When I first came to Vegas MPowerment Project at The Center, I have to admit that I was a bit reluctant to open up all the way to the members, because honestly I'm a little "much", if you know what I mean! But when dealing with someone like me it doesn't really take long to begin to blossom into a social flower and open up. So eventually I continued coming and I have made what I believe to be some long lasting and meaningful relationships. They've helped me grow as a person and truthfully these ol' friends of mine are genuine and kind. We had a lot of good times together and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I'm glad I came that fateful day and I'm glad to be a part of something so great. Vegas MPowerment, I love it!!! Mama has spoken.

Vegas MPowerment Project is a group I came to know through a friend last May. I was nervous at first to place myself into a group and basically show my true self. I am transgendered, and going into the group I feared I wouldn't be accepted, but that wasn't the case. It's been almost a year and I've made some great friends, learned new things and feel great about being me. I thank all the group members, but most of all Joshua, the Coordinator of the group.

Love

The Vegas MPowerment Project is the perfect family for coming out of the closet, one big happy gay family with every one from across the spectrum. There are boys that sit in the back of the room and never say a word for whatever reason, and then there are your drama queens that make any night better than any liquor bust in town. Aside from being diverse, we are all really great support for each other.

If you are shy, we will turn you into a social butterfly. Sooner or later we all benefit one way or another. If you need a hand to hold because you are nervous waiting for your test results, just pick a set. If you get something small you can laugh it off together with your bro. If you get a life change, you have all the support in the world for an easy transition. Yes we are all diverse but best of all we are all here.

Being here is being present, being present is being MPowered by the people who have helped you get by in this crazy city, and take with you the NEW you where ever you may go.

I, Jonathan, age 21, am a part of Vegas MPowerment Project. I have been coming to their meetings for 1 and 1/2 years. Where I came from there was no sense of community. To be a part of a community with others like myself and to be able to experience things I never would have is important. I have met a lot of friends there and I see myself helping to support and build a stronger community.

Thank you Vegas MPowerment.

Since becoming a member of Vegas MPowerment Project almost a year ago, the friendships and bonds I have built have enabled me to become more comfortable with who I am.

MPowerment has been a great program for me. It showed me how to teach my friends about HIV prevention. It's a great place to meet friends and hangout.

I found the Vegas MPowerment Project almost a year ago when a friend brought me to it, and I've been coming ever since.  It was a fairly new project, long since its infancy but far from maturing into what it could be, but I found (and still see) the group's potential to be tremendous.

It's definitely something to see so many different people — people of different races, socio-economical backgrounds, and unique personalities — in one place.  I continue to go because I believe that once all of us realize it, we can do amazing things in the community as a group and I won't ever let go of that ideal.  People are who they are and some things are not easily changed, but there's no denying that there's an underlying common ground as gay men that ties us all together, and the Vegas MPowerment Project is the perfect vehicle to utilize that to get things rolling.

Becoming a part of the MPowerment group has made me realize that there are actually guys out there that have some of the same interests that I do. For many years, I have felt a sense of seclusion from the gay community because I have felt that I do not fit in. I would rather watch a horror movie than snort some drug and go dancing all night.

MPowerment accepts people for who they are, and tries to eliminate the stigma that is involved in being a homosexual. Since I have found MPowerment I am able to act like myself, without being so self conscious. These are real guys, with real feelings, who just want to have fun, while being safe!

The Vegas MPowerment Project and all the people there are the best, really nice. When I first went there, I was welcomed with open arms. Being someone who usually doesn't feel welcomed, it was nice to feel that.

The MPowerment Project is really cool. I like that there's a place where a punk skater like myself can hang out with other gay dudes and chill out without the element of sex, drugs and alcohol. It gives everything proper balance. Joshua is a great guy and runs a stellar program. Much love to the Vegas MPowerment Project.

Peace, and stay frosty.

My name is Sam and I'm a Hispanic gay male and I come to the Vegas MPowerment meeting because I feel welcome in our groups we have. At first you are shy and when you finally open up you become a family with every one here. I have meet the majority of my friends through The Center because everyone sees you as a person. We all make mistakes, we all need help.

MPowerment is the place to share your problems and not be afraid that you will hear them all over town. And most importantly, Joshua, the leader of the group, he has helped me a lot. You see his life and you see what he has been through and you just are inspired to live more, and it tells you if you want to succeed and have your life on track. HIV is preventable and the group teaches you how to stay safe. Joshua inspires me to live life and not give up!

I'm new to the Vegas area and I enjoy coming to Vegas MPowerment because it gives me a chance to meet and socialize with other gay and bi guys in the Vegas area outside of the bar scene. It's fun to get involved in community events and help plan them, kinda like see how your ideas and help unfolds and benefits the gay community . Its just in a very comfortable place to hangout and make new friends.