The Center was founded as the Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center in March, 1996 by a dedicated group of activists including Walt Duffey, Brian J. Tognotti, Shawn Webb, Dewayne Ross, Russ Jenkins, and Burton Bagby-Grose (according to official public documents filed with the county clerk of Harris County, Texas and the Texas Secretary of State). Many others played important roles in the development of the Center, including the late Center President Dr. Maria Minicucci.
The Center moved into its first facility at 803 Hawthorne Avenue in March 1998 during the administration of Brian J. Tognotti, the first president of The Center, and moved into its second location at 3400 Montrose Boulevard in early 2003 during the first presidency of Timothy Brookover.
During the presidency of Burton Bagby-Grose in 2003, the name and mission statement were changed to include bisexual and transgender people. The Center awarded the first John Lawrence and Tyrone Garner Scholarship of the Houston GLBT Community Center in June, 2010 during the Center’s annual Lawrence v. Texas Commemoration.
Today, The Center is located in the Old Sixth Ward Historic District, 1900 Kane Street, Houston, Texas 77007. The public should use the Silver Street entrance. The Lubbock Street entrance is for handicapped access. For questions, help, or more information, contact us and a volunteer will respond as soon as possible.
