Las Vegas is an LGBTQIA+ friendly city where all walks of life are accepted. The city caters to many facilities for health and wellness alongside programs to help people through hard times.
One important center that we wanted to highlight is the Community Center of Southern Nevada, or as the local LGBTQ+ call it “The Center.” This organization is a place that welcomes not only the LGBTQ+ but their straight alliances as well.
The Center have served over 100,000 people in 2021, making them an essential part of the community. They provide programs, resources, and services for a variety of needs. The people behind-the-center make it a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ and their families. They pride themselves in serving the underserved, HIV patients, people with disabilities and more with their ongoing center programs. The Center’s vision statement is, “Living and thriving as our authentic selves.”
The facility offers the, “Center Advocacy Network, the first nationally accredited program of its kind with a focus on LGBTQIA+ issues for victim advocacy.” These types of programs provide education and awareness.
Programs include:
- Arlene Cooper Community Health Center – HIV, STD and STI testing. PrEP/PEP scripts, Trac-B machine and Affirmations
- HIV Services & Linkage To Care – HIV 101, Living Well support groups, Condom and Lubricants distribution, Med-Time: Treatment & Adherence
- Community Engagement & Advocacy – Center Advocacy Network (CAN) program, 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Cultural Competency Training, Community Information & Resources Referrals, Medicaid/Snap Sign Up/ NV Energy Assistance and Shower Truck Fridays
- Senior Services & Volunteer – Act III Senior Drop-In, Men’s Monday Game Day, Wize Womyn’s Wednesdays and Inclusive Thursdays Weekly
- Social meetings, Inclusive Services, Senior Social Outings, Senior/Adult Prom
- Youth & Family Services – Qvolution Youth Programs, Comprehensive Sex Ed, Pivot, Academic Tutoring and PFlag @The Center
- Youth Prom and Youth Thanksgiving
- Inclusive Programming – Gender Translations, Intersex Connect, Name & Gender Marker Change Wordshop and The Switch Closet
- Addiction Support Groups – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Crystal Meth Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous and Smart Recovery
- Community Groups – Las Vegas Gay Men’s Chorus, The L Groups, Black LGBTQ, Snapiqs, Aces Meet Ups, Gay Men’s Forum, Polamory Group, Bi/Pansexual Discussion Group, Vivihendo (Latin LGBTQ)
The Center is a non judgmental space and they are committed to overcome barriers and stereotypes. In 2021, “471 volunteers performed over 17,600 hours of service in 32 different areas.”
They are located at 401 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The building also has a variety of services provided to the public. See below!
