About the Diversity Center of Queens

Queens Pride House, the Humanist Center, and Andolan—Organizing South Asian Workers are the founding organizations of the Diversity Center of Queens, an exciting and innovative social justice collaborative venture in the heart of Jackson Heights, Queens.

"The establishment of The Diversity Center marks an exciting moment for social justice organizations in New York City," commented Charles Ober, president of Queens Pride House, the lead partner in The Diversity Center. "In sharing expanded physical space we greatly enhance our capacity and our mission. We have the opportunity to promote collaboration among members of our community who are not usually seen as partners. Through the center, we hope to forge an awareness of the common goal we all seek, which is to create a community free of discrimination, whether it is based upon nationality, race, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender (including gender identity and expression) and fight the effects of discrimination to health and safety.”

The three organizations have committed to working on joint projects to advance the mission of the center. The projects include educational events and social justice campaigns. Through these programs it is "our mission to promote interchange between different people and cultures," said Yolanda Andersson coordinator of the Humanist Center, who is confident that the Diversity Center of Queens will quickly become a hub of community activity. "What better place to do this than Jackson Heights?" she asked. Jackson Heights is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in New York City and the nation, home to people from more than 70 countries speaking a variety of more than 40 languages. It is also home to the city's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community outside of Manhattan. Jackson Heights is home to one of New York City’s fastest-growing immigrant population, Bangladeshis. Nahar Alam, director of Andolan—Organizing South Asian Workers, which works with low-wage Bangladeshi workers and others sees the Diversity Center of Queens as “an opportunity to learn from other groups and build from that strength. Our members are often invisible. They are low-wage domestic workers and restaurant workers. Coming together with other groups gives us a chance to grow stronger and fight discrimination through collaboration.”

The Diversity Center encompasses 2,000 square feet of space, divided into two meeting rooms, a large multi-purpose room, a library-lounge with computers and wireless internet connection and offices.