About
The Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond since 1969. What began more than 50 years ago as Liberation House — a shelter created by queer activists to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ people — has grown into what the Center describes as the largest LGBTQ+ organization in the world, offering a holistic model of care that houses, nourishes, heals, and celebrates its community.
Mission
Since 1969, the Center has worked to build a world in which LGBTQ people can be healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Its programs, services, and global advocacy span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, and Leadership and Advocacy.
What they do
- Medical services, including primary care, HIV care, gender-affirming care, a pharmacy, and the Audre Lorde Health Program
- Mental health and psychiatry services, including therapy, psychiatry, and support groups
- Sexual health services such as HIV and STI testing and treatment, and PrEP and PEP prescriptions
- Youth services, including housing, a drop-in center, education, employment assistance, and foster youth services (RISE)
- Senior services, including housing, case management, food and nutrition services, and activities
- Transgender services, including the Transgender Wellness Center and Trans* Lounge
- Survivor services addressing hate crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
- Legal services, including a legal clinic, immigrant legal services, and housing rights support
- Policy and advocacy work, community and support groups, vocational programs such as culinary arts, and arts and events
History
More than 50 years ago, a group of queer activists launched Liberation House, a shelter providing safe space for LGBTQ+ people. As demand from the community grew, the organization expanded from that single home into today's Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Scale and impact
According to the Center, it is the world's largest LGBTQ+ nonprofit and direct service provider, with more than 50 years of service, over 500,000 visits to the Center per year, roughly 800 team members, and 10 locations across Los Angeles. It has earned GuideStar's Silver Seal of Transparency and Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating for 11 consecutive years, per its website.
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (IRS filings, fiscal year ending June 2025), the Center reported revenue of $189,797,154, expenses of $184,183,458, and total assets of $186,929,889. Program services accounted for about 67% of revenue and contributions about 31.3%. The organization has been a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) since 1984 under EIN 95-3567895.
Governance
Joe Hollendoner serves as Chief Executive Officer. The Center employs nearly 800 people across its locations.
