(Las Cruces) – The Las Cruces Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (GLBTQ) Community Center at 1210 N. Main St. had a storefront window shattered by a large auto part sometime in the overnight hours of March 16th. The center was closed at the time of the vandalism but was open as usual the same day. Center officials estimate damages at $700. Las Cruces Police are investigating.
“It’s unfortunate these things happen, but we’re not alone. Centers in Orlando, Long Island and Salt Lake City have had similar incidents in the last few years,” stated David Stocum, Executive Director of New Mexico GLBTQ Centers. “The Las Cruces Center never closed and continued to serve the GLBTQ community uninterrupted,” continued Stocum. “The service we provide the community is too important to let something like this slow us down,” said Stocum, ”we’re here to stay,” he concluded.
The center provided services during 2,993 client visits in 2011.
New Mexico GLBTQ Centers mission is to reduce homophobia and enrich the lives of individuals living in New Mexico who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer through education, advocacy, support, example, and collaboration.