Newark LGBT Center

Born from tragedy and resilience, the Newark LGBTQ Community Center emerged from a decade-long community struggle to create safe, affirming spaces in Newark, NJ. Inspired by the legacy of 15-year-old Sakia Gunna, a young Black lesbian whose 2003 murder sparked community mobilization, the Center officially opened on October 3, 2013, after organizers refused to let the dream of an LGBTQ sanctuary in Newark fade away. Founded by a powerful coalition of determined activists, community members, and lesbian women of color—rooted in the progressive faith community Liberation in Truth—the Center represents far more than a physical space; it embodies activism, community care, and the transformative power of chosen family. Today, the Newark LGBTQ Community Center continues this legacy of resistance and mutual support, serving as a living testament to what communities can achieve when they organize together. The organization's vision reflects its roots: imagining a Newark where the LGBTQ community is visible, thriving, and celebrated. With deep focus on racial and social justice, the Center honors Sakia's memory through its commitment to serving LGBTQ individuals, especially people of color, with dignity and respect. The volunteer-led organization demonstrates that lasting change comes from within communities themselves, not from institutions alone. In Newark, the LGBTQ Community Center stands as proof that persistent organizing and unwavering community dedication can transform dreams into reality.