Vallarta Gay + Community Center – Vallarta Gay+ Community Center

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Our PLUS stands for all the various elements of our diverse community, including Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual

Services

Services we provide

PrEP / PEP / DOXY-PEP /HIV RAPID TESTING

Focus group

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Who We Are

The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering empowerment, wellness, and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Our services include HIV and STI prevention, ensuring a safe environment, and driving positive change locally and beyond.

Together, we build a supportive community that uplifts and supports our diverse members.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster empowerment, health and wellness within the LGBTQ+ community. We provide equitable access to healthcare, education and support services, with focused care, for prevention and treatment of HIV and STIs. We fiercely advocate for our community’s equity and inclusion as a vital component of our region’s diverse society, providing a safe and inclusive environment to drive positive change locally and beyond.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to build a vibrant, inclusive LGBTQ+ community center that serves as a dynamic regional hub, harnessing the diverse strengths of our community to uplift and support our diverse members.

Values

Nonprofit Status

We provide tax receipts for donations made in Mexico, the United States and Canada through our partnership with Vallarta Cares Foundation. Additionally, we are in the process of obtaining our own nonprofit status in both Mexico and the United States, which we expect to finalize later this year.

Our Team

Pedro López - Executive Director

Pedro López's life story unfolds from his early childhood migration from Jalisco to the United States, where he grew up in downtown Los Angeles amidst undocumented immigrant communities. Learning English as a second language and overcoming numerous challenges, Pedro's resilience propelled him through nursing school, sparking a lifelong commitment to aiding underserved populations. With over three decades in various nonprofits focusing on mental health and safety nets, and a recent role as Vice President at a Mental Health Agency. Pedro, fulfilled his dream of moving back to Puerto Vallarta to continue his impactful work.

Tina Kunkel - Administrator

Tina Kunkel has been a fixture in Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ and charitable communities. Tina hails from Germany where she graduated from a well renowned Hotel Management School with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Administration, Tina is fluent in Spanish, English and German. She previously administered the Puerto Vallarta SPCA for 3 years. “I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when I moved here almost 20 years ago and our large, vibrant gay community is one of the reasons. My two favorite work experiences were working at Casa Cupula where I met so many amazing people from the LGBTQ+ community, and the meaningful work at the nonprofit animal shelter, Puerto Vallarta SPCA. Getting this opportunity to work with the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center feels like a perfect match for me, and I am excited to help grow this great project.”

Ashley Hernández Castellon - Doctor

Ashley Hernández is a dedicated medical professional from Puerto Vallarta, educated at the University of Guadalajara with a specialization in sexual health and sexually transmitted infections. With more than a year and a half of specialized experience, Ashley is actively involved in a civil association aiming to reshape societal views on sexual health, advocating for an approach free of stereotypes and taboos. Committed to fostering an inclusive society, she contributes significantly towards educating and enhancing understanding of sexual health issues.

Fatima Farias Martinez - Nurse

Fatima, originating from Tuxpan, Jalisco, boasts over 15 years of robust nursing experience across various Guadalajara hospitals. Her expertise covers emergency room and intensive care, major surgical procedures including organ transplants, and the management of sexually transmitted infections. Fatima is passionately committed to eradicating discrimination and stigma associated with HIV and sexual health, aligning her efforts with her organization’s mission to promote public health and increase disease awareness, thereby enhancing the overall community's health literacy.

Juan Enrique Chocano Collao, Receptionist

Juan Enrique Chocano Collao, from Viña del Mar, Chile. Seven years ago I moved to Puerto Vallarta, where I have worked in film and pet grooming. These experiences have taught me the importance of stories and attention to detail. Currently, I work at Vallarta Gay + CC, where my mission is to help people find well-being, offering a safe and welcoming space. I believe we all deserve to feel understood and supported, and I am committed to contributing positively to the lives of those around me.

Abraham Castro, Prevention Specialist

Abraham Castro has been hired to coordinate volunteers to help further the outreach and prevention programs offered by the Center. Abraham Castro is a psychologist who graduated from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), in the State of Morelos, and has 16 years of experience in Mexican Sign Language. Living in Vallarta since 2021, he has worked as a counselor in the LGBTQ+ community in the areas of HIV prevention and other sexually transmitted infections. The VG+CC has been happily overwhelmed with community members who want to help. Everything from mental health services, to mentoring, to office staffing, outreach programs and event staffing requires finding the right volunteers for the right mission. The Board identified this as a critical position to successfully leverage volunteers’ talents.

Board of Directors

Don Pickens, Board Chair

Don Pickens has significantly shaped the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta since his arrival in 2002. He founded Casa Cupula, the first LGBT luxury boutique hotel in the city, and spearheaded initiatives like TaxiSafe to address police corruption. His diverse career includes critical roles at Microsoft and active involvement in local business and neighborhood associations. Through his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, Don promotes inclusivity and body positivity, using his extensive experience to foster a sustainable community center that empowers local talents.

Mike Owens, Secretary

Mike Owens, from Wilmington, NC, has transitioned his leadership skills from Allstate Insurance to meaningful community service in Puerto Vallarta. Since moving four years ago, Mike has immersed himself in local initiatives, teaching English, supporting feeding programs, and fostering entrepreneurial skills among residents. A fervent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he focuses on HIV/AIDS education and treatment. Mike's deep commitment to social betterment is reflected in his foundational role at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, embodying his belief in contributing positively to society.

Mikel Álvarez, Treasurer

Mikel Álvarez, born in Seattle, began his management career at 16 in an Indian casino. After losing his father early, he was raised by a single mother with a younger half-brother. He managed network operations for us.net during the .com era. Mikel earned dual degrees in casino management and economics from the University of Nevada, Reno. His entrepreneurial journey led him from founding Forever Green to co-founding a ketamine center, and finally to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he launched ThrIVe MedSpa. Mikel actively supports the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, contributing to local well-being and health.new surroundings.

Jet De La Isla, Communications

Jet De La Isla is a pivotal leader and communicator within Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ community. As the Board of Director & Communications Chair at the Vallarta Gay + Community Center, Jet actively enhances health service accessibility and champions inclusivity. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his management of a private boat tour company and a gay youth hostel, reflecting his dedication to adventure and community welfare. Jet's passions extend to nature exploration and caring for his beloved cats, illustrating his multifaceted commitment to community and personal well-being.

Matt Karimi, Fundraising

Matt Karimi and his husband settled in Puerto Vallarta in 2019, seeking new experiences after vibrant careers in Los Angeles, Rhode Island, and Las Vegas. Matt brings a rich background in event production and fundraising, having collaborated with high-profile organizations like The Walt Disney Company, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Brown University. His work spans entertainment, fashion, and sports. A fitness and pilates enthusiast who is exploring tennis, Matt is eager to foster meaningful community connections and positively influence every aspect of his new surroundings.

Poncho Davalos

Poncho Davalos has over 12 years of experience in real estate and has resided in Puerto Vallarta since 2009. He was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. “Our community has grown so much since I arrived in 2009 and so many newcomers have brought energy and interest in establishing a community center,” Poncho said. “I see big opportunities to harness this energy to improve our community's physical and mental health, as well as to empower and help those in need. Puerto Vallarta has given a lot to me and it’s my time to give back to the community.” Poncho is the first of two new Adjunct Board members to broaden community representation.