Local resources
Puentes LGBT Resources – The center, which opened in 2007, has performed outreach and advocacy groups and individuals, including setting up gay-straight alliances in schools, performing sensitivity training for local groups and advocacy for victims of domestic assault. According to co-founder Sam Aguilera, it was meant to fill a void in victim services in El Paso and serves the bi-national LGBT community. Info: http://www.puenteslgbt.org/
Metropolitan Community Church – A community that touts its acceptance of LGBTs, the local church was founded in 1980. It is located at 216 South Ochoa, including on its website that it’s in “the center of the community’s GLBT night life.” Other than its regular Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m. and its 7 p.m. Wednesday night bible study, the facility also hosts PFLAG meetings. According to Pastor Kati Houtz, they offer "anything that can be found at any other church," including funerals and memorial services. They also perform holy union and commitment ceremonies. Info: www.mccelpaso.com
Delta Lambda Phi UTEP Colony – Starting as an interest group in 2008 and officially made into a colony in March 2009, the group is on its way to being chartered and expanding their membership. The president participated in the national convention last month, and the 13-member group is in the process of recruiting in the next class. “Recruitment efforts are mainly word of mouth, but this coming semester we will have an official recruiting effort during Rush Week,” said Vice President Isaac Pérez Bolado.
El Paso Sun City Pride – Responsible for what chair Dave Castillo calls “the biggest pride festival in West Texas,” El Paso Sun City Pride is regarded as more of a social group than an activist group. This allows for several diverse groups to converge in Sun City Pride events, such as the June pride day festivities that were extended from a half-hour long parade to a 4-day event. Info: www.elppride.org, (915)525-0984
Go Fish – Wanting a social departure from the regular bar scene, Veronica Medrano founded Go Fish for lesbians to enjoy outdoor social events such as picnics, dinners and dances. The club is open to gays as well. For the first several months, the group now has 50 members who learned about the group through word of mouth. Website pending.
Downtown living – For downtown living and a close proximity to entertainment, museums, and bar scene (including the gay and lesbian bars), try the First Avenue Lofts, located in the SoGov district. Project designer Luke Karam says: "Research shows that gays and artists are the pioneers of newly redeveloped downtown living. I am quite surprised that there had been very little interest about our project from the LGBT community. We designed and built our building to accommodate the lifestyle of anybody in El Paso/Juarez. The spaces can be lived in by empty nesters, wealthy students, young professionals, and even a couple with a child. " With construction ahead of schedule, Karam projects that all of the retail and half of residential will be ready to move in September 1. Info: http://theelpasoproject.com/
Gay and bars and clubs –
The Old Plantation (The O.P.) – Described as a “right of passage” among out club-goers. 800 E San Antonio Ave, (915)533-6055
Republic Disco – Dance club in Union Plaza, 200 Anthony St, (915)345-4970
Iguanas Sports Bar – Offers live music, 801 E Paisano Dr, (915)533-9585
Whatever Lounge – Includes karaoke, 701 E Paisano Dr, (915)532-0215
San Antonio Mining Co - 800 E San Antonio Ave, (915)533-9516
Hush – includes art space, 504 N Stanton
The Tool Box - 506 N Stanton, (915)351-1896
Lips Ultralounge – Lesbian bar, 510 N Stanton St
Briar Patch - 508 N Stanton St, (915) 577-9555
Cherry Creek Mining Co – 1407 E Overland Ave, (915) 532-8232
