Raleigh’s LGBTQ Center finds a permanent space for the first time in years

Good news for residents of Raleigh in North Carolina. Last month saw the grand opening of a new, permanent space for its LGBT center.

The non-profit, which has been running for the past 16 years, has lacked a full-time physical home since the pandemic. Since that time, it’s largely run its programs virtually.

Its new home can be found at 128 E. Cabarrus St., next to the Lincoln Theatre.

Spread over 3,000 square feet, the center features a LGBTQ+ library, a free clothing closet, a cyber center with computers, lounge space, meeting rooms, and a harm reduction kiosk, with items such as Narcan and personal hygiene products.

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The center’s executive director, Kori Hennessey, told the Raleigh News & Observer, “There’s so many opportunities to be able to really make this a center that is for everyone and not just for people who need the most help. We want to make sure that we are bringing that sense of belonging and support to everybody.”

Hennessey, who uses they/them pronouns, said one of the center’s priorities will be helping people find stable housing. Regular drop-in hours commence on Jan. 21, when people can visit without an appointment to check out the library and other amenities. The center will also host a diverse range of programs.

“A lot of people thought we stopped existing for five years because we hadn’t had a really permanent space,” Hennessey said. “So, yeah, we’re ready to kind of just set down roots.”

Regular events include an older persons coffee gathering, HIV testing, a youth coffee house, a discussion group for trans people, a queer adult book club, and non-binary tea time, among many others. A full calendar can be found on the center’s website.

Queer Raleigh

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, combines traditional appeal with modern sophistication. The historic downtown features craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and live music venues, while museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and Natural Sciences both offer free admission.

Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up what’s referred to as North Carolina’s “Research Triangle,” due to their prestigious universities and science and tech facilities. There’s a correspondingly high number of students and other academics.

For visitors, the city’s proximity to both mountains and beaches makes it an appealing year-round destination.

In terms of queer venues, there are the nightclubs Flex, and Legends. The latter, at the intersection of Hargett and Harrington Street, has been a mainstay for the past 40 years.

The Pinhook, in Durham, is more of a mixed live-music venue, but everyone is welcome. For example, it hosts a fortnightly Queer Country Music night, with the next one scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.

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