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The Saga of New Mexico GLBTQ Centers


Richard Norway

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Some may say that I'm blowing my own horn, but I'm so proud of the effort of a lot of people that I want to share it with you. As most of you know. David and I are on a quest, and that quest is to create a GLBTQ sense of community in New Mexico. We opened the first GLBTQ Community Center in New Mexico a year ago. Our goal over the next 10 years is to open a total of 6 community centers across the state. Well, number two is now in the works. Below is a copy of the press release that we issued today.

NEW MEXICO GLBTQ CENTERS

Press Release

Contact: David Stocum FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: Cell (575) 373-8587

Gallup To Get State?s Second GLBTQ Community Center

(Las Cruces and Gallup) ? New Mexico Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender and Questioning/Queer (GLBTQ) Centers a Las Cruces based nonprofit announced plans to open the Gallup LGBTQ Center, as the second of six regional centers planned for New Mexico. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers Executive Director, David Stocum and Gallup Regional Operating Committee Chair, Jordon Johnson, will make the announcement July 30th during the Gallup Pride day from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in downtown Gallup.

?This is another huge step toward our long-term goal of a network of GLBTQ community centers across the state,? said Stocum. ? In the past year since opening the first center in Las Cruces we have been with a few groups around the state seeking to be home to the second center,? Stocum continued, ? We are pleased to announce the Gallup committee are the first ones to officially sign an affiliation agreement.?

Johnson stated, ? This is very exciting and a recognized need for the GLBTQ community in Gallup and surrounding area.? He continued, ? We?re delighted to be collaborating with many local partners and community members in developing this center in Gallup. It is a wonderful opportunity to build on the goal as well as be a part of the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers.?

?As a member of the community I am very excited to be a part of this tremendous development,? states Stella Martin, a longtime community member. She continues, ?Over the years I have witnessed our local LGBTQ community rise and shine. The center will not only be for Gallup but for our surrounding communities, and all the visitors who have the opportunity to witness the beauty and culture of our home. I am overwhelmed to witness the power of progress, and honor the courage of our current LGBTQ leaders from Gallup Pride to Gallup PFLAG. Let us all continue to move forward with the brilliance of building a healthy and stronger community.?

Planning and fund raising has begun and an opening date will be announced soon. The first public meeting for the local community to provide input regarding the Gallup LGBTQ Center will be Thursday August 18th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital Solarium Room. The Gallup LGBTQ Center Regional Operating Committee will have a benefit show to honor Mattee Jim and her work in the community on Saturday August 27th at the El Morro Theatre starting at 7:00 p.m.

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers? vision is for six Regional GLBTQ Community Centers with outreach to rural areas; quality needs based programs and services and advancing a New Mexico where everyone is treated with respect and fairness. It is a model that can be repeated in other rural states. New Mexico GLBTQ Centers mission is to reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning through education, advocacy, support, example and collaboration.

~ END~

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