Move proves successful for GLCC

by F. J. Hartland

After 17 years in Squirrel Hill, the Gay & Lesbian Community Center has settled into a new home at 102 Grant Street downtown.

 And the move is proving to be a success.

According to GLCC Director of Development Gary McKillop, “In every possible way, the [new] Center has met or exceeded our expectations.”

There has been an increase in “drop-in” visitors and in the use of the LGBT Library. Requests from groups to use the Center for meetings is also on the rise.

Over 500 guests toured the facility at an Open House held on Nov. 19. Nearly 60 donors attended a private event the Sunday prior to the Open House. Attendance at both events surpassed the GLCC projections.

Features of the new location include a staffed reception desk, conference room, office spaces for LGBT groups, a health services office, an art gallery, kitchen and social areas, as well as an LGBT library housing nearly 3,000 books.

(According to McKillop, the GLCC also received a generous donation recently from Ed Motznik to purchase new furniture for the reception area.)

In addition to giving the GLCC more visibility, the downtown location is also accessible to individuals with disabilities, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

GLCC provides the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, their families and supporters in Western Pennsylvania with resources and opportunities to promote visibility, understanding and equality within the LGBT community and the community-at-large, according to its Web site. GLCC services include a confidential and supportive phone help line, youth programming, social events and meeting space to all individuals or organizations that support and enrich Pittsburgh communities.

According to McKillop, this move will help the GLCC with its future goals. “We look forward to increasing our programs and outreach to the community,” McKillop added.

The center is open from 6-9pm, Tuesday through Thursday; from noon to 9 pm on Saturdays; and noon to 6pm on Sundays. A youth group also meets at the center on Friday nights.

For further information contact Gary McKillop at 412-727-0400 or e-mail quickkey@live.com.