New Mexico Glbtq Centers

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers is the only statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lead organization providing a broad base of health related human and social services in a community center environment. We currently operate community centers in Las Cruces and Gallup.

Our vision is:

• A system of six community centers with extensive outreach to the rural areas of New Mexico.
• Both center and non-center based programs based on community needs.
• Collaborating with GLBTQ groups, allies and others to reduce homophobia and enrich lives.
• Leading with innovative models, strategies and programs.
• A New Mexico where diversity is celebrated and all New Mexico are respected equally.

Our current programs include:

ManREACH, an HIV prevention program patterned after a program begun in Colorado in 2003 its primary goals are to build a statewide, heart-centered community of mostly rural gay and bisexual men and to reduce HIV/STI transmission and infection rates among us. ManREACH believes that the wisdom and strength found in community can empower us to live healthier, more fulfilling lives as individuals.

“New Mexico ManREACH gave me a much broader sense of community; men I can turn to; deeper respect for myself.”

Senior Programs - We have participated in the last two New Mexico Conferences on Aging. Our ongoing work within the GLBTQ elders is affiliated with Services and Advocacy for GLBTQ Elders (SAGE) the largest and oldest organization working on aging issues for GLBTQ seniors.

Rainbow Youth - Our youth program in Las Cruces was the first GLBTQ program to receive funding from the City of Las Cruces and the local United Way. We provide a GLBTQ youth center which is open 7 days a week, the only one in southern New Mexico.

New Mexico LGBTQ Hall of Fame - New Mexico GLBTQ Centers will create the New Mexico LGBTQ Hall of Fame in 2013. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to highlight and honor the contributions to the LGBTQ community by individuals both living and dead. Also honored will be LGBTQ individuals who have made significant contributions to the state of New Mexico as a whole.

Other Services - Our community centers provide safe spaces for all segments of the GLBTQ community to meet, socialize, learn and create a sense of connected community. We have "coffee corners," libraries and computer centers available. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers staff and volunteers provide information and referrals to businesses, health care providers and other resources. We have additional programs and services in development.

Our Las Cruces center had 2,687 client visits in 2012.