Persad Center, is the nation’s second oldest licensed mental health center specifically created to serve the LGBTQ+ community.

Founded in 1972, Persad was created in response to the demand for specialized, nondiscriminatory services expressed by LGBTQ+ individuals through an underground Pittsburgh gay hotline. Started by a group of gay activists in Allegheny County, the hotline was originally established to provide LGBTQ+ people with information regarding safe places to meet one another, and as a communication network to make LGBTQ+ people aware of happenings in the community.

Location: Pennsylvania

Founded: 1972

Official Website: persadcenter.org