I went here in my capacity as a law student volunteering in a legal aid pop up clinic. The staff members were respectful and welcoming. The area is clean and has good WiFi. Lots of free resources and a welcoming space. read more

I've been coming to the LGBT Center for the low-income housing program for the past 4 years. Everyone I've encountered has been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous. The LGBT Center has been recently remodeled, and their event space is perfect for community gatherings, fundraisers, parties, and more. At my last class for the low-income housing program, the lobby had a local craft fair featuring LGBT-owned business. And they provided donuts! I advise to check out the programs they offer, especially if you need financial education. I found their classes to be beneficial in managing my finances (adulting ftw!). The LGBT Center is located on Market and Octavia, so parking won't be easy to find. I suggest taking Muni if possible. read more

Probably the worst LGBTQ center in America. As a trans woman with no home (but with an education) I went in asking for trans services (in 2018) they acted like they didn't know. Both of the ppl behind the counter! Then I asked them to look at the tv behind them "it's up there" or gimme a schedule. When they saw me walk in they looked me up n down. I was clean. But I was homeless. They made me feel like I was unwelcome. They introduced me to the idea that this community is an illusion. There's no love. No hope. No future. We're on our own unless we have money or great beauty. I left feeling very suicidal. It was the first time I ever regretted coming out. They got two stars, not one, cuz I did find the trans work program mildly helpful but those jobs sucked and weren't very trans friendly. Update: I still have trauma from how this place treated me. I was unhoused, true. But that was a little over a year after coming out and graduating college. I had real potential. Unfortunately my appearance was more important to them than my humanity. My pathetic search for dignity. Y'all don't know what I survived to get to your door! How many times u faced death? You privileged pigs don't have a clue what struggle is! But the jobs they had weren't helpful. They were the same ones online that get recycled constantly cuz they have high turnover rates cuz no one wants them. They ain't trans friendly either. I found out the hard way. And the reason I call the SF LGBTQ Center the worst in America is bcuz SF is considered (by idiots, I was one too) as the Mecca for LGBTQ+ ppl. But it's just not true. In less accepting places the communities are more tight knit. SF is spoiled and doesn't deserve the title. Y'all champs of greed, not love. A city where the average citizen is a millionaire ain't built on love. Per esempio: I got attacked by a homeowner just for looking at the pride flag in the Castro. The mirrored house directly across the street. They sprayed me with water and called the cops. I was standing there for less that 5 mins total. A month later I got attacked in broad daylight and someone jumped in to help them attack me. I was protesting a lot back then. Which is EXTREMELY dangerous with no shelter to hide in and no protection. The Bay Area cops were directly threatening to kill me. The mayor's office threw me out for demanding better treatment for the homeless. I was looking for help when I got to SF, just tryin to assimilate as a trans citizen. But it's too clicked up. The SF LGBT Center is overhyped. As is the importance of SF to the LGBTQ+ community. Harvey Milk is dead. What legacy are YOU gonna leave? But I know the answer. This place taught me that there's no such thing as community. It's an illusion. Now I see rich ppl in the LGBTQ+ community as a bigger threat than fascism. It's a passive aggressive kind of sabotage. As far as I'm concerned they don't exist bcuz I don't exist to them. These ppl are enemies of progress. No matter what they do for the cameras, for the media, for PR, irl this place is worthless for ppl like me. If ur poor don't trust these ppl. They will hurt your heart like they did me. Keep something on you at all times and never walk around alone. This city is vicious. The streets of SF are homophobic and transphobic. There's two different SF's. On the streets being trans in SF is like being trans in a red state. There's no safe place. No one cares about us. Protect yourself and the company you keep. Make your own community. Maybe even start a makeshift LGBTQ+ community center for the poor in the park. We don't have any safe spaces. Maybe we just invent one? read more

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. read more

The LGBT center was awesome. 4 flights of awesomeness. I came in with my classmate trying to get more information on the community center for our group project. At first we walked in, and the front greet wasn't too friendly. Hence the minus one star. However, after we got passed that we notice an abundance of resources for the LGBT community. We walked up to the third floor and a lady in OPENHOUSE walked out of her office to greet us. I was so happy someone was warm and nice enough to notice I looked confused. She sat down with us to give us a general view on what she did. I was happy to hear the information she was giving me. read more

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. read more

I am UC Berkeley journalism student and I was working on a piece centered around an event organized by the SF LGBT Center. I talked with Nick and Timothy who were a big part of putting the event on and they were so incredibly helpful and welcoming. The building has security which makes everyone feel very safe and the overall energy from staff and attendees was warm and exciting. The event was amazing and the friends I brought along with me had such a fun time and couldn't stop talking about it. It is definitely a fun safe place to check out. read more

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. ---- Alright bitches, who wants to buy me a fucking DRINK? read more

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. :) read more

The SF LGBT Center was such a surprisingly great place to host our annual fundraiser for people in recovery. Over the past 3 years, we have hosted it at a catholic church that has been very kind to us, but they changed their rules this year, so we needed to find a new venue for our event. To the credit of the churches members, they individually donated a good chunk of money to offset the cost we would incur at a new location. That was unneccessary, but VERY helpful! I had the pleasure of working with Cat Stevens on the venue logistics. She is so organized, responsive, pleasant, compentent and willing, that we are starting a Cat Stevens Fan Club! She must have hosted 4 site visits between me, my decorator, my DJ and my Chef. She fielded all of my questions in record time and accurately and had ideas when I needed them. I have to say that it felt SO GOOD to utilize the SF LGBT Center, so even though there was initial stress when we lost access to our previous venue, this was a gift in desguise. Our event was in the Rainbow Room, which has a commercial kitchen right off of it. Which brings me to the only thing I would say has room for improvement, but it was manageable for my Chef, who used the oven and stove. I would love to see the kitchen upgraded, but for this year it worked out well enough. The AV situation in the Rainbow Room was great. My AV/DJ seemed to enjoy his room with all of hid gadgets and Cat showed him what all of his options were. The room was all set up when we arrived, ready for us to complete the set up. And, at the end of the night, the tear down was great and we were so grateful that we did not need to clean the floors or anything! Not that we trashed them, just super tired by that point! I feel that the room rental is pretty fair, especially now that we have worked first-hand with Cat and her man Mike. It costs more for a weekend evening, so that will always result in us paying higher fees because that is when our events are, but we will budget with this in mind. We are really excited to have many more events at the LGBT Center and hope that more groups utilize this great space and important organization. Thank you Cat!!! read more

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. read more

Their employment services never worked out for me. It's a perfect place to ruin your life. Their partners are also black jokes which only make things worse. Everyone is sugarcoating everything and you will never see what they promised you. I have tried their services multiple times since 2009. Nothing worked! I have "graduated" from their employment programs which no longer existed now. I attended their workshops, volunteered, networking, and weekly "meetings" with their so called employment counselors for more than 1.5 years and I am still unemployed with degrees and skills. They laidback the complete team at the beginning of the pandemic. I personally know them, so I think I should point it out: their ex staff who used to be employment counselor can't find a real job for themselves and lives on donations online. Their housing services are the same. I feel so exhausted to write more details. read more

I can't say enough good things about our experience at The Center. We held a large memorial service and reception for a friend that passed away, and Cat Stevans and her team could not have been more accommodating and thorough in their preparation for us. At a distressing time for all of us, Cat was patient and understanding, working through the options and offering advice. We hired the Rainbow Room and lobby area for the memorial, and the layout and quality of the user-friendly AV equipment were superb and offered excellent value. There are many configurations of the room available - we had 150 attendees who were accommodated with seating and standing, with a stage and projection setup at the front. It met our needs perfectly. We then held the reception on the fourth floor with the Ceremonial Room, Terrace, and lobby - once again the space perfectly fit our needs, and was set up exactly as discussed. Cat offered a selection of caterers that were excellent, and we've now used them for other events. However, it was Cat's team going above and beyond during the event that ensured its success - they were a step ahead, steered the group, and quietly removed recycling, trash, etc in the background. The Center's event spaces represent phenomenal value for money - we'd use them again in a heartbeat. read more

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. :-) read more

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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

Shatangi has had dealings with the center for over 3 years now. The volunteer and paid staff are accessible and very helpful. I've had the pleasure of working with Cat to rent rooms and put together events. The Center gives all it promises and has been nothing but welcoming to my groups. Shatangi told you... read more

They provide more help to the transgender community than any other building, that's for sure. Otherwise, a cold, boring place....they priced the wonderful Three Dollar Bill Cafe out of business....raised their rent to $3,000 (!)....that one area of the building had more warmth and fun than the rest of the building combined....now,, there's nothing in that area but chairs, so you cant even get a cup of coffee or tea at the Center. I understand they are very much in the red....if they go under, what then? A HUGE white elephant to blight the 'hood. read more

Do not let this place fool you ! They get tons of donations which the staff always pick first , and I am one of the youth who participate in the youth program. I have been given unfair treatment by the staff who work there. They are aweful and do not take care of situations properly. It's a safe zone , but the youth are always wanting to fight and start drama and the staff just alow it but when times get tough they sit back and sip there tea. Levi is the main one who causes bad tension and always wants to scream when trying to deiscalate a situation. On top of everything I explained there is a lady who is kinda dikish , lesbian white , anywho she has harrased me , and a few of my friends. She will come in the bathroom to make sure your not wearing shoes. Kinda weird right ? Well apparently you can't go w/out shies in the bathroom but for someone to squat down and look under the stall your in is out of pocket. I have filed several grievances and have no heard back . This place is horrible. ! read more

My nonprofit held a conference at the SF Center We had a wonderful event and the space was fantastic! Their staff was very helpful and I contribute part of the success of our event to the location, their staff support, and the room. The accommodations were perfect! read more

great resources, helpful staff great building, great events plenty of bathrooms computer lab free for first hour read more

We had a group event here with 135 people and really enjoyed it all. Working with the contacts at the center was very easy and they were all very helpful during the span of finding dates, doing walkthroughs, and planning the details of the event. We went with the top floor package (front room, ceremonial room, and balcony). It was a great space for us to have a buffet, dancing, photo booth, and more. I'd highly recommend considering this as a venue. :) read more

Our nonprofit business association recently held a board meeting at the Center. The room, the staff, the whole process of getting the room booked was smooth as silk! Cat Stevens was especially helpful! We are now booking one of our PMP Examination Preparation classes here, and look forward to doing more events at the Center. Alan read more

Cat Stevans is a gem. The center is open and welcoming. We were on the third floor for the day. It was on occasion a little noisy (we were up against Laughing Yoga at one point next door, and with the window open the street car made it hard to hear). But overall, it was a great place to hold our first ever Annual Retreat at a reasonable price centrally located. Totally recommend. read more

The Center was the perfect venue for our annual staff development conference. Cat and her team were pros, working with our crowd of about 80 educators from all over the country. The flexibility of the space - a large theater, a well-lit multi-purpose room, an art gallery, a community room, and two classrooms provided the perfect breakout space and whole group meeting spots for our needs. They're also flexible with catering, which was a huge plus for our group, as we wanted them to experience many types of San Francisco cuisines. We're happy to say we've used The Center many times for our seminars and conferences, and we'll continue to use them in the future. read more

We recently held a workshop here at the center and it was great! No only was it a fantastic space to utilize but the best part was the Event Coordinator, Cat Stevans, and her willingness to troubleshoot some issues on our end with us as well as generally be responsive. As an event planner it's important to have someone who is on it and available during an event. Cat was exactly that plus the Rainbow Room is just a great space. The center overall is really beautiful and centrally located. Parking is an issue, but it's always an issue when you're a big city. That being said, many of our participants found side street parking for free because our event was on a Saturday. If you do hold an event there I highly recommend getting Cat to be your go-to person, bringing water as the water fountains were hard to drink from, and making sure you warn people about the parking to give extra time when going in. Otherwise, venue-wise you certainly don't need to worry about much as Cat will make it happen! read more

This is a "hats off" review for the Economic Development team and Small Business Services part of the Center. In particular, Tony Moraga. Over the last (6) months, Tony Moraga has been an invaluable resource and supporter helping to get my start-up off the ground. Over the course of these last few months, I have had access to a variety of resources from seminars to one-on-one coaching sessions to direct review. They have helped us recruit advisers from the community as well as pursue and successfully secure funding... and from a channel that almost every other small business finance resource at other centers said was simply not possible. Tony and the whole Center believe in what they do. They believe in being true supports of the community in which they serve and they manage to do that on all levels. My company is continuing to grow -- we are on our way to new things -- and we couldn't have done it without the support of the Center. If you have the opportunity to work with them... do so! You won't regret it. read more

The center can be accessible by transportation. I jump on the F car to and from the center. I have come across a couple crazies on that car. One of them pressed his body right behind me and tried to pickpocket (at least I hope it was just to steal) me by patting my sides while muttering sorry over and over again. He didn't succeed in the end. Be careful during night because some of the surrounding areas can be dark and pay attention. The center inside is pretty safe and if you are trans, at least you shouldn't run into the issue of people being upset about which bathroom you are using. I encourage youth to check out the youth programs. Even though this country is moving slowly towards peaceful tolerance, being a member of the LGBTQQIA2S community can be isolating, difficult, and sometimes dangerous. Lately the news is filled with stories of LGBTQQIA2S youth committing suicide because of lack of support and resources. This center can help point you to the right direction for resources and support. I am grateful that this center exists. Some of the programs are for LGBTQQIA2S youth only. There is one night where you can have a dinner meal and watch a movie with other youth. They always have a vegetarian option. Sometimes if you are lucky, there will be a vegan option usually something related to Asian cuisine. There is a harm reduction program where the facilitators educate the youth on safe sex and healthy coping techniques. There are free safe sex supplies in a clear fishbowl. The center has added new programs to their schedule so check out their website or call to see what they have. The youth counselors were helpful and supportive. No one was pushing their version of the "right" way to be. Counselors come from different backgrounds and ethnicities. I bonded with one and was sad to hear she left. She was very honest and open about her past which helped me with my situation. I have learned some interesting local history from the counselors when they took a group of us to walk around the Castro area. I wish I could go see them more often but I don't live close by. I have had nothing but positive experiences here. read more

Easily accessible, tons of resources, friendly staff. A very nice venue for hosting events and just overall meeting new people. I'm glad SF has a safe space like this and I'll be coming back much more often to get more connected to the community and find opportunities to volunteer! read more

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORINNNNGGGGGG. This is a great community center. But it hardly seems like anyone is there. I've had some awkward experiences with some other tgirls there. You know, a lot of transbians don't want to discuss the Castro. But I guess this provides something for the community and that's good. But really, I come here and fill up my water bottle when I am walking through the hood. read more

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. read more

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. read more

This was a disappointing experience from start-to-finish. I called the LGBT Center on Monday, September 10th, to ask about their job placement services. The guy who answered the general line was kind but way too hyper for the phone. I couldn't understand half of what he said and it sounded like he was on the verge of OD'ing on speed. Typically I wouldn't care but I'm not sure what he's doing in a receptionist role. He gave me the name of the contact for career services but told me that the gentleman (Fresh) was headed into a meeting. I followed up by forwarding Fresh an introduction email with my resume attached. I didn't receive a response the next day so I decided to call. Unlike the receptionist, Fresh is very professional and we set up an hour-long appointment for Thursday. On the day of our appointment I had an event that went longer than expected and I didn't have a chance to stop home to grab the appointment information I wrote on paper (don't ask me why I didn't put it in my phone... mistake). I call the LGBT Center and get a different receptionist that answers the phone with nothing more than, "Hi". Um. Okay. I'm forwarded to Fresh's phone and leave a message before my appointment asking for a confirmation of our meeting time. He calls me back after the start of my appointment to tell me that the appointment is now. I apologize profusely and let him know I'm in the neighborhood and will come right over. I arrive about 30 minutes before the end of my appointment. This is where my response starts to mimic the other responses on Yelp. I walk into the building and it's deserted. There's not even a person at the receptionist desk. For all the thieves out there (and I know you're there because I'm always having my phones/wallets stolen), this place is a goldmine. I wait for five minutes before someone who works at The Center comes to the receptionist desk. Given the location of The Center, it's beyond me why people don't just walk in and start stealing half their stuff. It's really a shame that such a big and beautiful community building is being underutilized. It's simply empty. I don't know how it's funded nor do I want to know because I'm scared my tax dollars are involved. The receptionist calls Fresh and hands me the phone. Fresh tells me that he cannot meet with me because we won't have the full hour. I apologize again (this really was my bad) and ask that we still meet for the second half of my appointment. Fresh says he needs the full hour. I insist that there's a lot I can gain from chatting for the rest of the appointment. He's adamant that he needs the full appointment time to help me. I apologize again, thank him for his time, decline to make a new appointment, and leave. I'm too selfish to dedicate my career to helping others and working at The Center is not remotely on my radar. When I visit The Center, though, I expect that those working want to help people who are actively seeking help. I do not know if I stepped on Fresh's pride or whether he wanted to teach me a lesson about punctuality but I would have loved to learn about The Center's resources and how they could help me in my job search. I generally shy away from LGBT services because there is such a strong and negative attitude throughout those organizations. They become exclusive with their regulars and friendliness is feigned at best. This isn't a rule by any means but it's been my experience. I was late for an appointment and I was very sorry about the mistake but to suggest that the only way I can be helped is if I'm part of some inflexible hour-long regiment is ridiculous. At the very least, there was enough time to explain how I can access the services of The Center and perhaps become involved with the organization in other ways (I'm big on volunteering... especially since I'm underemployed). I think I was especially disappointed because the inside of the gorgeous building is absolutely dead. The other organizations I've seen are teeming with youth and provide a comfortable and safe place for people in the community. I'm sure this organization does the same for some members but the physical coldness of the building and social coldness of someone whose role is to help have alienated me from the organization and I will not return. I wasn't late to a meeting where I'm trying to convince Fresh to, say, buy insurance or sign loan documents. His role is to offer assistance and that's all I was asking. He was in a position to help me and he declined. What a shame that he seemed so indifferent. I added a star because Fresh is an awesome name and I feel bad for being late. I don't think those are entirely legitimate reasons but I also don't feel they deserve only a single star. If I hear from the organization, I will update the review. read more

In my professional life, I work for the Health Department as a Health Program Coordinator. We needed a venue for a large training - multi-tracks, both in and out-of-town trainers, 120+ participants. We could not have chosen better than The Center. From taking us on multiple walk-throughs, to storing materials shipped by some of our out-of-town trainers in advance, to setting up the space, to accommodating special requests the day of, staff was warm, flexible, professional, cordial, efficient, and thorough. We used 3 rooms - the Rainbow Room, the Gallery and Community Rooms, as well as the common areas on the 2nd and 3rd floor. I look forward to doing some follow-up events here, and highly recommend The Center if to anyone who is looking for a training or meeting venue. read more

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. read more

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. read more