NoVA Prism Center: Offering Queer Joy and Community in Northern Virginia

At a time when LGBTQIA+ spaces are more vital than ever, there are still organizations lighting the way. Founded in 2022 as a response to book bans and rising hostility toward inclusive education, NoVA Prism Center in McLean, Va., has evolved into a safe haven of support, empowerment, and visibility for Northern Virginia’s queer community. 

“NoVA Prism Center is a private library and community center serving the Northern Virginia LGBTQIA+ community by providing access to educational and community resources highlighting LGBTQIA+ lives, bodies, and history,” explained founder Leon Van Der Goetz. The Center has a particular focus on supporting teens, young adults, and marginalized communities in the area. 

Currently operating in a modest 100-square-foot space, the Center boasts more than 400 books, monthly events, weekday drop-in hours, and even a gender-affirming clothing exchange.  

But, like many community organizations, a steady cash flow remains a challenge, with potential donors hesitant to get involved due to perceived political risks. “As a trans-run LGBTQIA+ nonprofit, getting funding has been an ongoing challenge, and we've learned to do a lot on a very low budget,” Leon said.  

As a result, Leon and his volunteers have found creative ways to sustain NoVA’s important work, ranging from in-kind community donations to revenue generated by annual fundraising events and the online arts magazine, The Lantern. 

Last year’s Coming Out Gay-La, the Center’s signature event, was a homecoming of sorts. “Our very first pop-up event was in late December 2022 at an art gallery in Reston, Va. We barely filled the space, only had about 50 books, and had maybe five people show up,” Leon said.  

Just two years later, the event was a massive celebration of the community and how far the organization has come. And there’s been a lot to celebrate: in March, NoVA Prism Center moved into a new facility! Opening just in time for spring, the Center’s new home is now large enough to support all its regularly scheduled programming and its library collection, along with a gender-affirming closet, community fridge and food pantry for those in need, and more.  

“The new space allows us to better meet the needs of our community, particularly in these uncertain times,” said Leon. “It will be a space we can grow into over the months and years to come. We're beyond excited to welcome everyone in to see the new NoVA Prism Center.” 

For those looking to start their own nonprofit or community space, Leon offered some advice. “Be patient, and don’t give up! The world can seem full of hate sometimes, and it can make you wonder why you're doing all this when nobody shows up to an event and all you hear are the horrific things people can say and do. But LGBTQIA+ centers are beacons of hope, light, and community, and if even one person's life is improved through finding the space, then it's worth it—more people will come eventually.” 

That message of visibility extends to their choice of domain: NoVA Prism proudly operates as a .gay website. The choice of domain does more than just make the web address stand out and offer clues about the demographics served; it brings folks a moment of happiness. 

“Initially, we chose it because it was cute and fun—we’re an LGBTQIA+ center, .gay makes that very clear, and it rolls off the tongue so well,” said Leon. “Since then, though, we love how people react when they hear it.” 

With a .gay domain, you’re signaling to your community or customers that you’re an inclusive organization and showing off your values, right through your web address. Whether you’re launching a business, a nonprofit, a creative project, or something else, a .gay domain lets you connect with your audience in a meaningful—and proudly gay—way.  

“.gay brings us and our community so much joy for three little letters at the end of our site,” Leon said. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”