Irvine residents who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community could see more local health and wellness resources as part of the city’s Center for Healthy Living, an effort that’s still in development.

Councilmembers directed staff to study potential programming options in a 5-2 vote during their Oct. 28 meeting. Councilmembers Mike Carroll and James Mai voted no.

Councilmember Kathleen Treseder brought the item forward in order to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ residents and youth who may require additional care and support.

She said she envisions programming like peer support groups, free HIV testing and prevention services and support for parents and families — created through partnerships with local nonprofits who are already doing this kind of work.

“I’m not expecting that the city will provide resources or programming ourselves but rather that we would facilitate bringing in nonprofits who usually work in this space to help support our LGBTQIA+ members,” Treseder said during last week’s meeting. “In particular, I want to consider supporting our youth.”

She said the city recently did a survey on youth, which gathered 1800 respondents from middle and high school students. Of the respondents, 12% self-reported as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, Treseder said.

“Establishing resources specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community ensures that historically underserved populations receive the tailored and affirming care they need and deserve,” reads a memo from Treseder included with the meeting’s agenda materials.

Irvine leaders have been working to develop a Center for Healthy Living, inspired by the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living in Newport Beach. City staff said Hoag Hospital is interested in working with the city to create a similar type of facility and the partnership is still under development.

Mayor Larry Agran requested that staff bring back a progress report update on the Center For Healthy Living as a whole in the new year.

City Manager Sean Crumby — who was promoted from interim to permanent city manager at the same meeting — said the city is still in discussions and negotiations with Hoag Hospital leadership. 

He said they’re looking at site options to establish Irvine’s Center for Healthy Living, and he told council members that city staff expects some kind of agreement to come back for a council vote in early 2026.

Councilmember Mai said he voted against the LGBTQIA+ resource center initiative because he doesn’t want to tell Hoag leadership what kind of health and wellness programming they must provide.

“I really would like [the programming] to be organic and at their discretion versus us telling them what to do about the Center for Healthy Living because it doesn’t even exist yet. We’re still in the process of finding a location,” he said at the meeting. 

“I’m really appreciative of the Melinda Hoag Foundation for even considering our city as a location for this,” Mai continued. “I really just want to stay away from telling them what to do.”

Councilmember Carroll didn’t provide any comments during the meeting before voting against the item.

Councilmember Melinda Liu said it’s important to make sure resources for the LGBTQIA+ community are available since residents may not feel comfortable advocating for themselves.

“Folks in the LGBTQ communities often don’t feel safe enough to come out and seek that help,” Liu said, “so it is upon us as decision makers to create – proactively – that space for them to feel safe and provide the service and support for them.”

Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.