a midcentury library full of colorful books and decorations

About the Space

Founders Hall at Yale

Location & Hours

The Yale LGBTQ Center is located in the ground floor of Founder’s Hall at 135 Prospect Street, just across from Pauli Murray College and near the Whale.  

The center is open for drop-ins each week Monday-Friday: Noon-9pm.  We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays and during Academic Holidays and Academic Recess periods.
 

Mailing Address

Yale LGBTQ Center 
206 Elm St, #200502 
New Haven, CT 06520

Reception Desk

The reception desk serves as the welcoming heart of the Yale LGBTQ Center. Whether you’re stopping by for a tour, seeking resources, or connecting with staff or community members, our hospitality team is here to help. We’re happy to answer questions, guide you to programs and services, and make sure every visitor feels seen, supported, and at home.

The Andrew E. Dowe Memorial Lounge

The Andrew E. Dowe Memorial Lounge within the Yale LGBTQ Center is a dynamic space primarily used for community drop-ins, study space, and small groups. Featuring rotating community art galleries, the Stonewall Library, educational, center swag and supplies, digital displays, and our public access computers and a printer, this lounge plays a critical role in the Yale academic and wellness missions.

This lounge was dedicated in the memory of Dr. Andrew E. Dowe (1987 -2021), a mentor, colleague, professor, student and friend to so many.  Dr. Dowe helped envision and create the spaces that would become the Yale LGBTQ Center.

The LGBTQ Center Café

The café within the Center is a dynamic multi-purpose space primarily used for community reservations, socials, and as a classroom. Featuring rotating community art galleries with feature lighting, moveable furniture, a projector with surround sound, digital displays, a board game library, and a communal industrial-style kitchen, the café plays a critical role in the Center’s mission. It is available to students, faculty and staff (when availability allows) and is the perfect space for formal events, casual gatherings, group meetings, and independent study.

Setup & Cleanup Guidelines

The cafe can be reserved by Yale affiliated organizations during center drop-in hours and is subject to availability and approval from the professional staff. 

Your reservation must include adequate time for setup and cleanup. Review the checklist below beforehand, and consult the receptionist on duty with any questions. Please return the room to its original configuration by the end of your reservation, unless instructed otherwise by our staff. If you use the kitchen, you must clean up after your event—custodial services do not include the kitchen. Failure to restore the space to its previous state will result in an additional fee and loss of use privileges.

End-of-event checklist

  • Furniture: return to original configuration
  • Tables, counters and stovetop: wipe with damp blue microfiber cloth or Clorox wipes
  • Dishes: load dishwasher; or wash, dry and put away
  • Trash (Friday & Sunday): trash should be placed in parking lot dumpsters