Pacific Center for Human Growth

Pacific Center (PC) is the third oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ+) center nationwide. For over 50 years PC has been a beloved part of the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ support system, operated by people who come from the community it serves. Our current leaders are a multiracial group of women and nonbinary people experienced in affecting change. PC has continually evolved to respond to our community’s acute needs, from the AIDS crisis (1980s-1990s), to the fight for marriage equality (2000s - 2010s), to current attacks on transgender rights (2020s). LGBTQ+ people face systemic oppression, and across the board experience negative health outcomes due to associated stressors, and lack of equitable access to care. For LGBTQ+ people who are also people of color, these systemic hurdles are compounded. With a focus on serving historically excluded and otherwise-marginalized LGBTQ+ people. PC serves low income (67% earn under $30,000 per year), minority gender identities (45% are trans, genderqueer or agender), QTBIPOC (40% are ethnic minorities: queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, people of color), youth (34% aged 9-25), and older adults who might otherwise suffer in isolation (12% are 55+). Our vision is to create a future where LGBTQ+ people do not disproportionately struggle with mental health and suicidality. To accomplish this we focus on providing free and low-cost services including: Therapy; Peer groups; Diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) training for companies and institutions; and Inclusive clinical training for mental health practitioners PC is dedicated to serving our community and saving lives.