That is a good question and one for which I do not have an easy or immediate answer.

“But I’m not sure why an adjunct of the State Health Department thinks that it is qualified to speak for me on issues of civil equality or why Lorri Jean has anything to say about the passage of Proposition 8.”

I agree with you that the assclowns who managed the No on 8 effort were badly outmaneuvered, and I agree that we should look for someone other than the HRC and The Center types. But WHO? It’s easy to criticize those who made an effort and failed, but no one seems to be addressing WHO would be qualified to step up to the plate and do it better.

Timothy – do you have any suggestions?

And you’re right, it isn’t much of a hangout place.

In the 80s, the GLCSC was on Highland, just above Santa Monica Blvd.

Am I correct in remembering that the Center was on Fairfax close to Santa Monica Blvd back in the 80’s? That was so long ago.

I don’t recall the exact address, but yes it used to be much more available. And it also used to have community information and community services and a place to hang out.

David C,

These are genuine Gay Community Centers, with all of the services and social opportunities someone would expect in something for a “community”.

Some years back the LA Center officially removed the word “community” from their name.

You know? It’s that HUGE half-modern, half-Victorian building with the letters “LGBT Center” prominently displayed on the front fascade? Right across the street from It’s Tops, where all the gays have to wait in line for Sunday Brunch?

Anyway, San Francisco doesn’t really have a “heart” of the gay community, as we have queer enclaves in the Castro, SOMA, Hayes Valley, Bernal Heights/Mission, and Polk Gulch…all of which are unique.

I don’t know why I’m defending the center: I don’t work there or hardly use it. However, I’ve been to numerous events inside and demonstrations in front of it and I think it serves it’s function perfectly.

Their only issue seems to be keeping a cafe running.

It is also where, hopefully, the SLC WinterPride will get their act together for the event in 2009. It’s just a couple of months away. Oh, yeah, I forgot. Some people are boycotting us. Which probably means this year only a few of us will Après-ski at the Stein Erickson lodge at Deer Valley where we will sip an overpriced hot cocoa or a hot toddy…take your pick.

Considering that Phoenix is the Capital of Arizona and 5th largest city in the country, you would think that we have enough gays in the Phoenix metro area to warrant an LGBT center!

I really do think it provides a good model for what a community center ought to be.

These are genuine Gay Community Centers, with all of the services and social opportunities someone would expect in something for a “community”.

Clearly, if people want a different manifestation for their GLBT centers, they should consider working to make that happen. Centers don’t need to be in just one place (yeah, I know, that sounds contradictory), and different services could be located at different places.

Still, I can sympathize with Timothy’s position. Certainly, the population center of the gay community in LA is in West Hollywood, and in SF, it’s the Castro. Of course, there is the problem of finding a building suitable for a GLBT center exactly where you want it. Were the centers in these two cities looking to relocate to a more “community friendly” location, now would be the time to start shopping for the real estate.

The neighborhood is pretty scruffy I agree. The people that live around there are either dirt poor immigrants, homeless, drug addicts, or prostitutes. I only went to the Center during the day time and parking is just horrendous. I’m offended by any business that charges to park in their parking lot even if you have to do any lengthy business with them. While there is parking on the street good luck finding a space.

I’ve always believed the Center should be in the middle of West Hollywood. Having it in the worst parts of Hollywood just makes no sense. Am I correct in remembering that the Center was on Fairfax close to Santa Monica Blvd back in the 80’s? That was so long ago.