As the Rainbow Rose Center welcomes in 2026, we’re filled with excitement for fresh starts and new opportunities ahead. We’re thrilled to be launching new programs in Hanover this February, followed by programs in Gettysburg beginning in March—and that’s just the beginning.

Our organization remains deeply committed to offering high-quality, free programs while supporting our local LGBTQIA+ community in any way we possibly can. This year, we can’t wait to continue growing our community and expanding our small business partnerships throughout 2026.

We’ll also continue to offer monthly volunteer opportunities, with a brief pause for the month of January, and we’re actively planning even more partnerships and events as the year unfolds. We are so excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share this new and exciting year with you!

 

-Natasha Swiger, Director of Programming and Outreach

GET INVOLVED: Volunteer with The Rainbow Rose Center!

 We are always looking for volunteers to represent the Rainbow Rose Center at community events by tabling and sharing our many resources in the greater community in addition to our monthly group volunteering days where we give back to other organizations. If you're interested, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and someone from the organization will be in contact with you.

Many have asked what we need most for the Rainbow Rose Center. While all forms of generosity are greatly appreciated, our Amazon Wishlist contains the items we plan to use for programming, events and to help us maintain our space. These items have been thoroughly researched to meet our organization's specific needs, and will make the greatest difference for us. We thank anyone who makes a purchase off of our wishlist!

The holidays may have passed, but there's still time to support the Rainbow Rose Center!

If you missed donating on Giving Tuesday, it's not too late to support our Season of Giving campaign! We've opened up the opportunity to support the Rainbow Rose Center through the end of January.

Mark your calendar for June 13, 2026 and get ready for an incredible day of celebration, community, and Pride. Follow our Facebook Event to stay up to date on performers, vendors, activities, and all the exciting announcements still to come!

OR if you're interested in signing up as a vendor, applications for York County Pride 2026 are now open! York County Pride is happening June 13, 2026 at the York County Fairgrounds. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

Vendor deadline: May 1, 2026

To view our ongoing support groups, social groups, events and community partner's events visit our website calendar!

This Valentines Day, make it a night to remember at the Love Is Love Is Love fundraiser at the Gift Horse Brewing Co in York! Enjoy a night of Opera, Musical Theater, Drag, and Rock! Most of all, celebrate all of the different and amazing kinds of love in our lives!

Applications are officially open for the 2026 York Pride Ambassador Pageant, an opportunity to represent, uplift, and advocate for York County’s LGBTQIA+ community. The pageant takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with applications due by Saturday, February 7, 2026. Participants will compete in Pride Wear, Talent, and Personal Interview categories.

This role is about more than a title. It is about visibility, leadership, and meaningful impact. The 2026 pageant will proudly honor Regina Holiday, York Pride Ambassador 2025, and continue a legacy of community-centered leadership. Those ready to step into this role are encouraged to apply and begin their ambassador journey.

Interested in being a moderator? The Rainbow Rose Center is looking for moderators for several groups in York and Adams counties.

Available Opportunities Include:

York - All Identities Adult Social Group
York - Silver Triangle Group
York - Parent Support Group
York - HIV Support Group
York - Young Adult Social Group

Hanover - Parent Support Group
Hanover - All Identities Adult Social Group
Hanover - Teen Group
Hanover - Teen D&D DMs
Hanover - Young Adult Social Group

Adams - Silver Triangle Group
Adams - Teen Support Group
Adams - D&D DMs

Virtual - Teen Group
Virtual - Counselor Support Group
Virtual - HIV Support Group

To learn more about our moderator needs, or to propose a group, reach out to our Director of Programming & Outreach, Natasha Swiger

Look no further than the group, Play Catch With a Dad! Dads in York are available to accompany anyone in the community should they feel uncomfortable going anywhere in the county.  

Interested? Email them here

TransCentralPA offers several support and social groups, including:

TransParent Support Group - Elizabethtown

TCPA Family Support Group - Harrisburg

Significant Other Support Group - Virtual

Harrisburg Social/Support Group - Harrisburg

Keystone Klatsch - Virtual

 

For more information on TransCentralPA's meetings and other activities, visit: TransCentralPA

 

Join the QTPOC Collective's Bi-weekly Monday Meetings from 5:30-7 PM. Stop in to socialize and continue to create space and center the voices and experiences of QTPOC who live and work in Dauphin, Cumberland, York, and Lancaster county.
Hosted by the LGBT Center of Central PA!

If you are trans/gender diverse there is a support group in Hanover at Emmanuel Church of Christ that is here to support you! This group meets on the first and third Mondays of the month from 6-7 PM. This group is here to provide trans/gender diverse people a safe space for those seeking community and support.

The next LGBT+ Grief Group meeting is next Wednesday evening, January 14, 6:00pm-7:00pm.

For those who are interested in attending, please RSVP to Seandor, the facilitator, ahead of time (by afternoon of Jan. 12) at:
Seandor.szeles@bridgeview-therapy.com

• Seandor doesn't accept any last-minute walk-ins to this closed group. Seandor will provide details of the meeting location only to those who RSVP.
• The February Grief Group will meet on Wednesday, February 18, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Our sponsors' support ensures that the Rainbow Rose Center has the funds for the resources, services, and programs the York and Adams County LGBTQIA+ community needs and deserves.