Executive Summary

The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is a community-led and equity-focused one-stop hub and sanctuary providing a diverse array of services to northeast Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community. The Center works to meet acute individual needs around education and health while implementing systemic solutions. Work supports the social determinants of health that ultimately reduce harm and improve wellbeing in the LGBTQ+ community. The Center serves a staggeringly diverse population across several counties in northeast Ohio who often struggle to achieve equity, inclusion, and well-being including LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, transgender/gender diverse individuals, families, and seniors. Around 40% of those served identify as something other than “male” or “female.” Just under 50% are individuals of color and the majority live in low-income households. Most are scared and reeling in the face of troubling legislative and socio-political trends. The Center is quite literally led by the community it serves - with 100% of staff and 92% of the board identifying as LGBTQ+. Most programming and on-site health and wellness services are provided by LGBTQ+-identifying professionals. And likewise, there are clear pathways for the LGBTQ+ community to influence work and shape decisions. As a result of Center services, over 75% of those served report improved physical and mental health, wellbeing, access to safe and affirming health care, feelings of safety and affirmation, and sense of inclusion and belonging. The organization also reaches 1,000 trainees annually through its Learning Institute with 80% reporting improved education around LGBTQ+ issues and allyship.

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