Our History
2001-2006
2001: A winning grant proposal written by Eileen Klein & Christian Huygen funds creation of Rainbow Heights Club through DOHMH. Members and staff collaborate to develop community guidelines, and members select the name of the agency
2005: After notification that RHC's funding would be drastically cut, stakeholders rally behind the Club and campaign to keep its doors open. Through support from Letitia James, Lambda Independent Democrats, NYS LGBT Health & Human Services Network and Club members themselves, RHC's funding is preserved
2007-2011
2008: Fun Committee founded by RHC members to plan events & outings
2009: After hearing stories from countless RHC members about their negative care experiences “everywhere but the Club,” RHC gathered providers from all over NYC for a day of training and discussion
2009: RHC Marches in NYC Pride for the first time
2009: Kevin Garrity won a NYSDOH contract after writing a grant proposal based on the findings from a member focus group to expand Club service hours and fund formal community outreach efforts
2012-2017
2013: Establishment of our guest speaker and community partnership program
2014: E/Quality Care Trainings continue to grow developing our “Trans 101” training for educating providers on creating a safe and affirming environment for transgender staff and clients
2016: HCBS Services begin, RHC Peer Specialists begin providing home and community based services to eligible members
2018-2024
2022: Rainbow Heights Club moves to its current home at 25 Elm Place
2022: Through the support of the New York State Office of Mental Health and the NY City Council, E/Quality Care Trainings are now available for free to behavioral health providers across New York State
2022: Members and staff open the Brooklyn Pride Parade as the Grand Marshalls
2024: Funded by a HANYS Grant, RHC partnered with Maimonides Health to create a LGBTQ+ resource guide for allied organizations