Our story

Who We Are

Rainbow Rose Center is an LGBTQIA+ community organization serving York and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. We create opportunities for connection, support, wellness, education, and belonging through programs, peer support groups, social activities, community events, resources, and partnerships.

While "Center" is part of our name, Rainbow Rose Center is not defined by a single building. We bring programs and services into communities throughout York and Adams Counties, using welcoming spaces provided by community partners and local organizations. This community-based approach allows us to meet people where they are and continue expanding access across the region.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to create a community of belonging where LGBTQIA+ people and their families feel welcomed, supported, connected, and valued.

Our story

Our History and Our Future

The Rainbow Rose Center's roots began with Equality Fest, a community celebration first held in 2014 following the passage of marriage equality in Pennsylvania. As the need for year-round LGBTQIA+ resources and support became clear, volunteers opened the York LGBTQIA+ Resource Center in 2019 and established the Rainbow Rose Center as an independent nonprofit in 2020. Today, RRC is not defined by one building or address. We are a community-based network of welcoming programs, services, events, partnerships, and gathering spaces serving LGBTQIA+ people across York and Adams Counties. Looking ahead, we will continue expanding accessible programs and creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can find support, build relationships, and experience a true community of belonging.

Roots in

2014

From Equality Fest to an independent nonprofit — a growing network of programs and partner spaces across York and Adams Counties.

Not one building — many places to connect

Where to Find Us

Rainbow Rose Center is an organization — not a single drop-in facility. Our programs are offered at multiple accessible partner locations throughout York and Adams Counties, and online.

Because each program meets in a different place, the best way to find the right location is to check that program's listing directly.

See the calendar →

A community without walls

One organization. Many welcoming places to gather, connect, and belong — across York and Adams Counties.

Our mission

“Rainbow Rose Center builds a vibrant community of belonging where LGBTQIA+ individuals in York and Adams Counties are supported, affirmed, and able to thrive.”

Our vision

It's all about community.

We envision a thriving community of belonging in York and Adams Counties where all people feel safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically.

Our core values

What guides us in every interaction, program, and decision.

Belonging

We create spaces where everyone feels they belong—centering equity, dignity, and the voices of those too often unheard.

Empathy

We lead with compassion, honoring each person’s lived experience and meeting others with respect and care.

Community

We build meaningful connections, working alongside our community to listen, respond, and grow together.

Accountability

We act with integrity and transparency, holding ourselves responsible to our community and our mission.

Courage

We stand up for what is right, challenge injustice, and take bold action to create lasting change.

Our promise

We are more than a center—we are a community. A place where people are not only welcomed, but truly belong.

We do not discriminate

The Rainbow Rose Center seeks to create an inclusive and safe space for all. We do not discriminate against any person in any of these groups, or any attendee of any RRC-sponsored event, based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, family or parental status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.