Rafael McDonnell is the Communications and Advocacy Manager for Resource Center. At the Center, he works on external communications as well as leads a three-person team who works on education, advocacy and policy issues involving the LGBTQIA+ community on behalf of the Center.

Since June 2010, he has successfully participated in or led community advocacy for new or expanded LGBTQIA+ employment protections for over 55,000 public sector employees in North Texas, as well as partner benefits at both Dallas County and Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

McDonnell has also worked on and advocated for anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies covering more than a quarter-million students at Dallas ISD, Dallas County Community Colleges and Uplift Education.

McDonnells 30-year career as a professional communicator includes working at radio and television stations in Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City, where his work was honored by the Texas AP Broadcasters, the Dallas Press Club and the Texas Public Health Association. Prior to joining the Center in 2008, he was a member of the news office at the University of North Texas and participated in UNTs Allies program. McDonnell is a former president of Lambda Pride Toastmasters and vice president of Dignity/Dallas, a group for LGBTQIA+ Roman Catholics. He is a former board member of the Trinity Valley School alumni association, a member of the City of Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission and has volunteered for the Tanqueray AIDS Rides & the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS.

Primary care services include annual physicals and treatment for chronic conditions, diabetes, gender-affirming treatment, HIV and STI treatment, hypertension, immunizations, internal medicine, PrEP access and wellness & prevention, Provides accepting and affirmative care for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and more (LGBTQIA+) and allied population in North Texas.

Resource Center is a trusted leader that empowers the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQIA+) communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities and providing transformative education and advocacy.

Resource Center was established in 1983 with a focus on education and service, and a goal of achieving recognition and equal rights for gays and lesbians in North Texas. In 1985, the agency quickly mobilized to deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, becoming a source of community awareness, prevention education, legal services, emergency funding, and basic needs. Today, with over 38 years of experience, Resource Center operates one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States and is a primary HIV/AIDS service organization in North Texas. With a staff of 71 members supported by over 1,200 volunteers, Resource Center serves more than 62,000 people each year through programs that address the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and services that provide critical assistance to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.