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The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center has officially signed a lease to take over the adjacent commercial space previously occupied by the gay male strip club venue Antropology Nightclub at Morelos 101 in downtown, Board President Matt Karimi announced on Monday, July 13, 2026.
“This expansion will double the size of the community center going from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square fee and allowing us to offer more free classes, more support groups, additional counseling space, expanded HIV prevention services, and even more safe spaces where members of our community can find connection, acceptance and hope,” Karimi said in a statement.
Calling the milestone the next major chapter in the organization’s history, Karimi explained that the expansion and renovation will require additional funding. In response, the community center will launch a special campaign in the coming weeks to help bring the project to life.
The building that housed Antropology has been a LGBTQI+ space since at least 1995, and is now preparing for a new chapter, welcoming a non-profit organization that will continue to build upon the location’s long history.
Antropology closed its doors in March 2026, citing relocation and remodeling plans on its social media accounts. It has not since reopened. Operating since the early 2000s, it was the oldest gay male strip club in Puerto Vallarta.
Although Antropology was the latest business to occupy the Morelos 101 commercial space, the location has been associated with LGBTQI+ businesses since long before.
The space previously housed Zotano, a popular LGBTQ+ bar and disco that originally opened in February 1995. Featuring a basement disco and a lounge area, it operated for a little over two years before being renamed Por Qué No? / Why Not? in June 1997.
After Zotano’s rebranding, the new Por Qué No? / Why Not? expanded to add a rooftop grill, pool tables, and video lounges, hosting popular live shows until the bar ultimately closed its doors in early 2001.
Although there is no official online information regarding Antropology’s opening at this location, everything indicates that it opened its doors right after Por Qué No? / Why Not? closed in 2000 or 2001, as the strip club celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020 with a grand reopening following a remodel.
Vallarta Gay+ Community Center’s Major Achievements in 2026:
- 2,710 HIV and STI tests provided: In the first half of 2026, the center conducted 2,710 free HIV and STI tests, helping thousands of people learn their status and access necessary care.
- A record-breaking Pride Month: In May, the center provided more than 1,200 HIV and STI tests in celebration of Pride. Through a partnership with Círculo Rojo, a public health initiative focused on HIV and STI prevention, the organization expanded its outreach to connect with more community members than ever before.
- A historic milestone with Jalisco state: On May 6, the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center was officially accepted into the Ministry of the Social Assistance System (SSAS), the Jalisco state government agency responsible for supporting nonprofits that serve vulnerable communities. The milestone represents more than a year of dedicated work and recognizes the organization’s impact. Crucially, it makes the community center eligible for state funding, creating new opportunities to strengthen and expand its free programs and services.
- National recognition: The center was invited to present at the National Forum on Combined HIV Prevention, sharing its unique approach to delivering PrEP and HIV prevention services. Out of organizations from across Mexico, it was one of only 12 selected to present to hundreds of physicians, scientists, researchers and leading public health professionals.
- Innovating HIV prevention: The center has been working with the Ministry of Health to launch “PrEP On-Demand” at community festivals and events. During Pride, it introduced a program providing individuals with four-pill PrEP packets for planned sexual encounters. The partnership is groundbreaking; traditionally, the Ministry of Health has not approved distributing individual PrEP medications from open bottles. Following the program’s success and the trust built, health officials are now backing the innovative prevention method.
- Building a more inclusive community: Educational outreach continues to grow. At the invitation of universities, hotels and businesses, the center has delivered seminars on LGBTQ+ inclusion, human rights, sexual health, gender awareness and comprehensive sexuality education. Over the past six months, representatives presented at the Conrad Punta de Mita Luxury Resort, Garza Blanca Resort, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Puerto Vallarta and the Centro Universitario de la Costa to help build a more informed, inclusive and welcoming community.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and the thousands of people whose lives have been touched by your support, thank you for believing in our mission. We are grateful to have you as part of our Community Center family, and we look forward to sharing even more exciting milestones with you in the months ahead,” Matt said.
For more information about the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center and their programs, follow their Facebook profile.
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