Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres Women’s Center 

Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres collection, 1985-1991

In 1984, a group of lesbian activists led by Del Martínez and Lauren Jardine founded Connexxus Women’s Center/Centro de Mujeres.  Connexxus was first located on Santa Monica Boulevard and later on La Cienega Boulevard in West Hollywood. At its peak, Connexxus operated on a budget of over $200,00, which was unheard of in grassroots lesbian organizations.

Connexxus programs included referrals, a variety of supports groups, a business alliance, mental health services, workshops, social events, dances and a program for Latina lesbians in East Los Angeles. Connexxus also co-sponsored the first Latina Lesbian Mental Health Conference in 1986. In 1987 Connexxus took over the management of the West Coast Lesbian Collection, which was moved from Oakland and was renamed the June Mazer Lesbian Archive.

Connexxus collaborated with other community groups such as SCWU (Southern California Women for Understanding), ACW (Alcoholism Center for Women) and Lesbian Central at the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center (now the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center). Connexxus closed in 1990.

The Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres Collection contains the administrative records of Connexxus / Centro de Mujeres, one of the first Los Angeles non-profit organizations that catered and provided services to lesbians.

Click to read the entire Connexxus/Centro de Mujeres Collection guide (opens to a new window).

Repository:  This collection is physically located at UCLA Library, Department of Special Collection.

The June L. Mazer Lesbian Archive at UCLA is an outreach and collection-building partnership between the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives and the UCLA Library. Read More About The June L. Mazer Lesbian Archive at UCLA