San Francisco, California / Shopping
Human Rights Campaign Action Center and Store
A combined advocacy hub and retail space located in the historic former camera shop of LGBTQ+ pioneer Harvey Milk.
What is the Human Rights Campaign Action Center and Store known for?
It serves as a source for information on the work of the Human Rights Campaign and provides ways for visitors to take action. The San Francisco location is particularly significant as it occupies the space of Harvey Milk's former camera shop.
What can I buy at the store?
The shop offers branded merchandise including clothing, accessories, personalized T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, shorts, tank tops, socks, and items for babies and kids.
What is the purpose of the Action Center?
The Action Center is designed for visitors to learn about HRC's campaigns and find ways to get involved in their work toward LGBTQ+ equality.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The Human Rights Campaign Action Center and Store serves as a public-facing hub for America's largest civil rights organization working toward LGBTQ+ equality. This location is particularly significant because it occupies the former camera shop of Harvey Milk, a pivotal figure in LGBTQ+ civil rights history. The Human Rights Campaign leased this San Francisco storefront in December 2010 to establish a space that blends retail with political activism. Inside, the venue is divided into two primary functions: a retail store and an Action Center. The store offers a wide array of branded merchandise, including personalized T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and accessories for adults, babies, and kids. This commercial presence supports the organization's broader fundraising and outreach efforts. The Action Center serves as an educational resource where visitors can learn about current campaigns and discover ways to get involved in the fight for equality. This model of using physical storefronts for advocacy is a long-standing practice for the organization, whose political-action-committee roots date back to 1980, when the Human Rights Campaign Fund was founded as the first gay and lesbian PAC in the United States.
Visitor tips
- Explore the Action Center section to find information on how to take immediate political action.
- Browse the branded apparel, including personalized T-shirts and hoodies, to find a souvenir of the movement.
- Allow about 30 minutes to browse both the retail area and the educational materials.
Nearby context
Located in the heart of the Castro District, this site is situated near the GLBT Historical Society Museum, making it a natural extension of the exploration of LGBTQ+ history in San Francisco.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Official Human Rights Campaign Shop
Official Human Rights Campaign Shop
shop.hrc.org -
Guide to the Human Rights Campaign records, 1975-2015
Information that was provided in 2006 on HRC's website at this address: http://www.hrc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/About_HRC/What_We_Do_HRC.…
rmc.library.cornell.edu -
Human Rights Campaign | T2T HRC T-Shirts
Each HRC Shop features an in-store Action Center that is your source for information on the work of the Human Rights Campaign and how you c…
apistores.com -
Human Rights Campaign's Lease of Harvey Milk's Shop Protested
A major gay rights group based in Washington, the Human Rights Campaign, has leased the space as an “action center” and store.
nytimes.com