The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada

The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, commonly known as The Center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+ community), its allies, and low to moderate-income residents in Southern Nevada.

Established in 1993, The Center has been a cornerstone in Las Vegas, offering a wide array of programs and services aimed at fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.

Comprehensive Services and Programs

The Center provides a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community:

• Health and Wellness: The Arlene Cooper Community Health Center offers free HIV and STI testing, PrEP/PEP prescriptions, and health education.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy: Through the Center Advocacy Network (CAN), The Center offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, cultural competency training, and community information and resource referrals.
• Senior Services: ACT III Senior Drop-In provides social meetings, inclusive services, senior social outings, and events like the Senior/Adult Prom.
• Youth and Family Services: QVolution Youth Programs offer comprehensive sex education, academic tutoring, and support groups for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Addiction Support Groups: The Center hosts various support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous.
• Community Groups: Numerous peer-led groups such as the Gay Men's Forum, The L Group, and the Bi/Pansexual Discussion Group are facilitated by The Center.

Cultural and Educational Initiatives

In addition to its core services, The Center actively promotes arts and culture within the LGBTQ+ community.

Initiatives like "The Centerpiece", a queer arts and culture series, showcase documentaries, performances, and discussions that highlight diverse LGBTQ+ experiences.

Facilities and Amenities

The Center operates from the 16,000-square-foot Robert L. Forbuss Building in downtown Las Vegas, a facility that includes:

• David R. Parks Lending Library: An LGBTQIA+ focused library with over 4,000 books and DVDs available for free borrowing.
• David Bohnett CyberCenter: Provides guests with free computer usage up to two hours during business hours.
• Event Center: Offers six different rooms and the option to rent the entire space for events, accommodating up to 600 people.
• Jolt Coffee: An onsite café and coffee shop with a menu catering to all guests.

Community Impact

Serving over 200,000 individuals annually, The Center has made significant contributions to the community.

This includes administering tens of thousands of HIV tests, distributing 100,000 safe sex kits, and ensuring 7,500 households have access to food.

Location

The Center is located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, USA.

• Las Vegas, NV, USA

Through its comprehensive services, cultural initiatives, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, The Center continues to be a vital resource and safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community in Southern Nevada.