In bittersweet news, today we are announcing that Gustavo Mercado Muñiz, our Transgender Program Coordinator, will be departing Pride Center of VT on August 2nd.
Gustavo joined the Pride Center team in 2018 and in their tenure has helped launch the Thrive QTPOC program, grown the Trans Program offerings, been an invaluable member of the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program as an advocate, been a resource for trans people accessing gender-affirming care, HIV testing, education, and prevention, as well as a link for Spanish-speaking community members.
“I always thought it was a cliché, but I can honestly say that I am so honored for the opportunity to have worked with the Trans and BIPOC folks of Vermont and such a wonderful team here at the Center. This work has been full of surprises, love, hugs, adventures, and so much growth for me and my communities, and I look forward to taking all I’ve learned with me. Vermont was a place I never expected to end up in, and I am happy to say that I found a community that welcomed and challenged me every single day! To all of the community members who made this job a wild and fun ride, thank you for being on this leg of my gender journey with me. And to the staff at the Center, I love all of you and can only hope to find a team as accommodating and willing to fight for our communities as you all have been!”
We thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Gustavo’s time working at the Pride Center with queer and trans Vermonters by asking them for their Five Favorite Things (and what they will miss!) About Working at the Pride Center of Vermont.
- Working in an office surrounded by dogs and snacks and laughs
- Taking over coffee shops with a bunch of beautiful trans people
- JEOPARDY!!!!!!
- The Moyer-Mercado-Brailean-Muñiz duo
- THRIVE Movie Nights with Reggie & Richard
We will miss Gustavo’s laughter, sense of humor, compassion, and competence. They will be heading to New York City and plan to continue their meaningful anti-violence work at the intersection of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
In the interim, our Transgender Program will continue to provide services and support to our community. We will be posting a job description for our next Transgender Program Coordinator and SafeSpace Anti-Violence Advocate in the coming week. We appreciate you sharing it in your networks with folks who may be interested. Visit pridecentervt.org for updates and more information.