Harriet Hancock LGBT Center
About Harriet Hancock LGBT Center
Founded in 1993 as the first LGBTQ resource and community center in the Southeast, the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center has served the Greater Columbia and Midlands region for over three decades. Located at 1108 Woodrow Street in Columbia, SC since 1994, the center embodies a vision where all people are accepted and affirmed regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The organization creates a safe, inclusive home that supports, educates, and empowers the LGBTQ community, allies, and neighbors through peer-led programming and authentic community connection. The center's mission centers on helping community members build resilience while navigating identity complexities in a supportive environment. Volunteer-staffed and deeply rooted in the Columbia community, the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center demonstrates commitment to collaborative advocacy and partnership with local organizations. The center works alongside community partners to champion the rights of both the LGBTQ community and allies, hosting educational opportunities and social events that reflect the growing and evolving needs of those served. With a lending library, meeting spaces for LGBT-supportive groups, and a directory of LGBT-friendly businesses and counselors, the center provides practical resources alongside emotional and social support. The Harriet Hancock LGBT Center Foundation maintains 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, ensuring tax-deductible contributions support its mission of fostering understanding and collaboration throughout the Midlands.