Pride Community Services Organization (PCSO) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Lexington, KY that strives to improve the quality of LGBTQ+ individuals’ lives in Central and Eastern Kentucky.
The PCSO operates the only physical, community-based Pride Center in Kentucky, which is often utilized as a free meeting space for LGBTQ+ organizations in the community. For more than 30 years a monthly newsletter, which is now a magazine, has been published and distributed all over Kentucky. And for over the last decade, the PCSO has planned and executed the Lexington Pride Festival with help from many wonderful volunteers from the community.
Pride Center Location
389 Waller Ave.
Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 253-3233
Hours of Operation
Tues-Fri 1pm – 6pm
Sat 11am – 4pm
Executive Director
Carmen Wampler-Collins
PCSO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
View PCSO Pride Center in a larger map
Vision Statement
Creating safe, inclusive spaces where every LGBTQ+ Kentuckian is celebrated and supported.
Mission Statement
Pride Community Services Organization works to improve the lives of people in the sexual minority and gender expansive community of Central and Eastern Kentucky by enhancing visibility, empowering community members, and educating the public about issues impacting said community.
The Three E’s
Educate:
The PCSO offers community resources, a monthly magazine, social media, and a Pride library featuing materials by and about LGBTQ+ individuals.
Enhance:
The PCSO organizes, participates, and collaborates in distinct visibility activities such as Lexington’s annual Pride Festival.
Empower:
The PCSO spear-heads vital programming such as the Gender and Sexuality Alliance for Youth, discussion groups and a safe environment at the Pride Center.
By-Laws
Brief PCSO Timeline
1977 | PCSO is formed |
1980’s | Involved in filling social service gaps and gay stigmas regarding the HIV epidemic |
1982 | Sponsored first annual Pride Picnic |
1983 | Received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS |
1986 | The word “Lesbian” was added to the name to recognize important roles of female leaders |
1993 | Stonewall Network began working on raising funds to create a Pride Center |
1996 | The PCSO Pride Center opens |
2008 | The PCSO presents the first Lexington Pride Festival |