Twenty-seven years ago on June 18th, 1997, marked AHF’s grand opening of the WeHo Lounge in the heart of West Hollywood. The previous location of Six Gallery was rebranded into a ground-breaking coffee shop (with all the vibes of the 90s) where the patrons could discreetly access HIV/AIDS treatment information. The WeHo Lounge was established as part of AHF’s Treatment = Life Division to provide a message of hope and support for people affected by or living with HIV. The lounge was opened seven days a week, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and offered free HIV testing two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The WeHo Lounge offered the community a safe space to have a coffee or soda, enjoy pastries, dessert, a warm snack, read books, play board games, surf the internet, and hang out. The casual atmosphere showcased a backroom for Treatment = Life staff to give information on HIV testing, treatment, clinic trials, and prevention. The lounge held a weekly Cocktail Hour, that included discussions with medical experts, AIDS activists, and authors on the latest HIV treatments. The lounge hosted numerous events such as Halloween Parties, Dating Games, a Candlelight Vigil for Princess Diana, and various gatherings promoting safe sex. WeHo Lounge was featured in the August 6th, 1997, issue of Edge magazine’s series Best of Gay LA as “Most Innovative Coffeehouse.” In June 2001, the WeHo Lounge closed its doors to be refashioned into AHF’s 17th Out of the Closet location.
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