Mission & History
Our Mission:
We provide a welcoming, safe space — an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.
Please review the menu to the right to learn more about who are as the Center.
The Pride Center is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization pursuant to section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and is a registered charity with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (Registration #CH4411). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the state of Florida/Division of Consumer Services by calling 1.800.435.7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
The Pride Center History
In 1993, Alan Schubert, philanthropist and gay pioneer, conceived the idea for the then Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida. Schubert determined that a safe community center in Fort Lauderdale could also assist existing and new groups serving the LGBTQ community. Since then, The Center has met the LGBTQ community’s distinct health, social, educational, socio-economic and safety needs.
In 2005, the Board of Directors wisely sold the Andrews Avenue property where the GLCC conducted business for several years at the height of the real estate market boom. In 2008, we purchased a five-and-a-half campus in the heart of Wilton Manors. After completing a $1 million renovation of the Schubert Building in 2009, we reopened as The Pride Center at Equality Park to better reflect our inclusivity of a diverse community. Equality Park provides 30,000 square feet of meeting and office space for individuals, programs and services, as well as synergy among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier point of connection for our community.
The Pride Center Mission Statement: We provide a welcoming, safe space-an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida
The LGBTQ community is growing and changing. So are our needs. As our community grows and embraces the diversity of all, so does our community center. Learn more about our expanding programs and services by clicking the Programs & Services tab in the navigation menu. The Pride Center Calendar of Events provides additional information about meetings, groups, and HIV testing dates and times.
As we evolve and grow, we remain mindful of Alan Schubert’s original vision.
