Social & Support Groups

Social and support groups are the cornerstone of our programs and services at The Center. We are incredibly proud to serve as an organization hosting over 20 social and support groups every single month. Some are facilitated by Center staff, while others are peer-led. All are free to attend and do not require RSVP, unless otherwise stated. Please see below for more information regarding our groups, when they meet, and how you can contact group facilitators.

  • 20 Somethings

    For individuals ages 18-29
    Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
    6:30PM - 8:00PM

    20 Somethings is a social support group focusing on the experiences and issues LGBTQIA+ individuals, ages 18 to 29 years old, face each day.

    The group discuss various topics, hosts open conversations, engages in group games and activities and creates a space for LGBTQIA+ adults to connect and receive support from their community. Local activities and outings are also planned throughout the year! This group is free to attend.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Dani Garcia at dgarcia@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 for our general youth line.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • BBQ (Black But Queer)

    Every 4th Friday
    7:00PM - 8:30PM

    C-Squared is excited to be partnered with The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach. Our work and missions align for the betterment of the community as we feel this project will bring awareness to the area. We wanted to create safe spaces for group discussions that primarily focus on community, mental health, love/relationships, family traumas, and struggles we face as a community. These discussions will inspire and influence the creation of original performance art pieces and original music. We hope this project can be the start of something great that will keep the conversation and community uplifted and going for years to come.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates or any other questions, please contact us by clicking below or 562-434-4455.

  • Coffee Talk

    Every Tuesday
    11:00AM - 1:00PM

    Coffee Talk is a group for elders 55+.

    Come connect with other elders in a round table style and enjoy coffee and light snacks. Activities include guest speakers, games, movies, open forum and various outings.

    Please contact 562-434-4455 or email from the button below.

  • Encore Men

    Every second & fourth Saturday
    10:30PM - 12:30PM

    Encore Men is a facilitated drop-in support group created to provide a safe, affirming and inclusive space for gay, bisexual, trans, queer men and non-binary people who self-identify as Older Adults or Seniors. As a drop-in group, everyone is welcome, and participation is at your own pace.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact (562) 362 – 6945 or click below

  • Generation Q

    For youth ages 9-12
    Every 1st & 3rd Thursday
    4:00PM - 5:30PM

    Generation Q is a fun, free, affirming Drop-In Support group for all LGBTQIA+ or questioning youth, ages 9 to 12. This Group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 4PM to 5:30PM.

    In Generation Q, youth can socialize with peers, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and engage in enriching activities to whatever degree the youth feel comfortable.

    To ensure privacy we ask that parent/caregivers complete a short intake for their child via the QR code below. All Generation Q participants require Parent/Caregiver permission to attend. Generation Q is not a daycare or child supervision program. Parents/Caregivers are asked to stay onsite in case an emergency occurs.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions, contact Youth Services at 562-434-4455 ext. 233 or Kcoughlin@centerlb.org.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • Gender Expansive

    Every Thursday
    7:15PM - 8:45PM

    A social support group for individuals who identify anywhere along the (trans) gender spectrum and are over the age of 18.

    The group is supportive in nature, and participants are asked to celebrate their accomplishments and share the issues they face every day.

    You are welcome to drop in and join this group.

    If you have any questions, contact Astor, the facilitator, by clicking the “Contact” button.

  • Heart2Heart Touch

    Every 3rd Saturday
    10:30AM - 12:30PM

    For Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer Men.

    At Heart2Heart Touch fully clothed men receive a safe emotionally nourishing experience through the use of non-sexual touch exercises. By providing nonsexual Touch Guidelines we take turns, giving and receiving touch. Within guidelines we might touch hands, arms, shoulders, chest, back, head or face, if agreed.

    Imagine what it feels like to be safely held, to receive warm hugs, to have your shoulders massaged, to have your head tenderly stroked or to dance a slow dance. By combining gentle soothing music, touch guidelines, taking turns and using our words, we receive and give caring touch, enhancing our emotional connections with men. We always have a choice of how a man touches us.

    Facebook Page

    Please contact 562-434-4455 or email from the button below.

  • Lez Chat

    Every third Saturday
    10:00AM - 12:00PM

    The Lez Chat drop-in group was created by lesbian women to provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for Lesbian, Bi, Queer women, and Non-Binary people who self-identify as Older Adults seniors, or elders. As a drop-in group, everyone is welcome and participation is at your own pace. This group provides community, company, and space for everyone.

    For more information, contact us by clicking below.

  • Men Over 40

    Every Monday
    4:30PM - 6:00PM

    Men Over Forty is a social group where gay, bisexual and trans men can connect in a safe space for group conversations, dining and various other activities and outings. Events are generally planned and structured by group members and participation in the planning process is encouraged.

    Local activities and outings are planned throughout the year.

    Current scheduled events are as follows:

    Mondays: In person discussion group at The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Third Saturday of the month: Brunch at a local restaurant, 1:00 pm -2:30 pm

    Last Monday of the month: Potluck at The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, 4:30 pm -6:00 pm

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact (562) 434-4455 or click below.

  • Men’s Rap

    Every Thursday
    7:30PM - 9:00PM

    This is an informal discussion and exchange of ideas on a variety of issues pertinent to individuals who identify as men and the Long Beach gay and bisexual community at large. The group is open to gay, bisexual and transgender men of all ages, both single and partnered. Join us and ... LET'S RAP

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Paul at (562) 434-4455 or by clicking below

  • MYTE

    For youth ages 13-18
    Every Tuesday & Friday
    3:30PM - 6:30PM

    Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE) is a safe and inclusive program for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies who are between the ages of 13 to 18. MYTE's focus is to provide youth with affirming resources, peer connections, and advocacy to promote their health and well being.

    At our drop-in program, youth can socialize with peers, participate in fun and educational events, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and engage in enriching, creative activities to whatever degree the youth feel comfortable.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Youth Services at youth@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 or by clicking below.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • Polyamsupport

    Every 3rd Tuesday
    5:00PM - 6:30PM

    “Polyamsupport” is a queer-centered group for those in open relationships or exploring polyamory with a focus on accountability, emotional responsibility, & inclusivity. Meet like-minded individuals, find support, & build a loving community! Topics include time/space management asexuality, coming out, & communication skills. All are welcome to join, solo or with loved ones.

    For more information about this group, meeting updates, possible changes , or for general questions email Chai Benson by clicking the button.

  • TAY Cafe

    For youth ages 18 to 24
    Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday
    4:00PM - 6:00PM

    The TAY Cafe is a drop-in social group focused on provided a space for college-aged LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 18 to 24 years old, to connect with their community. This space will be held upstairs in the MYTE room at the Center.

    At the TAY Cafe, college-aged youth can socialize with peers, work on various projects in an affirming space, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and enjoy Center-provided snacks and beverages.

    This space is free to attend.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Dani Garcia at dgarcia@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 for our general youth line.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • Transparent Families

    For caregivers with transgender and gender nonconforming youth
    Play group for Trans/GNC youth ages 4 -12 included

    Every last Saturday of the month
    1:00PM - 3:00PM

    Transparent Families Caregiver Support Space is a free, affirming monthly community space for parents, caregivers, & loved ones of gender expansive people of all ages.

    Transparent Families facilitates a youth playgroup space for gender expansive youth & their siblings ages 4 -12.

    Transparent Families also features a Parent/Caregiver peer group that runs concurrently with the playgroup, giving parents and caregivers the space to share their experiences with their peers.

    Transparent Families is not a daycare or child supervision program. Parents/Caregivers are asked to stay onsite in case an emergency occurs, regardless of Parent/Caregiver peer group participation.

    All new Transparent Families participants are required to complete a brief intake with one of our youth services staff members.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions, contact Youth Services at 562-434-4455 ext. 233 or Kcoughlin@centerlb.org.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.