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 pillar in Puerto Vallarta's LGBTQ+ and charitable communities. Tina is originally from Germany, where she graduated from a renowned School of Hotel Management with a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. Tina is fluent in Spanish, English, and German. Previously, she managed the Puerto Vallarta SPCA for three years. "I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when I moved here almost 20 years ago, and our large and vibrant gay community is one of the reasons why. My two favorite work experiences were working at Casa Cúpula, where I met so many amazing people from the LGBTQ+ community, and the meaningful work at the nonprofit animal shelter SPCA of Puerto Vallarta. Having this opportunity to work with the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center feels like a perfect match for me, and I'm 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.
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.
Mtro. Alberto Díaz de León Jiménez Bravo - Psychologist
Alberto, earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from LAMAR University (an institution affiliated with the University of Guadalajara). Later, he completed a diploma in Educational Thanatology and Grief Support at the Camilo de Lelis Center for Humanization. His field of experience has been primarily in private practice, offering in-person and online sessions for individuals, couples, and families. Additionally, he has worked in the area of hospital psychology, providing psychological care to patients hospitalized due to physical conditions.
Alex Ortiz - Receptionist
With a solid background in media, Alejandro Ortiz Cosio is the receptionist at the Vallarta Gay Community Center, where he offers a warm welcome and assistance to everyone who visits the center. His experience in marketing, public relations, and sales has prepared him to provide efficient and empathetic service, ensuring that each person feels heard and supported. As a bilingual professional in Spanish and English, Oscar facilitates communication among visitors from all over the world, helping everyone feel comfortable and well-informed. His ability to serve a multicultural community strengthens the center’s inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that every individual receives the guidance and support they need without language barriers. Throughout his career, he has worked in media and prestigious companies, developing valuable skills that he now contributes to this great family. His commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and passion for working in inclusive spaces make him a key ally for the center and its visitors.
Hector Romero - Marketing & Communications
Born and raised in Puerto Vallarta, Hector graduated from UNIVA Puerto Vallarta and brings over four years of experience working within the local LGBTQ+ community. He has developed marketing and communication strategies for a wide range of businesses—both large and small—throughout the city. Passionate about sexual health, inclusion, and HIV awareness, Héctor has been involved in numerous projects that aim to inform, uplift, and create visibility for key LGBTQ+ issues.
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 lived in Puerto Vallarta since 2009. He was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. “Our community has grown a lot since I arrived in 2009, and many newcomers have brought energy and interest in establishing a community center,” Poncho said. “I see great opportunities to harness that energy to improve our community’s physical and mental health, as well as to empower and support those in need. Puerto Vallarta has given me so much, and now it’s my turn to give something back to the community.”
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 firm 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. “Being part of the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is more than just an honor—it’s a personal mission,” said Villavicencio. “I believe in building spaces where every member of our community feels seen, valued, and supported.”
Dr. Mitch Kushner brings over 40 years of expertise as an Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS physician and public health leader from Long Beach, California. A part-time resident and longtime visitor to Puerto Vallarta since the 1970s, Mitch is fluent in Spanish and deeply embedded in the local community. His professional experience includes serving as City Health Officer of Long Beach, where he oversaw 14 public health centers across Los Angeles County, and as Medical Director for Community Health Services for the LA County Department of Public Health. He has also served on the boards of the Shanti Foundation, AID FOR AIDS International, and several other advisory groups. Mitch holds degrees from Jefferson Medical College, Tulane University, and UCLA, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. His unmatched expertise, empathy, and commitment to community health will be invaluable in shaping VGCC’s medical and wellness programs.
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
