Harriet Hancock Center

The Harriet Hancock Center, located at 1108 Woodrow Street in Columbia, South Carolina, is the state’s leading LGBTQ+ community resource hub. Established in 1993 as the first LGBTQ+ resource and community center in the Southeast, the organization is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. The center provides vital resources, peer-led support groups, and educational opportunities that help foster connection, empowerment, and resilience among community members.

Programming at the Harriet Hancock Center is designed to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ population across different life stages. Through Youth OUTLOUD, middle and high school students find a safe environment to share experiences, build friendships, and engage in social activities. For adults, the center offers social groups, workshops, and special events such as Queer Collective and the annual Legacy Gala, all aimed at building strong community bonds. In addition, resource guides connect individuals to affirming providers in medical, legal, and mental health services, ensuring access to inclusive care.

More than just a gathering place, the Harriet Hancock Center serves as a cornerstone for advocacy and education in the Midlands region. Whether attending a support group, accessing the pop-up closet, or participating in cultural and educational events, community members can rely on the center as a welcoming space to be themselves and engage with others. The Harriet Hancock Center continues to honor its mission of supporting, educating, and empowering the LGBTQ+ community while fostering understanding and collaboration across South Carolina.