Queer LifeSpace
Queer LifeSpace is a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that provides affordable, queer-affirming mental health and substance use therapy to LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Bay Area, including youth, rural, and BIPOC-serving specialized programs, through sliding-scale individual and group sessions and a clinical training pipeline.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Queer LifeSpace does
Queer LifeSpace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health and substance use counseling organization founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco (2275 Market Street #7). The organization delivers affordable, evidence-based, queer-affirming therapy services designed by and for LGBTQIA+ individuals, with individual therapy priced on a sliding scale starting at $30-$40 per session and group therapy starting at $20 per session. Services are delivered in-person at the Castro HQ and virtually via Zoom, including seven specialized support groups (Polyamory & Non-Monogamy, Gender Spectrum, Neuro-Queer, Gay Men's, Queer Women's, Queer & Trans Youth, and Queer & Trans BIPOC). Since founding, the organization has served nearly 8,000 clients and delivered over 60,000 therapy sessions, with 52% of clients self-identifying as non-cisgender, 33% as BIPOC, and 15% as non-binary.
Beyond core clinical services, Queer LifeSpace operates three specialized youth programs: Rural Youth Outreach (founded 2017, providing virtual counseling to LGBTQIA+ youth across rural California counties), EQUARTY (launched late 2021, providing 12 months of free therapy and artistic mentorship to queer artists ages 18-30), and Outlandish! (launched 2023, a free nature-based outdoor wellness program for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-18). The organization also runs a 12-month Practicum Clinical Training Program and a Post-Graduate Associateship that train the next generation of queer-affirming clinicians. Revenue is generated through individual donations, corporate matching gifts, restricted foundation grants (Horizons Foundation, Grassroots Gay Rights Foundation, Pinterest Impact Lab, Arc'teryx), event-based fundraising (Annual Gala, EQUARTY art auction, drag dinners, hike-a-thons, Pride events), sliding-scale therapy fees, and merchandise sales.
The leadership team consists of Executive Director Ryan MacCarrigan (15 years of tenure), Co-Founder and Clinical Director Chris Holleran, and Co-Founder Joe Voors (who also co-founded SF Therapy Collective). Outreach is community-led, relying on word-of-mouth, LGBTQIA+ partner networks, schools, and event-based community presence rather than paid advertising. In 2024 the organization faced an eviction threat from its landlord Regent West Ltd despite holding a lease through 2027, which it contested with assistance from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors under a conditional 18-month land use provision and a cross-complaint filed with pro bono legal counsel.
Queer LifeSpace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Queer LifeSpace
- Legal name
- Queer LifeSpace
- Website
- https://queerlifespace.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Queer LifeSpace is a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that provides affordable, queer-affirming mental health and substance use therapy to LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Bay Area, including youth, rural, and BIPOC-serving specialized programs, through sliding-scale individual and group sessions and a clinical training pipeline.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Queer LifeSpace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Mental Health Services
- NAICS
- Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) (62133), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- General Mental Health Therapy Platforms (Talk Therapy) (HLALAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Couples & Family Therapy Teletherapy Platforms (HLALAEAG), Peer Support, Recovery Coaching & Sober Living Services (HLAFACAN)
Keywords
Where Queer LifeSpace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Francisco
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Queer LifeSpace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The primary revenue source is individual and corporate donations. Queer LifeSpace runs an active fundraising program including annual galas, art auctions, community events, drag dinners, hike-a-thons, and peer-to-peer fundraising. The organization participates in corporate matching gift programs and encourages recurring donations.
- Foundation and Grant Revenue: Queer LifeSpace receives multi-year and annual grants from foundations including Horizons Foundation (two-year Community Issues Grant 2025-2026), Grassroots Gay Rights Foundation (Tier-A beneficiary), and Pinterest (EQUARTY program grant). Foundation grants are restricted to specific programs and populations.
- Sliding-Scale Therapy Fees: Individual therapy sessions start at $30-$40 per session; group therapy starts at $20 per session. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on client ability to pay. Revenue from therapy fees is modest relative to overall funding but represents a cost-recovery stream. Some youth and rural clients receive free services funded by donor generosity.
- Merchandise Sales: Queer LifeSpace operates an online store selling branded merchandise including t-shirts (from $21.50) and the Outlandish! stainless steel water bottle ($30.00). Proceeds from all merchandise sales benefit the organization's programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Individual therapy — sliding scale from $30 per session |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Group therapy — sliding scale from $20 per session |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Outlandish! outdoor trips — free with optional $0-$40 donation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Queer LifeSpace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Queer LifeSpace provides affordable, evidence-based, queer-affirming mental health and substance abuse counseling to LGBTQIA+ individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Core services include sliding-scale individual therapy (from $30/session), couples therapy, and a portfolio of specialized weekly support groups (Polyamory & Non-Monogamy, Gender Spectrum, Neuro-Queer, Gay Men's, Queer Women's, Queer & Trans Youth, and Queer & Trans BIPOC), supplemented by youth programs (Outlandish!, EQUARTY, Rural Youth Outreach, Youth Services) and a clinical training pipeline for the next generation of queer-affirming therapists.
Product overview
Queer LifeSpace is a nonprofit mental health organization providing affordable, queer-affirming therapy and specialized programs to the LGBTQIA+ community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its core services include individual, couples, and group therapy (starting at $30 and $20 per session respectively) delivered through multiple specialized support groups. The organization operates three youth programs: Outlandish! (a nature-based outdoor wellness initiative for ages 13–18 launched in 2023), Rural Youth Outreach (free virtual counseling for rural California LGBTQIA+ youth, started 2017), and EQUARTY (Emerging Queer Artists in Their Youth — providing 12 months of free therapy, mentorship, and professional development for artists ages 18–30). Queer LifeSpace also runs two clinician training programs: a 12-month Practicum Clinical Training Program for pre-licensed therapists (accepting applications January–February, starts September) and a Post-Graduate Associateship for newly licensed associates (rolling admissions). Merchandise includes branded t-shirts and the Outlandish! stainless steel water bottle, with all proceeds supporting the sliding-scale therapy services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Outlandish!: An outdoor wellness program for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-18 that provides free outdoor activities including hiking, sailing, sea kayaking, and nature exploration in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- EQUARTY
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 8,000 clients served and 60,000+ therapy sessions delivered since founding in 2011 (as of June 2025)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Queer LifeSpace
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Queer LifeSpace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Queer LifeSpace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Sui Generis Designer ConsignmentminorSui Generis Designer Consignment in San Francisco's Castro district hosted the 'Style & Soul' in-store fundraiser on October 18, 2024, benefiting Queer LifeSpace. The event combined fashion, community, and mental health advocacy, with 10% of proceeds and a $20 entry fee donated to QLS.
- One Market RestaurantminorOne Market Restaurant partnered with QLS for the 'SIZZLE: Drag Dinner Extravaganza' on October 4, 2024 — a Halloween-themed charity event featuring a 4-course meal by Chef Mark Dommen and drag performances by Bobby Friday. The dinner was a signature event in QLS's fall fundraising blitz. One Market Restaurant is named a 'Top 10 American Restaurant in the US' by Gayot Guide.
- Palo Alto NetworksminorPalo Alto Networks held a Pride party titled 'Colors of Resilience: Embracing Queer Mental Wellness and Pride' at its Santa Clara headquarters on June 29, 2023, with Queer LifeSpace as the sole beneficiary. The corporate event generated a donation to support QLS's mental health programs.
- Compass Real EstateminorCompass Real Estate held an employee Pride Party at Beaux in San Francisco's Castro District on June 20, 2023, commemorating Pride Month and benefiting Queer LifeSpace. The event brought together LGBTQIA+ community members, Compass agents, and supporters.
- Team Lewis FoundationminorTeam Lewis Foundation donated professional video production services (handheld and drone footage) for QLS's inaugural Hike-a-Thon fundraiser. Team Lewis Foundation supports nonprofits dedicated to social justice and community well-being.
- Gender and Sexual Diversity in Dentistry Alliance (GSDDA)minorQueer LifeSpace partnered with GSDDA to host a free dental services day on July 16, 2022. Four GSDDA members offered oral exams, hygiene instruction, and fluoride applications to Bay Area community members who lacked affordable dental care access. This was a cross-disciplinary health access event held at the QLS office.
- Wright InstituteminorQueer LifeSpace delivered a lecture on LGBTQIA+ mental health access to 33 graduate students and 2 instructors in the Masters in Counseling Program at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. The lecture and brainstorming session addressed challenges queer people face seeking mental health support and educated emerging therapists on queer-affirming care.
- The Academy SFcoreThe Academy SF (2166 and 2174 Market Street) is a key venue partner for major QLS events including the Annual Fundraising Gala (after-party venue), the EQUARTY End-of-Program Art Exhibition (May 2025), and community events. The venue is co-located near QLS's office in the Castro/Market Street corridor.
- Harvey Milk Center for the ArtscoreHarvey Milk Center for the Arts is a key arts partner for EQUARTY and other queer art exhibitions. QLS has partnered with the center for art exhibitions including 'soft defiance' during Pride 2023 and a Speaker Panel on The Healing Power of the Arts (May 2025). The center is a San Francisco Recreation and Parks facility dedicated to LGBTQ arts.
- Diamond WaveminorDiamond Wave, San Francisco's queer arts organization led by interdisciplinary artist Vin Seaman, is a key partner for non-binary advocacy and queer arts programming. Diamond Wave's director Vin Seaman contributed a testimonial about QLS's therapy services and founded the THEYFRIEND Nonbinary Performance Festival. QLS is listed as a Key Partner on the QLS website.
- Juanita MORE!coreJuanita MORE! is a legendary San Francisco LGBTQIA+ activist and drag performer who has been a consistent QLS champion and hostess. She headlined the Style & Soul fundraiser (October 2024) and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for QLS over the past decade, including $126,000 at her 2023 Annual Daytime Pride Party. She serves as a VIP hostess and community ambassador.
- Castro Street FairminorCastro Street Fair is listed as a Major Supporter on the QLS website. As a signature LGBTQ community event in the Castro, the fair supports QLS's mission and provides community visibility. The fair has been an ongoing community partner for the organization.
- SF Therapy CollectivecoreSF Therapy Collective shares office space with Queer LifeSpace at 2275 Market Street Suite #7. Co-founded by Joe Voors (also QLS co-founder), SF Therapy Collective is a sister organization that provides additional queer-affirming therapy services from the same physical location.
- Underglass FramingminorUnderglass Framing donated custom frames for three artworks at the February 2025 EQUARTY art auction. In-kind donations of professional services help QLS reduce operational costs and invest more directly in programs.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Queer LifeSpace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center: New York City-based federally qualified health center providing LGBTQ+ affirming primary care, mental health, and sexual health services to communities of color. Directly comparable as a major LGBTQ+ community health organization offering integrated mental health and primary care with sliding-scale pricing.
- The Trevor Project: National LGBTQ+ youth crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization operating a 24/7 hotline, digital chat, and peer support programs. Comparable as a leading LGBTQ+ mental health provider with a strong youth-services focus and significant foundation/corporate funding.
- Lyon-Martin Community Health Services: A San Francisco-based community health clinic providing primary care, mental health, and transgender health services specifically for LGBTQ+ and low-income women and non-binary people. Directly comparable mission: culturally competent LGBTQ-affirming care for economically vulnerable populations in the Bay Area.
- SF Therapy Collective: A queer-affirming therapy practice co-located with Queer LifeSpace in San Francisco's Castro, founded by QLS co-founder Joe Voors. Comparable as a sister organization providing sliding-scale queer-affirming therapy from the same physical location.
- Fenway Health: Boston-area community health center specializing in LGBTQ+ care, with integrated behavioral health, primary care, and research. Comparable as a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare organization with a strong mental health practice and clinical training components.
- Pacific Center for Human Growth: Berkeley-based LGBTQ+ community center providing counseling, youth programs, and support groups for the Bay Area queer community. Directly comparable as a Bay Area nonprofit offering LGBTQ-affirming mental health and community programming on a sliding scale.
- Howard Brown Health: Chicago-based LGBTQ+ community health center providing primary care, behavioral health, and youth services across multiple sites. Comparable as a multi-site LGBTQ+ health organization with significant behavioral health programming and youth-focused services.
Others
- PFLAG National: National LGBTQ+ family and ally organization with 400+ local chapters providing support groups, education, and advocacy. Comparable as a complementary community support organization serving LGBTQ+ populations, though focused on family/ally support rather than clinical mental health services.
Broad incumbents
- Open Path Psychotherapy Collective: A national nonprofit network of mental health therapists offering sessions at $30–$80 for uninsured and underinsured clients across the US. Comparable as a broader sliding-scale mental health access model, though not LGBTQ-specialized.
- Talkspace: Public online therapy platform connecting users with licensed therapists via messaging, audio, and video. Comparable as a scaled therapy provider using virtual delivery, though operating as a broad, for-profit incumbent rather than a culturally specialized nonprofit.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Queer LifeSpace social profiles
Digital presenceQueer LifeSpace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Queer LifeSpace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Queer LifeSpace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Queer LifeSpace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Queer LifeSpace
What does Queer LifeSpace do?
Queer LifeSpace provides affordable, evidence-based, queer-affirming mental health and substance abuse counseling to LGBTQIA+ individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Core services include sliding-scale individual therapy (from $30/session), couples therapy, and a portfolio of specialized weekly support groups (Polyamory & Non-Monogamy, Gender Spectrum, Neuro-Queer, Gay Men's, Queer Women's, Queer & Trans Youth, and Queer & Trans BIPOC), supplemented by youth programs (Outlandish!, EQUARTY, Rural Youth Outreach, Youth Services) and a clinical training pipeline for the next generation of queer-affirming therapists.
Is Queer LifeSpace a public or private company?
Queer LifeSpace is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Queer LifeSpace founded?
Queer LifeSpace was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Queer LifeSpace based?
Queer LifeSpace is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.
How does Queer LifeSpace make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are foundation and Grant Revenue, sliding-Scale Therapy Fees and merchandise Sales.
Who are Queer LifeSpace's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, The Trevor Project, Lyon-Martin Community Health Services, SF Therapy Collective, Fenway Health, Pacific Center for Human Growth and Howard Brown Health. PFLAG National is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Open Path Psychotherapy Collective and Talkspace.
Does Queer LifeSpace have an API?
No public API is recorded for Queer LifeSpace.
What industry is Queer LifeSpace in?
Queer LifeSpace's product category is Community Mental Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLALAEAA, General Mental Health Therapy Platforms (Talk Therapy), with a secondary code of HLALAEAG, Couples & Family Therapy Teletherapy Platforms. Its NAICS code is 62133 and its SIC code is 8300.