A year ago, La Casa de Rubén, the first LGBTIQA+ community and cultural center in the Bajío region, opened its doors in Querétaro. This space brings together culture, mental health, education, and social advocacy.
The project was born with the goal of providing tools and support to this population in a context marked by discrimination, violence, and social marginalization.
During the presentation of its first year’s results, Selene Flores, the center’s director, reported that more than 2,500 people have benefited from 187 activities developed around five areas of focus: culture and artistic expression; mental health and well-being; training and awareness; advocacy and human rights; and creative industries and entertainment.
Regarding psychological support, she detailed that more than 680 hours of psychotherapeutic support have been provided, with 43 people currently continuing their therapy.
She also highlighted that more than 130 artists, workshop leaders, and specialists have contributed to building an active collaborative network around La Casa de Rubén.
Among the authorities present, the Municipal Secretary of Culture, Daniela Salgado, celebrated the existence of “a safe space” for diverse communities in Querétaro, and noted that she would have liked to have had such a place when she was 23, “to accept my sexuality and come out of the closet.”
“Thank you for creating safe spaces of peace and community… let’s hope that more Casas de Rubén are no longer needed and that Querétaro becomes less unequal every day,” she expressed.
Source: oem
