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New Henderson LGBTQ Center opens on National Coming Out Day

Posted at 5:36 AM, Oct 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-11 17:46:11-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Henderson Equality Center, the only LGBTQ community center in Henderson, is moving to a new location near Sunset Road and Stephanie Street with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on National Coming Out Day.

Watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony below:

Executive Director Chris Davin says their original location, which opened in June, was too small to facilitate the demand from the LGBTQ community for social services and group activities, and the new location will allow more space to accommodate services led by community volunteers.

RELATED: Henderson Equality Center opens to assist the LGBTQ community

Davin says "coming out," or revealing one's sexual orientation, can be a very stressful situation, and having a welcoming space to go to during that time can help someone accept who they are.

"They feel scared, you know," he said. "When you have to hide who you are every day, it just eats away at you mentally.

"With being able to come out and have a space that they can feel normal," explained Davin, "it helps their physical and mental wellbeing."

Local leaders like U.S. Rep. Susie Lee and Clark County Schools Supt. Jesus Jara are expected to attend the ribbon cutting and open house at 2 p.m. on Sunday.