About Us
Using our individual lived experiences and collective power, we strive to nurture and support our community.
Our Vision
Thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, living authentically in supportive inclusive communities.
Our Mission
Creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way.
Strategic Initiatives
Ending Isolation & Loneliness
Connecting People to Services & Community
Enriching Our Individual & Collective Experiences
Our Values
Integrity: We do what’s right and stand by our values to support and provide assistance to our LGBTQ+ Community.
Equity: Any and all are welcome at The Center for our community is of utmost priority, and we will provide assistance to whomever comes through our doors.
Joy: Our community’s happiness is our happiness. We find joy in building the LGBTQ+ community up and we strive to deliver that joy in every aspect at The Center.
About The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center)
With a mission of creating vibrant community by helping LGBTQ+ people along their way, The Center’s work stretches across the Coachella Valley. From its McDonald/Wright Building in Palm Springs to The Center Coachella, the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, and the Community Food Bank, The Center offers an astounding range of programs and services to people of diverse ages, races, and identities. Named one of America’s Most Admired nonprofits for its impact and workplace culture, The Center focuses its work on ending isolation and loneliness, connecting people to resources and community, and enriching our individual and collective experiences.
More information is at thecentercv.org or on social media @thecentercv and @thecentercoachella.
Our History
1998
We began as the Prime Timers of the Desert Foundation, a 501(c)(7) non-profit and social club of mature gay and bisexual men in Palm Springs.
2005
We changed our name to Golden Rainbow Senior Center and moved into a one-room center that offered a few programs for seniors and a friendly, accepting place to gather in Cathedral City.
2010
Golden Rainbow Senior Center joined forces with SAGE and was renamed Golden Rainbow Center – SAGE at Palm Springs.
2011
The Community Food Bank at The Center registered with FIND Food Bank, expanding its reach and capabilities.
2012
Golden Rainbow Center – SAGE renamed LGBT Community Center of the Desert.
2016
We moved to our current location in Palm Springs and opened the Scott Hines Mental Health Clinic at The Center in memory of former Rancho Mirage City Councilman/Mayor Scott Hines. We also partnered with Alianza to organize the First Annual Eastern Coachella Valley Pride festival in Coachella.
2020
The Center’s name was amended to LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.
2021
The Center expanded and opened our Coachella satellite office in the former Coachella City Hall.