The LGBTQ Center Starts to Re-Open

The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada is opening up to safely offer in-person support groups and services. Some groups will continue to meet via Zoom.

“We did our best this past year as many of our support groups were able to meet online and as restrictions eased, we did socially distanced events outside in our parking lot,” Nicole McNee, The Center’s volunteer and senior programs manager. “Bringing back in-person opportunities is the best way to serve and grow members.”

The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ individuals and underserved populations in Nevada for more than 25 years. It operates as a neighborhood resource for the valley’s LGBTQ community, area residents, veterans, people with disabilities, and the transient homeless population.

Olas LV is a social LGBT Latin Collective that meets on Friday at 6:15 pm. “OLAS is an educational support group to empower our LATIN @ LGBTQIA+ Community in Las Vegas by implementing discussions on everyday issues, social issues, harm reduction, and risk reduction,” says Jeffrey Alvarez, HIV Peer Advocate for The Center.

Bi-weekly meetings started for Black Queer Men of Las Vegas, BQMLV, a support group whose focus is to address unique issues of Black queer men (Gay/Bi/Trans/Questioning) in America through educational, social, and political mobilization.

Full Spectrum is a weekly topic-driven discussion group via Zoom for anyone 35+ age. They cover a wide range of interests, from religion, positive affirmations to dating challenges. The group moderator is Jim Petzing, a longtime Center volunteer and advocate and the group starts May 4.

The Switch Closet is now open by appointment only and is open every Thursday and Friday from 3-5 pm. The free service is a comfortable and easily accessible way to access clothing and cosmetics to express oneself authentically through fashion.

The Center will participate in National LGBT Health Awareness Week on March 22-26 with a health-related agency offering free information in the lobby each day from 11 am to 2 pm. The public is invited to attend.

The Dine Thru will be on March 25 and is a monthly event where a local restaurant provides one free meal to registrants. It’s a way for people, some of whom may experience food insecurity, to get great-tasting, restaurant-quality food.

Support group FLUX will sponsor its Las Vegas White & Silver event at The Center on March 28th to kick-off off Trans Day of Visibility.

If you do come to The Center, please adhere to COVID-19 protocols by wearing a mask and social distance. The Center is located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway.

About The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada

For over 25 years, The Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBTQ+ individuals and those who are underserved in Nevada. We function as the heart and home of the LGBTQ+ community by making connections, delivering programs, and providing a safe space for health and wellness, social services, arts and culture, advocacy, and community building. Ongoing Center programs support LGBTQ+ youth, adults, families, seniors, vets, people with disabilities, those living with HIV, and those who are underserved. Additionally, we are proud to offer the Center Advocacy Network, the first nationally accredited program of its kind with a focus on LGBTQ issues for victim advocacy. For more information on how The Center empowers everyone to thrive in Nevada, please visit The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada