fantastic job making sure the room is ready to my specifications and are always very welcoming.
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Review from James R.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2011
Ah, the Center. The Center was protested by the group Gay Shame in 2003 and 2009 for its obvious lack of action and suckage of resource. It started with the right intentions but the location and huge empty hole of a building, not to mention lack of innovative leadership, makes this place more like the LGBT community burden.
Details can be found here: (http://gayshamesf.org) and pictures of the police bullying the demonstrators can be found here (2003 protest)--
(http://www.gayshamesf....).
A community Center should NOT call the police on its peacefully demonstrating members.
Also
WHERE IS THE YOUTH SPACE.
There is no excuse for it. The Center brings in too much money every year, and wastes way too much space to not already have a fully developed youth program staff (WHAT HAPPENED TO BECK???). I knew the previous youth program staff. After 4 years of traumatizing work he never had a raise and had his health benefits decreased, he ended up getting sick and not getting enough time off and had to quit! Is this how we treat our community workers?
I really wish I could say differently, but shame on the center! -
Review from Joey H.
San Bruno, CA
5/17/2011
Let me start out by saying that they do a lot for the community, and I appreciate that!!! But, then there's the downsides...
I REALLY wish I could think the world of this place, but many things keep me from feeling that. It can be a little unwelcoming -- for people who do not fit the "standards" of class, race, looks, etc. If you do? Go on with your bad self, you'll love it here. When I first went, I was shocked to find that there was no designated youth space... What the heck? If ANYTHING there should be a youth space.
There needs to be a youth space
There needs to be a youth space
THERE NEEDS TO BE A YOUTH SPACE!!!!
God, how many times do I have to say it? How do you plan on building community if you can even give one place for queer youth to feel safe? Leadership building, it's so fundamental to our community, and in that youth space it can be done!
Now, let me give them some credit. Tuesday meal nights for youth. They also do many events for youth, but there still needs to be a youth space(woosah)! Though I felt unwelcome, they have great programs for youth. From what I hear, there's something happening everyday-- except, of course, on weekends.
I will not say that the Center is a horrible place, but for me? I dont feel welcome at all... But go, expierience it for yourself, you might feel differently. :) -
Review from John B.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2010
I'm on the board of the San Francisco Young Democrats. We, along with the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, Harvey Milk Democratic Club, and the Castro/Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association recently held our District 8 Supervisor debate in the Rainbow Room. It was wonderful!
Cat Stevens (cats@sfcenter.org) Event Coordinator for the Center was extremely helpful and worked closely with us to make sure that our event was a success.
Bottom line: Book your next event here! -
Review from Mariela C.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2011
I've have only been to The Center for a ABC training class for pride, and recently our End of the Year Rugby Banquet, but I'm a fan. The staff was super nice, the space was exactly what we needed. We had a huge potluck, shenanigans, and roudy ruggers, and they treated us as if we were nothing but class. I'm a fan -- Stay classy San Francisco.
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Review from Meg T.
4/16/2010
I needed to come here for my human sexuality class. Nothing specific about what to do, just to check it out.
Well consider it checked out.
Final consensus?
Fail.
There are four floors, each more empty than the last. And while yes, the LGBT center boasts some queer art, most of the center is empty office space. What queer photographs they did have seemed to be themed towards the masculine and entirely missing Trans focus.
The youth art projects were the highlight of the entire center and they were hidden in a back area on the first floor. I would have loved to see them front and center as vibrant as they were, yet sadly even they only brighten up this place a little as most of it is badly spaced out and gives an empty, clinical vibe.
I hate to say it since this is the LGBT center... but Wicked Grounds in SOMA is more queer than this place.
And why is it right here exactly? I mean out of the all the places you could choose you went with the one that has almost no public transit come within a block of your doors, is basically in SOMA/TL and is surrounded by Antique stores and a Baptist church?
I mean with as big as this place is, you could definitely downsize and spend the money to get a better location. Then people might actually want to come in and might want to exhibit their work here. And GASP, you might even become a cornerstone of the LGBT community.
Just sayin. -
Review from Tony W.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
Held a screening of several of my films last night at the center. I've held them there before and so I knew what to expect but this time was especially good. I was working with 2 other partners for this screening and Cat (the manager) was warm and welcoming and so helpful to us all. I couldn't have asked for a smoother event. Thanks a million Cat and the Center!!!!!!
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Review from d s.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2007
Most people are fooled. Not you. You know all this bitchiness covers a heart which weeps and bruises and wants to believe. People easily broken erect walls and play Scheherazade; and I am easily broken. I'm the melancholic whose invitation to the party of life was lost.
We met here. I never told you, but when I left the workshop I switched my iPod to shuffle. "Kiss of Life" by Sade was randomly selected. I walked home, laughing and crying. You know how quickly tears come to my eyes over the most banal things. Hearing this song -- a song I cherished precisely for its sentimental and saccharine overtures -- was too overwhelming.
I am listening to it right now, only this time by choice.
I never thanked you for the three years. We almost made it to four. Sometimes we take comfort in things nearly accomplished.
Four stars for giving birth to a relationship of (nearly) four years.
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Alright bitches, who wants to buy me a fucking DRINK?Listed in: I'm Coming Out!, The Ex Files
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Review from Quartknee K.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2008
This place is just as cold and unfriendly as the "community" it purports to represent. It's in a bad location that is difficult to get to for people with mobility issues and has been totally mismanaged since its conception. Anything east of Church street isn't "The Castro". This whole project has been folly to glorify the egos of self appointed "A-Gays". If you want to see a real community center go to New York and see how all segments of a truly diverse and vibrant LGBT community is properly represented.
They had the chance to get the credit union on the corner of Castro and Market and turned it down because it was "too expensive" then they kicked out the Libertarians and spent so much money "saving" the historical building on the corner that it would have been much more economical and beneficial to the real LGBT community that has always been centered in the Castro to just take over the credit union. Because of their blunder we're left with The Pottery Barn and a divisive grassroots movement to set up an alternative LGBT Community Center in the Castro. -
Review from Amy S.
New York, NY
11/20/2008
Best place to get robbed in the city.
Seriously, though. Watch your stuff.
They do have good resources for queers, though. And free internet with cheap printing! -
Review from F D.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2007
I can't imagine anyone saying anything bad about a place that provides safety, career assistance, housing help and friendship to so many people. Sure, you can nit-pick the details, but I prefer to focus on all of the great things that they do for so many people. This place helps so, so many people!
Everyone who works there (and the countless volunteers) is so nice and giving of their time. If you want to find really good people, go to the SF LGBT center.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people have a home here! -
Review from Justin J.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
The SF LGBT Center has always been a courteous, professional organization to deal with. The staff are rock stars! They work with you to ensure that your event is as successful as possible. I highly recommend using their services!
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Review from Bay G.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2009
Other than the rooftop deck, which is rarely used, there is nothing about this place that works. It feels like a morgue when you walk in and is perpetually empty. It isn't open on Sundays and apparently can't even support a coffee shop.
They have had financial problems since before they opened because the community never really wanted or needed this center. A few people decided we just had to have one because San Jose has one. Where are those people now?
They blew it by not including a housing element, permanent offices for vital organizations, and a museum for the gay historical society. And the location was just plain stupid.
Sad that this failure continues to consume community resources. If it still isn't working after all this time, they should put the building and the operating expenses to better use. -
Review from Gino R.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2011
I wanted to write this review to encourage everyone to have their events at the LGBT Center! We had a very successful fundraising event at The Center on 04/23. We made good use of the 4th flr which has access to the terrace with great views of the city. In deciding where to have our fundraising event we looked at many places including bars. We decided to have it at The Center because we wanted to help out our LGBT community AND have a successful event. It was the best decision ever!!
Cat Stevens, the Event Coordinator for the Center, was a pleasure to work with. She was very helpful and forthcoming with all information. She even gave us information on caterers that have worked with The Center before. She made herself available to answer all our frantic questions and would respond in a timely manner. She was the best! We will definitely have another event here.
PRO's: 4th floor conf room has good sound system, has a stage, access to terrace, has refrigerator and sink, internet connection with cable; close to public transportation
CON's: No really con's other than you will need to get a beverage caterer if you want to serve alcohol unless your non-profit can get an ABC license .
Please contact Cat (Cats@sfcenter.org) for your next event! I know we will! -
Review from Heather G.
Denver, CO
4/10/2009
It is easy to critique something from a far but its much harder to get involved (and stay involved) to help change something for the better. That being said I think the '1 star' (and some of the '2 star') reviews of the Center are not only harsh but also unjustified.
Like any community building the Center may have its issues but the people I have had the privilege of interacting with have been warm, compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated. This IS a community center so of course funds are always tight / low / NEEDED. I prefer to reserve my '1 star' ratings for a restaurant that gives me and 5 other friends food poisoning or when a retail associate has more or less spit in my face, besides from that I find those types of reviews unnecessary and simply just bitchy.
FACT - The Center offers a variety of services (if you don't believe me check the website), just to mention a few:
- Yoga for seniors
- Youth meal nights
- AA
- Activities / gatherings for newbies to SF
- Employment assistance
- Cyber center (one hour free internet) * I have heard frustrations mentioned about the computer lab - it is opened only when a volunteer is present so call first just to be on the safe side :)
I think the Center provides a great and much needed service to the LGBT community and general public alike. It is a place where anyone, of any creed can go (with no judgments) and get information, get involved or get to know a few new people. If you REALLY want to help the center grow and evolve don't complain, be constructive. Volunteer, offer ideas and/or resources. It's true, the building is a huge, industrial space so I can understand the "morgue" or "hospital" comparisons other yelp-ers have stated. However, unlike both of those places the Center (i.e. the staff) is vivacious in its devotion to the public. -
Review from pat s.
San Francisco, CA
7/27/2007
I have been to many places in the world and always try to check out the local LGBT centers (when they have one.) I can sincerely say that the San Francisco LGBT center is the best one I have ever been to!
The staff and devoted volunteers are all so helpful and kind. The building is so beautifully and well kept. There are SO many resources for us queers and those who love us. ;-) There is even free childcare (while they promote youth empowerment!) while you attend various classes, workshops, meetings, activities etc. etc.
This is a wonderful and safe beacon for LGBT community. I love that it is not in the Castro as well. (Though it is just down the street) LGBT people live all over the city. ..So, go go go! .. and say hello to the front desk personnel. They will welcome you with a smile. :-) -
Review from Jordan N.
8/12/2007
Nice and spiffy new building! There's a cafe on the first floor also that has hosted a variety of socials. The owner is friendly, the front desk worker of the center are also friendly. Say hello to Steven!
Also, the food at the cafe seems to be fresh, good quality and reasonably priced. There's free wi-fi too. So really, this new center has everything in the right places. -
Review from James J.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2007
In case you didn't know, I'm a fag. I spend my 24/7's checking out guys and using my witty attitude to boost me up that social ladder that has no top in sight. In saying that, I completely embraced the idea of this place opening, I had heard about it back in 2000....about 2 years before it opened its doors to the general public in March of 2002. The grand opening was fantastic and I really had a great time. I think it was truly the first time I felt comfortable with the fact that I was...er, am, an out and proud Black male living in a city where there are so few of me.
But as time progressed forward, I came to realize that I have mixed reviews about this place. I think that it lacks the ability to actually draw in the LGBT crowd. Have you ever walked past this place in the afternoon? It is completely barren with the exception of the guy working the front counter and the the customers in the 3 Dollar Bill Cafe who are only there to sip on so-so coffee and use the wireless connection to check out their hits on http://gay.com, manhunt, adam4adam and what have you. I may be wrong in thinking this, but I thought that this place wanted to reach out to a younger generation like those in their teens who could really benefit from a place like this. Instead, we get 4 floors of barren space.
But I suppose it isn't all bad.
Over the years this place has done some good in terms of service. They have programs and offer resources (like they should) to anyone in need. It seemed like it was touch and go 5 years ago, but this place has really started to assert itself over the years. I hope that it will progress further and do something that will get people to pass through its doors and keep them there....not make them want to walk out within a 7 minute time frame. -
Review from Gourmet G.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2005
When it opened in 2002, the Charles M. Holmes Campus of the LGBT Center - the facility's official name - was the culmination of nearly a decade of planning, neighborhood concerns about the corner Victorian (which was incorporated into the final design), and construction. It was intended to be a hangout for the community for whom it was intended - part meeting place, part event space, part support-group destination . . . a multipurpose everything center. Unfortunately, on the few occasions I've been here, it's been more a barren wasteland - antiseptic, uninviting, and empty. The reception staff is friendly, but totally inept, possibly due to a lack of training. When I went in with an offer to donate used but working office equipment and a collection of gay literature, it took two young men fifteen minutes to find someone capable of accepting or rejecting the gift, and even that individual seemed somewhat unsure of how to react. In all the time I stood there waiting for a response (which eventually was a yes, thank you), not one person entered or left the building, leading me to believe that the great deal of time, effort, and money spent creating this space sadly may have been in vain.
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Review from John F.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2009
I would come here to use the bathroom and get free internet. I know Bob who work here. It got art inside and room for the community to use. I think they post jobs they are suppose to help the community. It's roomy inside. It good for the gays to get help here. I not gay just people know.
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Review from Alex S.
Vallejo, CA
8/9/2005
The center came to being in 2002, and it was about time. Since then, the center has been the most hollow place on Earth. I walk in, and the place seems cold and uninviting. To be honest, it doesn't feel like a community center. It feels like a hospital. The fact that it isn't in the Castro also hurts it. Still, you take what you can get. At least we do have a community center. But after three years in existence, it needs a total makeover and makeunder.
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Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2011
I attended an event for my rugby team and found the staff/volunteers to be very cool and super helpful. The acoustics were fine for our performances and we all had a great time.
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Review from Art A.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2009
Great work.. kinda awkward welcoming. Never have felt warm here. Events? Where are they?
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Review from Cynthia B.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2007
great resources, helpful staff
great building, great events
plenty of bathrooms
computer lab free for first hour -
Review from Carl C.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2009
This place is a dead zone. They have the space to offer so many services but fail to do so. I hear part of the reason it's so hard to use the space is the insurance requirement. I can't verify this to be a fact. Something is a miss for sure. I assumed there would be services such as AA/addiction meetings, etc. and there are none listed. It's almost like walking into a business office building that hasn't opened yet or, failed to rent available space. If you are looking for gay services it's best to look them up online and go directly to their locations such as Magnet for GLBT health. The center is NOT money well spent.
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Review from Chloe C.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
i volunteer at the center and work the I&R desk and i have to tell you not only do i enjoy being there... i love the people! i mean they do everything in their power to help others and promote just general well being. I feel safe here and welcomed! i feel like its a second home. i love it.
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Review from Gabriel T.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2009
What happened to this place??? Who are they out to help, and provide community??? I think this center has to be put to better use, I haven't been here in years, and I wish they had more to offer. I've also heard that you have to be careful here, because you can get robbed. This place is such a waste of money, it's sad.
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Review from Jenn S.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2010
We just recently wrapped the first-ever Out Loud Comedy & Arts Festival and partnered with the LGBT Center in a couple of ways; they were our non-profit partner and we also used their Rainbow Room to kick off the Festival with Current TV's Bryan Safi. EVERYONE at the Center is a complete delight to work with and I am thrilled that we partnered with them. The Rainbow Room was a perfect venue for the multi-media show that Bryan hosts. And Cat Stevens was exceptional to work with and coordinate all on-site logistics.
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Review from Rod M.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2010
My organization, the Lesbian / Gay Chorus of San Francisco held our major fundraiser for the year in the Rainbow Room last week. The center provided the a great location to hold our event. Our contact, Cat Stevans, was most helpful in the set-up and execution of our event. I would recommend them to others and use again for futgure events.
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Review from Bill M.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2010
I volunteered for the Center in the months before the grand opening, helping to conduct tours through the building's skeleton for potential donors. I explained the history of the site and how the rooms would one day be rented out to the community, offering a sliding scale. Flash forward 8 plus years and now I am renting one of those rooms, made possible by the events team at the Center. I worked with Cat Stevens, who met with me and made me feel welcome, showing me what room matched my needs and explaining the rental process and how to request a sliding scale. Within a short time I was up and running, offering a community yoga class two evenings a week at the Center. I have been doing this for the past 5 months and hope to keep going, maybe adding another class or two. I have long wanted the Center to be a vibrant and safe place for gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender people. We can hope for our community to grow and prosper together, or we can work together to build our community one event and one class at a time. Throw an event, attend a class, volunteer or donate - work with the events team and let's make this a community center we can all be proud of.
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Review from mike f.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
considering it closes on holidays when many gays are lonely, alone, sad ... doesn't seem to be more than locked doors.
