A new report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink reveals that LGBTQ+ community centers across the U.S. are facing increasing threats and harassment, much of it driven by anti-LGBTQ+ political rhetoric. According to the 2024 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report, 73% of the LGBTQ centers surveyed reported experiencing anti-LGBTQ threats or harassment in the past two years, underscoring the challenging environment in which these vital organizations operate.The report surveyed 199 LGBTQ community centers across 42 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, highlighting the role these centers play in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Since its inception in 2008, the biennial survey has been an important tooll for understanding the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ services and advocacy.As attacks on LGBTQ people escalate year after year, we applaud these centers ongoing dedication to serving on the front line meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of LGBTQ people, their families, and their communities across the country, said Tessa Juste, LGBTQ Movement Building and Policy Researcher from MAP. This report illustrates the vital difference these centers make in peoples everyday lives, while also highlighting the urgent need for continued funding and support of these centers and the lifelines they provide.The 199 surveyed centers serve over 58,700 people weekly, or more than 3 million annually and are a lifeline for underserved populations.This report is a crucial guidepost for us to see the positive impact of LGBTQ centers across the U.S. as well as what areas need additional resources, said Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this report makes clear the importance of LGBTQ centers in our communities.Key findingsThe report offers a detailed breakdown of the services LGBTQ+ centers provide and the challenges they face. A significant portion of these centers (66%) directly offer essential services such as physical health, mental health and anti-violence programs. When factoring in centers that provide referrals to LGBTQ+-friendly health providers, this number jumps to 95%.Additionally, half of the centers offer computer resources for job searching, career development, and social services. Advocacy and public policy work is also a priority, with 92% of centers engaging in these areas. Over half of the centers reported participating in voter registration efforts, and many are focused on opposing anti-transgender legislation.However, the report also highlights growing safety concerns. 73% of centers have reported a sharp increase in threats, directly tied to anti-LGBTQ+ political climates, adding a layer of stress to already overburdened organizations. That number is up 2% from 2022. 63% of centers reported receiving offline harassment or threats.Financial realitiesWhile LGBTQ+ community centers collectively reported a 2024 budget exceeding $366 million, 98% of that collective budget belongs to big centers. These larger centers report an average operating budget of $2.7 million.Over a third of the centers operate with budgets under $250,000, while nearly all (98%) of the budgeted resources belong to larger centers. Government grants are a vital funding source for many larger centers, with 41% reporting them as their primary revenue source in 2023. For smaller centers, individual contributions are the main funding stream.Government grants provided over $117 million in funding in 2023, supporting essential services such as healthcare and housing for LGBTQ+ individuals.Despite these resources, many centers remain thinly staffed, with only 84% employing paid staff. In 2023, nearly 11,600 volunteers donated over 421,000 hours, helping these centers extend their reach and impact.31% of centers currently have five or fewer paid staff, and 17% have no paid staff whatsoever, relying exclusively on volunteers, states the report. This is especially true for small budget centers, 95% of whom have five or fewer paid staff (44%) or no paid staff (51%).The 2024 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report highlights the role these centers play, particularly in an era marked by heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and threats. While they continue to provide critical services and support, the report underscores the need for sustainable funding and resources.The post New report reveals 73% of LGBTQ+ centers face rising threats amid anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric appeared first on News Is Out.