A new LGBTQ+ center opens in Henderson: What it offers the community and its allies

The Henderson Equality Center opened its doors to the LGBTQ+ community and allies June 8. The 3,000-square-foot facility is home to the Equality Project (an umbrella organization for Equality Nevada and Athlete Equality) and home to GLSEN of Southern Nevada. The new center will supplement existing services offered at The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) located near downtown Las Vegas.

Known for master-planned communities, green spaces and high-quality schools, Henderson tops several recent “Fastest Growing Cities” lists and is primed to overtake valley municipalities as the premier location for families and young professionals, not to mention sports fans. The Las Vegas Raiders broke ground on its Henderson headquarters and practice facility in 2019. The Vegas Golden Knights are bringing the Lifeguard Arena indoor ice hockey facility to downtown Henderson and Henderson Pavilion is being repurposed for the Golden Knights American Hockey League affiliate.

Population growth, home sales and demand for public facilities in Henderson show no signs of slowing (global pandemic not withstanding). “Our city and community are growing quickly,” Equality Project President Chris Davin said. “It is clear that there is a need for a physical space for our community to gather in Henderson.”

Henderson Equality Center offers free meeting space, a 10-computer workroom (with printing capabilities), food pantry and recreation room open to LGBTQ+ youths, adults and allies.

“This space is really something special and complements our existing community meeting spaces,” Davin said. “The building itself is very versatile and it met the needs of the Equality Project almost perfectly.”

GLSEN of Southern Nevada, also will call the Henderson Equality Center home. The local chapter represents a nationwide organization (pronounced “glisten”) known for its work to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to prompt LGBT cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools.

GLSEN of Southern Nevada, considers the east side location to be a natural progression and ideal fit for expanded programming.

“We know that transportation can be barrier for access to social programming and services in general,” GLSEN Chairman Trevor Harder said, “but it can be particularly problematic for our most vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ youths and seniors.”

Meanwhile, GLSEN is collaborating with The Trevor Project to provide access to the Trevor Lifeline, the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youths. The Trevor Lifeline is a free and confidential service that live support over the phone 24/7. The Trevor Lifeline is accredited as an exemplary crisis intervention program by the American Association for Suicidology (AAS). Each year, the hotline fields tens of thousands of calls nationwide from LGBTQ+ youths.

Additional information about Henderson Equality Center is available hendersonequalitycenter.org.

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Lyn Collier