Center on Halsted was boarded May 31 after receiving anti-LGBT threats, organization officials said.
Center CEO Modesto Tico Valle announced the development on social media on June 2. He said that the threats were from anti-LGBT groups looking to harm the #BlackLivesMatter movement that has been a driving force behind protests in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Valle told Windy City Times that anonymous calls warned that both the Center's windows, as well as the windows of the adjoining Whole Foods, would be "busted out," additionally warning them, "You are next."
Valle added, "The police confirmed we should take the threat seriously. Fortunately, there have been a number of peaceful demonstrations in the area and we have not been impacted by physical damage.
"I very much understand the anger and the frustration, and [the Center] stands with #BlackLivesMatter to create the change that is needed in our community and country. Years of peaceful demonstrations and still Black people are being killed and left behind."
Valle also said that he has been receiving racist and homophobic emails, adding, "We are in pain as a community. We must turn our pain into action. We are angry, sad and scared but we must come together as an LGBTQ+ community, demand change and continue to march until we create systemic change."