The Community Center Resources For Gay And Lesbian People Inc
About The Community Center Resources For Gay And Lesbian People Inc
The Community Center gives Boise and the Treasure Valley something concrete to hold onto: a welcoming place where LGBTQIA+ people and allies can meet, get support, and find resources. Inside, you’ll find support groups, a free lending library, a food pantry, community events, and a resource center that help people feel less alone and more connected. If you want to support belonging that shows up in real, practical ways, this is the kind of place that does that work every day.
What sets The Community Center apart is the range of support under one volunteer-run roof, from a meeting space and support groups to a queer lending library, a food pantry, and a resource center. It also keeps local queer publishing alive through Diversity, which helps carry community stories and information forward.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Community meeting space
A safe, welcoming facility for LGBTQIA+ and allied organizations and individuals to meet, socialize, and hold activities.
Support groups
Support groups for queer youth, transgender people, asexual/aromantic people, queer and bisexual people of color, and other community members.
Lending library
A free lending library of LGBTQIA+ books and materials by queer and trans authors.
Food pantry
A free food pantry with shelf-stable foods, hygiene products, menstrual hygiene products, and other basics.
Resource center
In-house and virtual resources, referral directories, brochures, safe-sex supplies, and gender-affirming materials.
Community events and activities
Recurring social, educational, and creative events such as game nights, karaoke, book club, Dungeons & Dragons, crafts, and LEGO nights.
Diversity newsletter
A queer newsletter with local, national, and international LGBTQIA+ news, opinion, advice, event calendars, and resource lists.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The Community Center’s mission is to provide an inviting and safe facility for the use of all LGBTQIA+ and allied community organizations and individuals.
Who they serve
LGBTQIA+ and allied people in Boise and the Treasure Valley, including queer youth, transgender people, asexual/aromantic people, queer and bisexual people of color, and people who need community, food, or resource support.
How your donation helps
- Community events and open hours
- LGBTQIA+ lending library books and videos
- Food pantry supplies
- Hygiene and menstrual hygiene products
- Gender-affirming materials and safe-sex supplies
- Resource center materials and brochures
- Monthly sponsorships that help keep the center open
Our story
The Community Center started in December 1983, when friends met in a north end Boise backyard to talk about bringing notice and unity to the small Boise gay, lesbian, and bisexual community. It began as The Community Center, later added transgender people to its subtitle, and published queer community writing through The Paper and then Diversity for more than 30 years. Over time, it grew into a volunteer-run community space and resource hub.
Need help?
How someone in need can access The Community Center Resources For Gay And Lesbian People Inc’s services.
People can visit during open hours or attend events to use the food pantry, browse the resource center, borrow from the lending library, or join support groups and community activities. The food pantry is available during open hours and events, and library checkouts use a form with books returned in two weeks unless more time is needed.
Events
Youth Alliance for Diversity
Every Sunday, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pmA safe environment that fosters education, socialization, and a sense of unity for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies ages 14 to 20.
A Space for Aces
2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pmA safe place for people who are or might be on the ace or aro spectrums to build community, socialize, learn, and support one another.
Tri-States Transgender
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pmA transgender group focused on education, support, and advocacy.
LEGO Lovers Lounge
1st Monday of the month, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pmA monthly LEGO gathering where people can build friendships and create together.
LGBTQIA+ Book Club
2nd Monday of the monthA book club for attendees age 16 and older, with meetings alternating between in-person and virtual formats.
BUNCO
2nd Saturday of the month, 5:00 pm to 7:30 pmA free dice game night with prizes, pizza, and refreshments.
Karaoke Night
3rd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pmA monthly karaoke night hosted with Rainbow Circle.
Dungeons & Dragons
4th Saturday of the month, 10:00 am to 2:00 pmA monthly morning of Dungeons & Dragons for new and experienced players.
Underground Cinema Night with Art Haus Forest
4th Saturday of the month, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pmA monthly queer art house film night centered on underground cinema.
Game Night
Last Friday of the month, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pmA monthly board and card game night.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Community Center Resources For Gay And Lesbian People Inc has shared.
Current needs
- LGBTQIA+ books and videos
- Shelf-stable food
- Unopened hygiene and menstrual hygiene products
- A smartphone from 2020 or newer
- Local LGBTQIA+ art
- Circular knitting needles
- Crochet hooks
Volunteer opportunities
- Grant Writer
- Advocacy Lead
- Bookkeeper
- Social Media Volunteer
- Event Volunteer
- Journalist Volunteer
- Fundraising Volunteer
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
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