Tel-Aviv LGBTQ+ Centre Re-Opens After Major Renovation, One Of The Largest In The World
A new LGBTQ+ centre opened this week at the Gan Me’ir Park in Tel-Aviv. The NIS 30 million renovation has doubled the size of the old centre, making it one of the largest LGBTQ+ centres in the world. It is fully budgeted and operated by the Tel Aviv -Yafo municipal authority.
The Gan Me’ir LGBTQ+ centre, which began operating 16 years ago, was the first in the country and quickly became one of the main symbols of the LGBTQ+ community in the city as well as an integral part of the community organizations that work to promote equality and prevent discrimination.
The new centre opened in Gan Me’ir, one of the most beautiful and bustling locations that Tel Aviv has to offer. The new centre serves members of the community of all ages and from the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum turning the city of Tel-Aviv into a beacon of equality in the country, the Middle East, and the entire world. It should be emphasized that the centre is open to all, regardless of orientation.
Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor, Ron Huldai: “Tel Aviv-Yafo is proud to be a home for this community in Israel, the city where every family always has a place of honour. It was important for us that the community can have a real home. A place that will always be open, safe, and welcoming. I am not naive we still have a long way to go until everyone understands that the subject of gender is a personal matter and that everyone deserves to live a life of equal rights and opportunities. A good life. We still have a long road ahead, but we will pursue it together. And for those who still have question marks floating in the air, there is here in the centre of Tel Aviv-Yafo a great ray of light called the LGBTQ+ centre and I hope its light will flood all of us with joy and love.”
The new centre, which covers an area of 2,170 meters, includes four floors, eight studio and activity rooms, and a modern and well-equipped auditorium with 180 seats, which will also serve as the home theatre of the LGBTQ centre’s theatre.
In addition, “Cafe Alma” – a local café chain – will operate a branch within the centre, and the open balcony will also be used for events and will host queer artists with an emphasis on young audiences. The entire building is fully accessible, with subtitle screens placed in the auditorium.
In terms of content, the new centre will have an exhibition space for temporary exhibitions, a variety of new courses and classes – from health to art, a special place dedicated for children’s activities and preparation for parenting, and a retirees’ club – a one of a kind in Israel.
The testing service for sexually transmitted diseases will be back in operation every week and subsidized by the municipality. Among other things, the center operates the clinic for treatment and counseling that specializes in accompanying LGBTQ+ couples, individuals, and families.
The center will be open 6 days a week from morning to night.