Office of LGBT Affairs
| Office of LGBT Affairs (now Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs) | |
|---|---|
| Type | City office within the Mayor's administration |
| Established | 2008 by executive order; made permanent in the Home Rule Charter in 2015 |
| Led by | Executive Director Tyrell Brown (appointment reported March 2025; the City's office page does not list a director) |
| Address | City Hall, Room 110, Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
| Contact | (215) 686-0330; LGBTinfo@phila.gov |
| Website | phila.gov/departments/office-of-lgbtq-affairs |
The Office of LGBT Affairs, which the city now styles the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, is a Philadelphia city office that aims "to foster equitable working and living conditions" for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other community members.[1] This article uses the long-standing name; the city's current web page uses the LGBTQ+ name, an example of how city offices are renamed over time.
1 History and legal status
The office was established in 2008 through a mayoral executive order and gained permanent status in the Home Rule Charter in 2015.[1] A Charter office cannot be eliminated by a mayor alone; changes require a Charter amendment approved by voters. Philadelphia's local anti-discrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, enforced by the Commission on Human Relations, predate and operate separately from the office.
2 Functions
The office develops civil rights policy affecting LGBTQ+ residents, implements diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, coordinates services across city departments, supports community growth and serves as a liaison, and educates the public about community needs.[1] It also provides guidance on supporting transitioning city employees and maintains a resource list covering food, health, employment and other services.[1] The office is associated with the city's recognition of Pride events and community organizations.
3 Leadership
Celena Morrison, appointed under Mayor Jim Kenney, was the first Black transgender woman to head the office, per Pennsylvania Capital-Star coverage; she was later succeeded after leaving in November 2024.[2] Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed Tyrell Brown, previously of GALAEI and Philly Pride 365, as executive director in March 2025.[3] The City's current office page does not name a director, so the March 2025 appointment is the most recent public announcement.
4 Connections and complaints
The office is not an enforcement agency. A resident who believes they faced discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodations can contact the Commission on Human Relations; see How to File a Complaint. The office collaborates with the Department of Public Health on HIV and health issues, the Police Department on community relations, and the Office of Immigrant Affairs on intersectional work. The politics of LGBTQ+ policy at the state and federal level shape its work; see Pennsylvania State Government and Philadelphia. This is general information, not legal advice.
See also: Commission on Human Relations, Office for People with Disabilities, Mayor's Cabinet and Offices.
References
- City of Philadelphia, Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, department page, phila.gov.
- Pennsylvania Capital-Star, "Philly Mayor Kenney names Black trans woman to head city's Office of LGBT Affairs"; WHYY, "City appoints Celena Morrison to lead Office of LGBT Affairs."
- The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Gay News (epgn.com), reports on Tyrell Brown's appointment, March 21, 2025.