Alexandria GLCA

What is the primary purpose of Alexandria Gay & Lesbian Community Association?

The Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association (Alexandria GLCA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, that strives to enhance the quality of life for the local gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community through social activities, education, political awareness, and community service. We are a membership organization and we urge GLBT persons and straight allies who support our mission to join.

Where are you located?

We are run entirely by volunteers and we do not have a physical office. Instead, we meet at local restaurants, private homes, etc., as the occasion warrants.

I do not live in Alexandria - Can I still join?

Absolutely. We are focused on the Alexandria, Virginia area, but we have many members who live in surrounding areas. Whether you live, work, or just visit Alexandria, we welcome you to join our association and participate in all of our activities.

Do I have to be Gay to join?

No. Our strength is in our diverse membership and many of our members are straight allies. Some have GLBT family members, and others are simply supportive of full equality for GLBT persons. Straight allies are welcome at our social activities, and encouraged to participate in our education and community service events.

Does Alexandria GLCA share or sell its members information?

No. The email and mailing lists of the association are confidential. The lists are never sold or loaned.

What are your membership fees?

Membership fees for individuals are $20 per year.
Membership fees for couples are $30 per year.

Since the dues amounts are so low, members often donate additional funds to the association when they pay their dues. These donations may be specified for operating expenses, or the AGLCA Scholarship Fund. Some special events may have a charge associated with them.

Click here to join.

How do I become involved?

Join us at our monthly “First Tuesday” social or other club events (see our events page for complete list of upcoming events). Our group is always changing and growing, and we are glad to welcome newcomers to the group.

For more information send an email to info@aglca.org.

Are you involved in politics?

Alexandria GLCA is a nonpartisan association and the association does not endorse political candidates or parties. We encourage members to be politically aware and active, especially on issues that impact the GLBT community and our families. To that end we provide educational information and occasionally sponsor candidate forums and questionnaires. We also serve as an information resource to elected representatives regarding issues of interest to the Alexandria GLBT community.

Can I volunteer to help run the association?

Absolutely. A new Board of Directors is elected each year. Also, we have several coordinator positions that are appointed by the Board. If you do not want to make a year-long commitment, we can always use volunteers to plan, run, or host specific events. We also have several ongoing community service projects that rely on volunteers. Please send an e-mail to info@aglca.org to express your interest.

I am looking for someone to date - Can you help?

The Alexandria GLCA social events are the largest gatherings of GLBT people in Alexandria. We have men and women of all adult ages, and a mix of singles and couples at our events. While we cannot promise a “love connection,” we can assure you that you will meet new and interesting people at our association events. Visit our events calendar to see what is going on and be sure to join our free e-list to be informed as new activities are scheduled.

How can I promote my business to your members?

The AGLCA does not, per se, promote businesses. However, we often partner with businesses when they are willing to offer services or benefits to our members. These partnerships make your business visible to our members and e-mail subscribers. Our goal is a cooperation that is beneficial to both you and the AGLCA. There are two ways to partner with us:

Sponsorship Sponsors offer supplies, meeting space, or funds to support the AGLCA’s activities. For example, a business sponsor could provide free meeting space for one of our gatherings, purchase refreshments for a monthly social, or donate funds to support an event. Sponsors are recognized in announcement e-mails, at the event, and on our sponsor page on this website. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please write to info@aglca.org.

Friendly Business In 2006 the AGLCA launched a “Friendly Business” program to identify businesses in the Alexandria area that welcome GLBT customers. Businesses that join the program agree to give card-carrying AGLCA members a special or discount. We include restaurants, retail establishments, and professional services. The AGLCA encourages members to patronize these businesses and professionals through announcements, e-mails, and listing on this website. To register as a Friendly Business, fill out the form (www.aglca.org/forms/FriendsofAGLCAapplication.pdf) and mail it to the AGLCA, or e-mail it to info@aglca.org.

Anything else?

If you are looking for resources about GLBT issues, please visit our Resources page. Check out our Friendly Business and Sponsorship pages for local businesses and professionals that support the GLBT community. To find out what’s going on with the Alexandria GLCA, please visit our Events Calendar page.

If you have additional questions, please write to us at info@aglca.org.