Local LGBT Community Center to Close in December, But Its Programming Will Continue
The William Way LGBT Community Center, a staple of Philadelphia's LGBT community for decades, will be closing its doors permanently on December 18. However, despite this setback, the organization has reassured its supporters that its programming will continue to thrive throughout the city.
The decision to close the center was made due to high repair costs, which were estimated at $3.5 million. The building's foundation and structural integrity issues led the leadership team to realize that it would be too costly to undertake necessary renovations, prompting them to explore alternative options.
While the physical space will remain closed, the William Way organization has announced plans to relocate its Empowerment Programs to the Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany on January 5. This move includes Elder Initiative's resources for queer seniors, as well as peer counseling services for trans individuals. The new location is situated in a longstanding inclusive community that identifies as LGBTQ+, offering an ideal setting for these initiatives.
Arts and culture programming, including gallery exhibitions, will continue to take place at various partner organizations and off-site locations throughout 2026. Although specifics have not been released, the organization promises to unveil more information in the coming months.
The William Way LGBT Community Center has a rich history of supporting its community members through counseling services, recovery support groups, and food services. Over 15,000 people visit the center annually for these vital programs. To commemorate this milestone, the center will host a Giving Thanks Dinner & Tree Decorating event on December 5 from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a final dance honoring its legacy on December 5 from 6-9 p.m.
William Way's acting executive director, Darius McLean, expressed his gratitude for the community's support and reassured that "the future of William Way is bright." The organization plans to expand partnerships, increase visibility, and strengthen its commitment to serving the LGBT community wherever they are.
However, the building closure also affects another vital resource – the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives and Library. This collection, housing publications, business records, personal papers, and other materials related to the queer community, will be closed to visitors and researchers until December 18 but will be preserved and expanded in access for the future.
The William Way organization was founded in 1976, marking an important milestone in its legacy. Despite facing challenges, including a failed fundraising effort and the removal of $1 million earmarked for renovations from a funding bill, the leadership team remains committed to serving their community. As they mark their 50th anniversary next year, William Way is set to continue thriving, albeit in different ways than previously anticipated.
The William Way LGBT Community Center, a staple of Philadelphia's LGBT community for decades, will be closing its doors permanently on December 18. However, despite this setback, the organization has reassured its supporters that its programming will continue to thrive throughout the city.
The decision to close the center was made due to high repair costs, which were estimated at $3.5 million. The building's foundation and structural integrity issues led the leadership team to realize that it would be too costly to undertake necessary renovations, prompting them to explore alternative options.
While the physical space will remain closed, the William Way organization has announced plans to relocate its Empowerment Programs to the Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany on January 5. This move includes Elder Initiative's resources for queer seniors, as well as peer counseling services for trans individuals. The new location is situated in a longstanding inclusive community that identifies as LGBTQ+, offering an ideal setting for these initiatives.
Arts and culture programming, including gallery exhibitions, will continue to take place at various partner organizations and off-site locations throughout 2026. Although specifics have not been released, the organization promises to unveil more information in the coming months.
The William Way LGBT Community Center has a rich history of supporting its community members through counseling services, recovery support groups, and food services. Over 15,000 people visit the center annually for these vital programs. To commemorate this milestone, the center will host a Giving Thanks Dinner & Tree Decorating event on December 5 from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a final dance honoring its legacy on December 5 from 6-9 p.m.
William Way's acting executive director, Darius McLean, expressed his gratitude for the community's support and reassured that "the future of William Way is bright." The organization plans to expand partnerships, increase visibility, and strengthen its commitment to serving the LGBT community wherever they are.
However, the building closure also affects another vital resource – the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives and Library. This collection, housing publications, business records, personal papers, and other materials related to the queer community, will be closed to visitors and researchers until December 18 but will be preserved and expanded in access for the future.
The William Way organization was founded in 1976, marking an important milestone in its legacy. Despite facing challenges, including a failed fundraising effort and the removal of $1 million earmarked for renovations from a funding bill, the leadership team remains committed to serving their community. As they mark their 50th anniversary next year, William Way is set to continue thriving, albeit in different ways than previously anticipated.
that's gonna be one big hole in philly's LGBT scene... but on the bright side, they're reloating their empowerment programs to a new spot & arts stuff is still happening elsewhere 
so let's all just take a deep breath & support will way during this transition 
. Been around for decades and what's 3.5 million dollars repair costs gonna do? 
At least they're keeping their programs alive and thriving elsewhere 
. Hope whoever is taking over can learn from the past and build something even better 
.
. It means they get to reach more people and try new things... I guess you could say it's like a reboot or something 
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I'm sad to hear that the William Way LGBT Community Center in Philly is closing its doors for good, but it's great to know that their programs will keep going 
. Hope they can find some new place to call home soon 
.
sadly it's not gonna be the same but at least they're keeping the programs alive 
. And, honestly, it's kinda crazy that they'll still be serving queer seniors and trans folks through peer counseling services - love that! 
The arts scene is also being shifted around, but I'm sure it'll all work out in the end 
. But I guess preserving it is the right thing to do.
? The community seems pretty supportive, though 
.
... now its not about the physical space, its about the people & resources bein preserved 4 the future 
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. And what's up with the archives and library being closed too? Like, isn't that part of the community center thing? I'm really gonna miss going there for events and stuff... I guess we'll just have to keep an eye on where they're moving everything now 
. But seriously, it's not all bad news – their programs will keep on truckin' and expand their reach. Can't say I'm surprised, though. Philly's gentrification is no joke 
. Guess we'll just have to find a new spot to hang out and get our queer vibes 
.
can't wait to see what they do next with their new plans 
like yeah repairs r expensive but its better 2 move the programz thru other orgs & locations tho 
50 yrs is a big deal! i feel bad 4 the archivz tho, thats history u cant just take away 
btw whats up w/ all these changes? 1 day 2 another 1 2 2 wonder how its gonna affect the community