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LGBTQ Community Centers Face Rising Harassment Levels

A new national report highlights the essential services and growing security challenges faced by LGBTQ centers across the country.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in LGBTQ+

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The Movement Advancement Project report reveals that LGBTQ community centers across the United States are managing increased safety risks and operational challenges. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Movement Advancement Project and CenterLink released their 2026 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report, detailing the operations of 175 centers. These organizations collectively serve over 1.5 million people annually while navigating increasing safety concerns.

Why it matters

The report underscores that limited financial resources and staff capacity are major obstacles for these centers. Furthermore, rising political hostility and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric have significantly impacted both the safety and day-to-day operations of these community hubs.

Participating centers reported a collective 2026 budget exceeding $529 million. Additionally, 58% of these organizations receive government grants totaling more than $124 million.

The players

Movement Advancement Project

This is a non-profit think tank that provides rigorous research and analysis to help speed equality for LGBTQ people.

CenterLink

This organization serves as a member-based coalition of LGBTQ community centers that supports the growth and sustainability of centers across the nation.

The details

In 2025, centers provided direct health services to over 92,600 people, with 66% of locations offering physical health, mental health, or anti-violence programs. The network is supported by 3,110 paid staff members and 17,500 volunteers who contributed over 409,000 hours of labor last year.

Timeline

  1. 2008 marked the beginning of the partnership between MAP and CenterLink.

  2. 2025 was the period during which centers provided health services and computer resources.

  3. 2026 is the year the report was released and the period for the collective budget.

Culture Shift

This data captures a significant shift in the operational environment for community-based support groups as they navigate rising external hostility. It highlights how these centers have become flashpoints in the broader societal discourse surrounding LGBTQ rights and public safety.

These centers serve as vital lifelines for residents, providing essential health and anti-violence resources that many community members rely on daily. Understanding these findings can help individuals better support local facilities that may be facing heightened security needs in their neighborhoods.

The takeaway

LGBTQ centers remain essential pillars for community health and safety despite facing significant operational headwinds. Supporting these organizations is critical for ensuring they continue to provide services to the over 1.5 million people who rely on them annually.

Further reading

For additional context on national trends, visit the LGBTQ section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Erie Gay News.

Live Poll

Should your local government increase funding for community-based service centers in your area?