The Loft LGBTQ+ Community Center

The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is a non-profit institution that serves the LGBTQ+ community of Westchester County, NY, and the Hudson Valley Region. Founded in 1983, The LOFT provides a broad range of services including in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs, support groups, social activities, and special events such as Westchester Pride Hosted by The LOFT, The Hudson Valley TransForum, and the Trans Support of The Hudson Valley (TSHV) program, which supports and empowers Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary (TGNCNB) communities.

The LOFT’s story began in the early 1980s when the Lesbian Task Force of Southern Westchester NOW and the Gay Men’s Alliance of the Hudson Valley came together to establish a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. From its humble beginnings in a loft above a grocery store in White Plains, NY, The LOFT became Westchester County’s first LGBTQ+ center. Its founding members—Jenny Cummings, Robert Knight, Peter LoMonte, Phyllis Lynch, Frank Santoliquido, Susan Turner, and Mitchell Visoky—created a vital resource for the community, which has since grown into a regional center of connection and support.

Today, The LOFT proudly honors its founders’ legacy by continually expanding services and adapting to meet the ever-evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

The LOFT’s mission is to further the cause of inclusion, diversity, and pride through education, advocacy, and celebration. We are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in every aspect of life, from health and wellness to community building and beyond.

Advocacy: We are forceful advocates for justice and positive, progressive change for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Through our work, we strive to ensure that everyone in our community is treated with dignity, equality, and respect, regardless of identity.

Education: We believe that education is a critical tool in breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. The LOFT provides educational programs, workshops, and resources to broaden awareness and knowledge around LGBTQ+ issues, identities, and experiences. We empower community members, allies, and the broader public to advocate for and support the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways.

Celebration: We celebrate the rich diversity and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community through our signature events, including Westchester Pride, our annual gala, and the Hudson Valley TransForum. These events serve as platforms to highlight the achievements, culture, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

At The LOFT, we honor our history, uplift our present, and work to secure a bright future for LGBTQ+ individuals by advocating, educating, and celebrating every step of the way.