April 3, 2024
Greetings community,
Spring has sprung! We hope that the sunny weather helps you bloom as vibrantly as the wildflowers!
Join us this April as we observe the following important dates:
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Scroll down to see what we did in March &
learn about the amazing programming we have planned in April!
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The Pride Center was able to host National Day of Reading on March 5th! This was a celebration of stories to support Transgender and Non-Binary Youth and to build community and having a safe and welcoming space. We have many donated books for youth at the Pride Center so come on by!
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Thank you all that attended the National Day of Reading on March 5th and hope to host the event again next year!
Pictures to the right: CAB member Kristin Vogel-Campbell (she/her), Outlets Program Social Lead, Zavala Lopez (she/her), and Pride Centers Lead and Outreach Coordinator, Elana Ron (she/they).
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| | SMCCCD’s Inaugural Queer Students of Color Conference (QSOCC)
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The Pride Center was invited to attend the first ever Queer Students of Color Conference (QSOCC) at Skyline College. The conference was on March 8th and the purpose of this Conference was to center Queer BIPOC stories, narratives, and struggles and understand their contributions to liberation across borders, nations, and identities; to connect and continue to build our LQBTQIA+ communities through providing a space for communal healing, empowerment, education, and storytelling; and to challenge cultural imperialism and to understand how it connects to queerness.
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Shown in the picture above is Adelina Palacio (she/her), a student at Canada College who volunteered for the event and kindly shared her amazing piece of art workshop titled Props are Hella Extra: Reclamation Politics and Queer Craft.
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| Low and Marilyn with their masks!
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| Trans* Week of Visibility
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| Thank you to everyone who attended our programming throughout the week! we were so grateful to share space with community.
Special thanks to Oneida (They/them) and Anusha (She/her) for providing gender affirming voice consultations & Venus (she/her) for providing makeup and styling tips!
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| There are still free cosmetics & affirming garments from the event. Come visit us to pick something up! As a reminder, these are some of the free resources that are available to community all year long!
If we don't have the item that you're seeking, you are able to request a garment using this link- tinyurl.com/gender-garment-request
We also offer the name and gender marker workshop throughout the year as well. To read more about the Name and Gender change workshop, scroll below.
Questions about gender affirming resources and garments? Please contact Alex.Golding@sanmateopride.org or call 650-591-0133.
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RISE: Women’s Economic Power: Surviving to Thriving to Driving Change
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Huge thank you to Tanya Beat (she/her), Director of the Commission on the Status of Women for inviting the Pride Center to attend and table their fourth Women's Leader Conference on March 28.
Pictured to the right was the American labor leader and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta! It was a privilege and honor to hear her speak about women's rights supporting for equality for all women.
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| | | Low at our beautiful and colorful outreach table with the Pride Centers upcoming programming and special events.
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| Are you interested in having us as your organization/school outreach event?
Please contact Elana Ron (she/her), Lead Events and Outreach Coordinator at elana.ron@sanmateopride.org.
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Join the Pride Center's Community Advisory Board (CAB)!
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| Looking for a fabulous way to get involved in your community? Join the San Mateo County Pride Center’s Community Advisory Board (or CAB, for short)! CAB welcomes LGBTQ+ folks and allies to join. They are a diverse and representative group of volunteer members who have a passion for serving the LGBTQ+ community. They work closely with Pride Center staff to support programming, decisions, and design. Some of their awesome collaborations include San Mateo County’s first Adult Queer Prom, San Mateo County Pride Celebrations, Art Parties, and more.
CAB meets virtually on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for April 10.
For more info, connect with our Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist, Low Sunga (she/they) at lowellyn.sunga@sanmateopride.org!
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| PRIDE DEADLINE EXTENDED!
June will be here sooner than you know it! While that might seem like a lot of time, the Pride Center is already starting to plan for Pride Month.
If you, your organization, business, group, school, etc. is interested in having the Pride Center collaborate or participate in your programming in any capacity, we ask that you submit your request no later than APRIL 15. Organizations can still submit their requests after April 15th, but they will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Examples of requests that you can submit include, but are not limited to:
- Tabling at your resource fair or event
- Co-hosting/ partnering an event
- Requesting a training or consultation
- For a list of the trainings that we offer, please contact Ishani (they/xe)
- To request a training from us please click this link
- Examples of consultations include (but are not limited to) – looking at your organizational policies and providing feedback on how to better support your LGBTQ+ staff members, working with your organization to make your forms be more inclusive
- Speaking at your event
Please note:
- Submitting a request is not a guarantee that we can participate
- There is no cost to have us table, co-host or speak at your event
- Services associated with a cost are trainings, consultations can vary
- Sliding scale is available, accommodations can be made by request
If you are interested in supporting the Pride Center in June, consider donating or volunteering with us. Your donations can go towards providing gender affirming mental health care, affirming garments, community gatherings and more for LGBTQ+ community members in San Mateo County. For more information, click here.
As a reminder, we are here and Queer all year & are a resource for you outside of Pride Month as well.
To submit a request, click the button below
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The Pride Center's Year in Review!
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In case you missed it, the Pride Center released our year in review last month! This is an opportunity for our community members to see the impact that we've made this year, learn more about our services and programs and more! To read our year in review in its entirety, click the button below.
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| | Special Programming in April
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Becoming Aware of our Assumptions: Conversations to Create More Inclusive Spaces
Thursday, April 25th from 10am-12pm on Zoom
Workshop description: We all move through the world with assumptions and belief systems that impact our attitudes, behaviors, and interactions. The issue is not with our assumptions but whether we are aware of them.
This interactive workshop is designed to help us carefully identify our biases, explore their roots, and determine methods to not let them hinder our interactions with others. We provide a safe space for learning, exercises, and dialogue to better enable participants to foster safe spaces in our everyday lives.
Together we will: Define Implicit, Conscious, & Unconscious Bias. Explore how bias shows up in our communities AND selves. Leave with resources on how to navigate our biases and assumptions.
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| Intended audience:
This training is for anyone who is looking to increase their knowledge of power and privilege and how it impacts us individually and interpersonally. People who work with diverse populations, communities they are not familiar with, or simply want to better understand themselves and their own attitudes towards others are encouraged to attend.
Accessibility info: This is a free training that takes place in english on Zoom. Closed captioning will be utilized.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/SMPCAntiBias
Please note: Capacity for this training is 50 participants. Please register as an INDIVIDUAL rather than an organization/ group. This project is supported by Kaiser Permanente's jkflsadfjsd fasdf.
Questions? Please contact Ishani (they/xem) at ishani.dugar@sanmateopride.org or (650) 554-1234 (text ok)
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FILM: Red, White, & Royal Blue (Rated R)
Join us to watch the Queer rom-com, Red, White & Royal Blue on Friday, April 19th at the San Mateo County Pride Center.
This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks will be provided. Doors open at 5:30 and the movie will start at 6pm. The Pride Center is a sober space. For accessibility information about the Pride Center, see this link.
About the Film:
When the feud between the son of the American President and Britain's prince threatens to drive a wedge in U.S./British relations, the two are forced into a staged truce that sparks something deeper.
Content warnings include:
This film is Rated R and not suitable for audience attendees under 13.
- Sexual content and partial nudity
- Profanity
- Alcohol & Smoking
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| | | Queeraoke- Thursday, April 11 from 3-6 PM
Can you think of a better way to spend a sunny springtime afternoon than getting together with your besties and singing along to your favorite songs? Well, you’re in luck! The San Mateo County Pride Center and Outlet are co-hosting Queeraoke on Thursday, April 11 from 3-6 PM. All levels are welcome! Whether you’re a karaoke regular, someone looking to try a new song or a first-timer who is curious about singing, this is a space FOR YOU! We hope you can join us at this fun and fabulous event!
This is a sober, all ages event. All are welcome! Snacks will be provided!
See you on Thursday, April 11 from 3-6 PM at the San Mateo County Pride Center (1021 S. El Camino Real at 11th and El Camino)
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| Save the Date -
Expressive Arts Group for Trans*, Gender Diverse and Non-binary youth
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| 🌈 Transcending Through Art: An Expressive Arts Therapy Group for Transgender/Nonbinary/Gender Expansive Teens (Ages 13-17)
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and community building designed specifically for transgender, nonbinary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, gender creative and questioning teens. Our Expressive Arts Therapy Process Group is a safe and welcoming space where creativity becomes a powerful tool for exploring identity, fostering self-expression, and building a supportive community.
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| What to Expect:
🎨 Creative Exploration of Identity: Dive into the world of art to explore and celebrate your unique identity. Through various creative modalities, discover new dimensions of self-expression and gain insights into your evolving sense of identity.
😌 Processing Emotions Outside the Body: Art provides a medium to externalize and process complex emotions. Engage in therapeutic activities that allow you to express and understand your feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
🌿 Developing Strategies for Self-Regulation: Learn practical tools for self-regulation and co-regulation, empowering you to navigate the ups and downs of life with resilience and emotional well-being.
🤝 Creating Identity-Affirming Community: Connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. Build a community where acceptance, understanding, and celebration of diverse identities flourish.
Why Join:
🌈 Nurturing Joy & Euphoria: This group is not just about healing; it's about fostering joy and euphoria through the transformative power of creative expression. Embrace the freedom to be yourself in a space that celebrates authenticity.
When:
🗓️ Start Date: April 2024 (Stay tuned for more info!)
Accessibility: possibility of stairs leading to the therapy room
Contact Info:
Jazz.Slavin@sanmateopride.org / jessica.gugg@sanmateopride.org or contact 650-207-9628 (text ok)
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The San Mateo Pride Center is excited to be able to offer a variety of trainings and educational opportunities! Please see below for the trainings that we currently provide and reach out to Ishani Dugar (they/xe)
at ishani.dugar@sanmateopride.org or call 650-554-1234 (text ok) with any questions.
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| Pronouns 101
Have you ever asked yourself “did I use the ‘correct’ pronoun for that person”? This Pronouns 101 workshop will help you feel more comfortable in any situation! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to safely ask someone their pronouns, break down neo pronouns and experience a safe space to ask your questions about pronouns. Through interactive videos, participant engagement, and pronoun use practice, we will help you become a pro at pronouns!
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| SOGIE 101
In this SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression) training, we cover the basic terminology for sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation through engaging videos, matching games, and polls. We also touch on extended topics like gender-neutral language, pronouns, and cultural humility. After every training, we provide extensive resources either highlighted in or similar to the content in our training.
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| | | Trans* 101
Interested to learn more about relevant and pressing issues the Trans*, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse communities face? This training offers in-depth conversations on topics such as bathroom issues and transphobia. We then conclude this training with tips and tricks on how to be an advocate for the Trans* community.
Please note that we do charge a fee for our trainings! Please use the QR Codes below to visit our training page or sign up for a training session via our interest form. We look forward to working with you!
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| Please note that we do charge a fee for our trainings! Please visit our training page or sign up for a training session via our interest form. We look forward to working with you!
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Rainbow Kids training- April 17
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Los niños forman conceptos fundamentales sobre género, amor y familia antes de los cinco años. Crear entornos inclusivos es esencial a medida que los niños forman sentido de quiénes son, a quién pueden amar y qué constituye una familia. Al comprender las temas relacionadas con el género y la orientación sexual y apoyar a los niños de manera afirmativa, les damos la libertad de explorar sus identidades verdaderas y un mundo diverso desde un inicio.
Durante este seminario web gratuito de 90 minutos en Español, las facilitadoras Jennifer Ventura (Especialista y Consultora de la Primera Infancia) y Tania Cisneros-Ventura (Educadora Infantil y Terapeuta Familiar) ofrecen info, estrategias y recursos apropiados para la edad de los niños, con ejemplos y actividades relevantes para compartir ideas de cómo apoyar a los niños pequeños. Los temas incluyen aprender las identidades LGBTQ+ y términos, practicar pronombres y lenguaje inclusivo, gestionar los mensajes diarios sobre género, amor y familia, y el poder de la afirmación.
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| Children form foundational concepts about gender, love and family before the age of five. Creating inclusive environments is essential as young children form their senses of who they are, whom they can love & what makes a family. By understanding issues related to gender and sexual orientation & supporting children in affirming ways, we give them the freedom to explore their true identities & a diverse world from the beginning.
During this free 90 minute webinar in Spanish, facilitators Jennifer Ventura (Early Childhood Specialist and Consultant) & Tania Cisneros-Ventura (Childhood Educator and Family Therapist) offer age-appropriate info, strategies, & resources with relatable examples & activities to share ideas about how to support young children. Topics include understanding LGBTQ+ identities & terms, practicing pronouns and inclusive language, managing daily messages about gender, love & family, & the power of affirmation.
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| Fechas de entrenamiento 2024/2024 training dates: 4/17 & June date TBA!
registrar aquí /register here:
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2024 Mental Health Awareness Month - May is Mental Health Month
Hosted by The Office of Diversity and Equity
Join the 2024 May Mental Health Month Planning Committee meetings (schedule in attached flyer above). Please register at using this link
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San Mateo County Pride 2024: Love at Our Core, Pride in 2024
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Save the date for San Mateo County Pride 2024-
Saturday, June 8 from 11-5 PM in Central Park in San Mateo.
Get ready to to come together at the PARADE,
meeting at 2nd Street and B Street in San Mateo at 10am!
Stay tuned for more information! If you are interested in volunteering at San Mateo Pride Celebration? Please contact PRIDE Initiative Co-Chair, Dana Johnson (they/he) at theractivist2@gmail.com who can provide support.
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Interested in having a contingent or
being part of a contingent during
the SMC Pride Parade?
Email Kalimah Salahuddin
at kalimahs@gmail.com
If you would like to be part of the Pride Center's contingent, email info@sanmateopride.org, subject line: "Interested in joining the Pride Center's SMC Pride Parade contingent". You may also call 650-591-0133
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| | Interested in tabling?
To help with the cost of the event this year, there will be fees for community/government booths and vendors:
- Community/Government Booths: sliding scale fee of $10-100. A limited number of scholarships are available.
- Vendor Booths: $75 flat fee
*** Please Note- we have limited booth space available. Space will be allocated based on specific services provided for the LGBTQIA+ community and/or products valued by our community.
If you need a scholarship, please email or call Susan Takalo: swillstakalo@gmail.com or 650-219-9807.
To apply for a space, click the questionnaire link below and submit it by Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 11:59pm for consideration.
The Booth Planning Sub-Committee will make the final determinations for participation on May 1st and will send out the formal confirmation and request for payment. Payment must be received by May 25th to ensure participation.
Please use this link to apply.
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| | Openings for Mental Health Services at the Pride Center
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We have therapy openings for self-pay clients. Sliding scale is available (with income verification). Services are available hybrid, onsite or exclusively virtual.
Services are available to clients located in California. Priority is given to LGBTQ+ community members based in San Mateo County. If you are interested in receiving mental health services, please fill out our online Clinical Services Request Form at https://sanmateopride.org/mental-health-services-2.
The Pride Center provides LGBTQ+-affirmative therapy within a strengths-based and person-centered framework. And all our clinicians have LGBTQ+ lived and/or work experience.
Our clinical team looks forward to meeting you and learning how we can support you on your mental health journey!
Currently, clinical services are only provided in english.
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| | If you have questions, please contact clinical@sanmateopride.org or call 650-591-0133
To learn more about the mental health services provided by the San Mateo County Pride Center, please click this link or the button below
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Come Volunteer with the Pride Center!
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Would you like to volunteer with the Pride Center? We never underestimate the value of donated time, and neither should you! Are you interested and available to give back? If so, please consider some of the possibilities listed below.
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Virtual and onsite volunteer roles with the Pride Center include, but are not limited to:
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If you’re interested in learning more about these or any other opportunities, reach out to Lowellyn (she/they) at Lowellyn.Sunga@sanmateopride.org (preferred) or 650-591-0133 who can help you figure out the best match for a mutually rewarding experience.
Thank you for investing in the Pride Center’s essential programs and services. We can’t do our work without you.
For more information about our volunteer program, click the button below.
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For the latest updates follow us on social media:
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PENINSULA FAMILY SERVICE UPDATES
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If you would like information about how to become a volunteer peer counselor or have general questions about Older Adult Programming, please contact our partner organization from Peninsula Family Service (PFS) at info@pfso.org.
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To sign up for one or more of our social groups, please fill out Outlet’s Group Form- tinyurl.com/OutletGroupForm or click the button below
Questions? Email outletprogram@acs-teens.org or call 650-424-0852 ext. 107
**Please note: Outlet's weekly Trans* Group will be on hold until further notice.
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| Outlet is currently accepting new LGBTQIA+ youth clients ages 10 to 25 in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties!
A couple things to note:
- Youth who are interested can start services without a waiting period.
- Therapy services are available via telehealth or in person.
- While our therapy services do come at a cost, a sliding scale is available!
To start the screening process:
Complete Outlet’s Screening Form (tinyurl.com/OutletScreeningForm)
Email Brett (they/them), Outlet’s Clinical Coordinator (brett@acs-teens.org) to schedule an intake appointment
Questions? Contact Brett Trace (brett@acs-teens.org)
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| The Pride Center and Stanford LGBTQ+ Health Program co-host Trans Talks, a free, monthly workshop series that centers the health and wellness of our Transgender and Gender Diverse community members. Every month, a different medical student from Stanford's LGBTQ+ Health Program will share information and lead a discussion.
Stay tuned for information about upcoming Trans* Talks presentations.
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If you are interested in rewatching/ watching these presentations or if you are interested in seeing recordings* of other previous presentations, please use this link: tinyurl.com/transtalks-recordings.
*Please note: Some workshops aren't recorded at the presenter's request. If a workshop isn't recorded, there is usually a slideshow that can be accessed. All recordings utilize closed captioning.
If you have questions, need support or would like to suggest a topic please contact
Nathalie (she/her) at nsaraig@stanford.edu or call 650-591-0133
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The Stanford School of Medicine is working to expand their LGBTQ+ curriculum. One way that they're hoping to do this is by recruiting Trans*-identified actors to portray patients for student evaluations. Please share widely. This is an important opportunity to create visibility in the medical field.
This is a paid opportunity! If you or someone you know is interested, please upload your photo and resume to https://bit.ly/2q2jM0S
Questions? Please contact Dr. Laniakea at laniakea@stanford.edu or call 650-591-0133
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| | If you are looking for support in changing your name on your legal documents, join our monthly name and gender marker workshops.
The format of the Name and Gender Change workshop is changing. We are moving from offering this workshop once a month to a twice a month. The Name and Gender Change workshop will now occur on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 6-7:30 PM.
Part 1 will be on the 2nd Wednesday and Part 2 will be on the 4th Wednesday. Part 1 will cover court order forms, filing instructions, and fee waivers. Part 2 will cover updating social security documents, DMV documents, passports, birth certificates, and other documents.
Please reach out to info@sanmateopride.org or call 650-591-0133 if you have questions.
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Just a reminder: we offer some financial aide for the legal process and free gender affirming supplies. For more information about this, please see this link:
tinyurl.com/ngc-financial-aid
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For more information about our monthly peer support groups for community members 18+, please click this link.
If you have any questions, please contact
Ishani.Dugar@sanmateopride.org or 650-554-1234 (text ok)
We are actively looking for volunteer co-facilitators for our Gay Men's Group, Queer Women's Group & Trans* Group! For more information about these roles, click this link.
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The book club is a partnership with the San Mateo County Public Library System, Peninsula Family Service and San Mateo County Pride Center. It’s open to all members of the community, including allies and friends.Community members who are invited to attend even if they haven't read the book. Come participate in the discussion!
We're excited to share that the book club will is a hybrid meeting. Participants have the option of gathering in person at the San Mateo County Pride Center (1021 S. El Camino) or continuing to use Zoom. If you would like to attend this meeting through Zoom, please register using this link: tinyurl.com/smcpc-bookclub
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For information about upcoming titles including how to borrow them from the San Mateo County Library, please click this link.
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Save the date for May programs!
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We have some great programming planned for May! Click each event to learn more!
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| The Bridge Access Program
CDC’s Bridge Access Program provides free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. This program expires December 31, 2024. For more information, please click this link.
Thank you to our friends at The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) for sharing this information with us.
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| In community,
Marilyn Fernando (she/her)
Marketing and Community Engagement Lead
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Do you enjoy/benefit from our programs and services? Are you able to/Would you like to support our essential work? We welcome and appreciate donations of any amount, big or small.
It all matters. Yes, we really mean that.
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The San Mateo County Pride Center is a program of StarVista in collaboration with Outlet of Adolescent Counseling Services, and Peninsula Family Service.
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