— The Mountain Center
nmgsan
New Mexico Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network
Building resilience and community for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults
— what we do
Supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults through community and connection
The NM Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network (NMGSAN) supports the behavioral health of LGBTQIA2S+ youth (ages 13-24) and adults through community building, education, peer support, and direct services. We create spaces where people can explore identity, develop leadership skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences, all through an intersectional lens that honors the complexity of who people are.
We work directly with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and alongside schools, organizations, and communities to build environments where everyone can thrive.
— who we serve
Community at the center of everything we do
LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 13-24 seeking community, peer support, skill-building and referrals to behavioral health and community services
LGBTQIA2S+ adults seeking behavioral health and community referrals as well as connection through community events
GSA clubs in schools and community centers across New Mexico
School staff, counselors, community members and organizations with trainings to learn how to better work with and support LGBTQIA2S+ individuals
— why this program exists
Interrupting isolation. Building resilience. Shifting systems.
LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults in New Mexico face disproportionately higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, problematic substance use, bullying, and school pushout. These challenges are compounded by isolation, lack of affirming spaces, and communities that don't always understand or support LGBTQIA2S+ experiences.
Our program exists to interrupt that isolation, build resilience and create the conditions for people to develop positive self-identity, self-efficacy, and effective self-regulation skills. We also work to shift systems by training adults and organizations to become safer, more inclusive spaces.
— our services
Programs built on connection, identity, and community
Youth Events
Evening, overnight and day-long events build resilience and leadership skills through youth-led training on identity, social justice, healthy relationships, advocacy, and peer support.
Support Groups
Monthly virtual support groups for youth and adults provide community, peer connection, navigation to services and education on LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Therapy & Case Navigation
Outpatient therapy and Peer Support services for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals of all ages, helping people access the care and resources they need.
GSA Club Support
We support Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs through in-person visits, resources, and guidance on everything from starting a GSA to sustaining club activities and advocacy work.
Community Outreach
Invite us to table at your school fair, resource night, pride event, mental health day or wellness fair. We provide behavioral health materials, tabling activities, stickers and prizes for people of all ages and orientations.
Community & Family Training
Training for school staff, counselors, families, and community members on how to be supportive, inclusive, and affirming of LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
Five steps to effective support
Community Interrupts Isolation
For many LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, isolation deepens vulnerability. Our program creates spaces—both in-person and virtual—where people can connect with others who share similar experiences, building networks of support that last.
Peer Support Builds Resilience
When youth and adults learn from and support each other, they develop skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging that traditional services don't always provide. Peer-led programming centers the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ people themselves.
Intersectional Approaches Honor Complexity
Identity isn't one-dimensional. All of our work recognizes that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals hold multiple identities—race, culture, class, ability—and that those intersections shape experiences and needs.
Training Shifts Systems
Individual support matters, but so does changing the environments people navigate daily. By training school staff, organizations, and allies, we help create safer, more affirming spaces across New Mexico.
Direct Services Meet Immediate Needs
Therapy, case navigation, and crisis support ensure people have access to care when they need it most.
— impact
Measuring connection, not just numbers
Annual report numbers to be added — youth served, events held, trainings provided, GSAs supported
— get started
Find the right support for you
Voices from our community
"The facilitators were extremely knowledgeable, and presented information in an accessible, and clear way. They also approached participants and questions with curiosity and openness, which supports a great learning environment."
"Y'all made us all feel comfortable and made discourse easy and welcoming."
"The information was definitely super helpful, but also the way everything was presented just in a very calm, safe environment."
"I appreciated how safe it felt to be open in sharing what we know, what we don't know, and our experiences. ío was a wonderful facilitator and led by example through their kindness and making space for us to engage."
— interested?
Email us or schedule a meeting through Candidly to get started
• For Youth & Adults Seeking Support
Join our community through support groups, events, or therapy services.
• For GSA Clubs
Get resources, support, and guidance for your club.
Connect with National GSA Network (button)
Access GSA Resources
• For Schools & Organizations
Request training for your staff or community.
Request a Training
Accredited by the Association of Experiential Education's Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Standards
io Escamilla
they/them — Program Manager
io@themountaincenter.orgSchedule a MeetingFollow us on Instagram