Founded during the early days of the AIDS pandemic, the LGBT Center became one of the nation’s first public spaces for the queer community in 1983, offering health services and a social network to anyone who visited. As it gears up for a massive $9.2 million renovation, The Daily Beast looks back at some memorable moments from the LGBT Center’s past.
Exterior of the LGBT Center in 1984.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Youths in the LGBT Center, circa 1989
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Joan Rivers and Charles Ching
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Artist Martin Wong with his mural.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Ed Koch holds the Stonewall Place sign at the annual Garden Party.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bruhs Mero
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Irving Cooperberg, a founding member, and Gov. Mario Cuomo at the LGBT Center.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Writer Audre Lorde speaking at the Second Tuesdays cultural event in 1985.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Poet Allen Ginsberg
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
Artist Keith Haring working on his mural.
courtesy LGBT Center National History Archive
