Our PLUS stands for all the various elements of our diverse community, including Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual
Our PLUS stands for all the various elements of our diverse community, including Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual
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
- Integrity
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Kindness
Nonprofit Status
We provide tax receipts for donations made in the United States and Mexico through our partnership with the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership (EIN: 26-2946180). At this time, we are unable to provide tax receipts for donations made from Canada. 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 longtime member of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ and charitable communities. Originally from Germany, she graduated from a top Hotel Management School with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Administration and is fluent in Spanish, English, and German. Tina previously administered the Puerto Vallarta SPCA for three years and worked at Casa Cupula, two experiences she considers among her favorites. Having fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta nearly 20 years ago, Tina is passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and is excited to help grow the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center.
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.
Yesenia Cortés - Coordinator of Volunteers and Prevention
Yesenia earned her philosophy degree from the Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo. She is a cultural event planner, activist, member of the Vallarta ballroom community, and a strong advocate for community formation. With six years of experience in HIV and STI prevention, detection, and support, she provides compassionate guidance to those receiving treatment. Choosing activism over academia, she applies her philosophical knowledge to social justice causes, particularly in sexual health and politics. Her work is rooted in radical tenderness and the belief that community is a transformative force for creating safe, inclusive, and lasting social change.
Oscar Daniel Flores Iñiguez – Receptionist
With a strong background in customer service, Oscar Daniel Flores Iñiguez serves as the receptionist at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, welcoming and assisting all visitors with warmth and professionalism. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Oscar helps ensure smooth communication for the center’s multicultural community. His experience in human resources, education, sales, and tech has equipped him with skills in administrative management, communication, and digital tools. Passionate about inclusion and committed to the LGBTQ+ community, Oscar strengthens the center’s supportive environment by making every visitor feel heard, informed, and comfortable.
Board of Directors
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Luis Villavicencio is a renowned Mexican entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ advocate, bringing both a visionary business mind and a generous heart to the VGCC. He is the CEO of Red Companies, a leading digital marketing and tech engagement DRM in Latin America, and the founder of PrideMx, a platform empowering Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education, and cultural celebration. Luis has led a successful career in technology-driven platforms, and his innovative approach will help elevate the Center into a world-class community resource—not only physically, but also in the digital space, expanding our reach, accessibility, and impact.
Dr. Mitch Kushner brings more than 40 years of experience as an Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS physician and public health leader. A longtime visitor and part-time resident of Puerto Vallarta since the 1970s, Mitch is fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to the local community. He served as City Health Officer of Long Beach and Medical Director for LA County’s Community Health Services, overseeing major public health programs. Mitch has also held board roles with the Shanti Foundation and AIDFOR AIDS International. His passion, empathy, and deep expertise will help strengthen and guide VGCC’s medical and wellness initiatives.
Services
PrEP
(Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention strategy, which consists of the daily and scheduled intake of a pill (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) that generates protection in the person's body to reduce the chances of acquiring HIV in case of being exposed to the virus.
PEP
Post Exposure Prophylaxis is a strategy to prevent infection in those people who have had some risky practice, whether it is an unprotected sexual relationship, sexual violence or occupational risk (for health personnel) and consists of taking antiretroviral treatment (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir/Efavirenz) for thirty days and must be started within 72 hours of the risky practice.
DoxyPEP
Doxycycline prophylaxis (preventive treatment) known as DoxyPEP refers to taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex to prevent the spread of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
STI testing and treatment
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are infections that pass from one person to another during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) and can cause diseases. At Vallarta Gay+ CC we do the tests to detect the infection and if necessary we administer the necessary treatment to treat the infection.
English Classes
A free, 12-month English language program open to all, designed to build real-world conversation skills and improve access to employment opportunities for our local LGBTQ+ community and allies in Puerto Vallarta.
Mental Health Services
Confidential, bilingual psychotherapy now available for individuals, couples, and families—offered in a safe, inclusive environment by licensed psychotherapist Alberto Díaz de León Jiménez Bravo, M.A. Services are offered at accessible rates exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Tamale’s Tours.
Events
June 1st, 2024
Celebration 2024
May 22, 2024
Vallarta Pride 2024
May 26, 2024
Together in memory
Press
Follow VG+CC on Facebook
FAQ's
We understand the importance of privacy, especially concerning sensitive health matters. If you are obtaining service like PrEP or PEP, we cannot provide these services anonymously. These medications a provided by the Federal Government we need to provide proper documentation including legal identification. While certain services may require basic information to ensure proper care and follow-up, we strive to accommodate requests for anonymity to the best of our ability. It’s recommended to contact us directly to discuss your specific concerns and how we can assist you while respecting your privacy.
Partners
