National LGBTQ Center for the Arts to Open in San Francisco

A first-of-its-kind building featuring LGBTQ-specific art and performance will open in the next few years in San Francisco's Castro district.

The National LGBTQ Center for the Arts will occupy a four-story building on Valencia Street, purchased for $9.6 million. Terrance Chan, one of the founding members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus donated $5 million for the project, while the SFGMC's board kicked in another $1 million; the organization will soon announce a capital campaign to cover the rest of the building's cost and forthcoming renovations.

The arts center will not only serve as the future home of the SFGMC's offices and performances, it will also offer space for LGBTQ artists, offer community meeting rooms, host trainings, internships, feature a recording and production studio, as well as an "exciting virtual reality experience," according to a press release.

Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director of the SFGMC, said in a statement, "In my 30 years conducting LGBTQ choruses, none of us have had the ability to purchase a building that had multiple rehearsal spaces, a recording studio and the ability to provide space for the community. Our new Center will be open to all. It is appropriate that the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, which started the LGBTQ choral movement 40 years ago, once again is leading the field."

Trending stories

Elon Musk deadnames his 'killed' child — his trans daughter claps back

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

'White Lotus' S3 E6 recap: We need to talk about the incest storyline

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Kelly Marie Tran says all of her roles are queer — including her latest in 'Control Freak'

10 lesbian sports movies that are total game-changers

Lana Ja'Rae was the ingenue of 'Drag Race' S17. Why are you mad, sis?

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website

Vivian Wilson calls father Elon Musk a 'pathetic manchild' in new tell-all interview

11 hypocritical MAGA politicians and supporters accused of sexual harassment and assault

Suzie Toot says the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' cast 'got hate crimed' in Las Vegas

Yellowjackets' Liv Hewson: Breaking Hollywood's binary is 'doable'

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

How RuPaul dragified Las Vegas with a triumphant comeback

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

With the arts center, SFGMC will partner with San Francisco public schools for youth programs and expand their national efforts, which currently includes a national tour of "It Gets Better," produced by SFGMC in collaboration with the It Gets Better Project and Speak Theater Arts.