March 1, 2024
Greetings community,
This month, we recognize the Trans* Day of Visibility on March 31st, Women's History Month, Bi+ Health Month all of March.
During this month, there are many ways that we can reflect on the beautiful intersectionality of ourselves and community. Scroll down to learn more about the programming that we're hosting to celebrate these different observations.
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Transgender Day of Visibility (often referred to as TDOV or Trans Day of Visibility) is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
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Sylvia Rivera was known as one of the leaders of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Rivera became heavily involved in organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and cofounded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), where she pushed for the inclusion of working class, queer and trans youth of color. To this day, she remains a pivotal figure in queer history.
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#BiHealthMonth, founded and led annually by the Bisexual Resource Center, raises awareness about the bisexual+ (bi, pansexual, fluid, queer, etc.) community’s social, economic and health disparities; advocates for resources; and inspires actions to improve bi+ people’s well-being.
To learn more about resources and way to build community, visit this link:
https://bihealthmonth.org/.
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| FriGay Flicks: Paris is Burning
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Thank you to everyone who attended last month's screening of Paris Is Burning! It was amazing to see a room of community enjoying this important film.
Thank you our special guests Mariposa Outreach and the Divine Kiki House of Celine for sharing their experiences and stories with us.
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Thank you to our friends at BACHAC and inviting the Pride Center to table and participate at their Off To A Good Start event!
Off to a Good Start is BACHAC's annual physical activity and nutrition program emphasizing the importance of physical activity every day to improve general health, maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol, reduce depression, and help in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer.
For more information about BACHAC and their organization and upcoming events, visit: https://www.bachac.org/who-we-are
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| | | Sequioa High School in Redwood City had their first Pride Fair in February! We had such a good time connecting with the staff and the students sharing information about the Pride Center and StarVista programs!
<- Left photo: Pride Center's Elana, Low, and, CAB volunteer, Annisa
-> Right photo: StarVista's Outreach Team: Audrey and George
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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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Thank you Derek, Verna & Katrina
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Please join us in congratulating Derek Wolfgram, Verna Barrientos and Katrina Maple for their time at the Pride Center. They are each beautiful parts of our Pride Center family and will be missed deeply. Congratulations on all your new chapters, you've made a powerful impact on our team & community. Thank you for everything!
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Verna Barrientos
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work as a mental health therapist, and then as the Clinical Supervision Coordinator, at the Pride Center for 3+ years. I have learned a lot in this role in so many areas. The work I have done and the lessons I have learned will stay with me throughout my social work career.
I have appreciated the various clients that I have been able to work with. Supporting and guiding clients on their mental health journeys and witnessing their growth has been an awe-inspiring experience. And I cannot say enough wonderful things about the team at the Pride Center. This is a group that genuinely cares for the communities we serve as well as each other.
Thank you to the Pride Center staff, clients, and community. You have changed me for the better and I am stronger clinician because of you all."
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| | | Derek Wolfgram
In four and a half years on the CAB, Derek enjoyed seeing the super passionate, resilient, selfless work of Pride Center staff and fellow CAB members. From County Pride celebrations to TDOR events, from the adult prom to the Pride Center's 5th anniversary celebration to Redwood City's first citywide Pride event, and throughout the creation of virtual services during the pandemic and the return to in-person services, it's been very rewarding to work and walk alongside folx who provide such meaningful support to the LGBTQIA+ community in San Mateo County.
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| Katrina Maple
"I have enjoyed my time at the Pride Center and being surrounded and supported by this amazing team. I will be ending my practicum year in June and will be moving to Portland, Oregon for my last year of my grad program for my internship. I have learned so much from working with this team including how to highlight diversity in all forms and the importance of having a community that emphasizes self-care. I will take with me the Pride Center's emphasis on a strengths-based approach to meet people where they are at which has deepened my passion in advocating for clients."
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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 March 13.
For more info, connect with our Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist, Low Sunga (she/they) at lowellyn.sunga@sanmateopride.org!
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| 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 1. Organizations can still submit their requests after April 1st, 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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Dear LGBTQ+ Community,
Supporters, and Advocates:
Last year, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans bills were proposed nationwide, and sadly, LGBTQ hate incidents have also climbed, even locally in San Mateo County. In response, we've witnessed and participated in our own community's strength and community-rallying. Throughout SMC the many partnerships and collaborative efforts we've forged have helped us create vital programming in the name of affirmation, visibility, inclusion, and a declaration of belonging for our LGBTQ+ community. Collectively, the Pride Center team is proud of the impact we've helped make.
We could not accomplish all that we do without your support, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
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| | Here are some snippets of what the Pride Center accomplished last year
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To read our year in review in its entirety, click the button below!
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Special Programming in March
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POSTPONED - Hike the Night Away:
San Pedro Valley Guided Nature & History walk
Due to the rain, this event will be postponed. Please stay tuned for information about new date.
Questions?
E-mail Elana Ron at Elana.ron@sanmateopride.org
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| The San Mateo County Pride Center and Outlet, a program of Adolescent Counseling Services, are thrilled to partner for The National Day of Reading! We hope you can join us on Tuesday, March 5 at the Pride Center for an afternoon filled with community and stories supporting Trans* and Non-Binary youth. Readings will be held at 3:30, 4:15, and 5pm.
Our celebration of stories will also include an optional Book Drive! We encourage participants of our event to bring books that support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically youth, to donate to the Pride Center’s library; however, it is not a requirement to join in for our readings.
Throughout the afternoon, we will focus on creating welcoming and affirming spaces for transgender and non-binary youth through the reading of inclusive literature, such as Introducing Teddy, 47,000 Beads, and “The Gender Reveal” a short story in Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood.
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FriGay Flicks: Bit (TV-MA)
Friday, March 15- doors at 5:30, movie at 6
The Pride Center is proud to announce our March FriGay Flicks! Join us for a safe and sober event to watch the Queer Horror comedy, Bit on Friday, March 15 at the San Mateo County Pride Center. Community members are encouraged to dress as their favorite vampire or horror character!
About the Film:
Laurel moves to LA and falls in with a gang of queer feminist
vampires. Not knowing if they want to kill her, befriend her or turn her, she
learns to understand the love and dangers of her new group of friends.
Content warnings include:
- This film is rated TV-MA and not suitable for audience attendees under 13.
- Violence and gore
- Profanity
- Alcohol and smoking
- Discussion about suicide
Viewer discretion is advised
Registration is required. Please register here: http://tinyurl.com/frigayflicksbit
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| REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO MARCH 4
"Perpetually Multisexual" is an 8 week therapy group that aims to create a safe space to come together as a community, counteract stigma, and heal through visibility for people 18 and older who identify as bi-, multi-, ambi-, omni, or pan- sexual or who are romantically or physically attracted to more than one gender.
Multisexual folks may face many unique challenges including:
- Erasure of their identities - “You’re just straight or gay”
- Making incorrect assumptions about what it means to be multisexual
- Forms of discrimination specific to multisexuality such as not wanting to date
someone who is multisexual or not trusting them
The San Mateo County Pride Center is offering a safer space maintained by trained mental health professionals who can help navigate difficult and delicate conversations, address triggers or conflicts as they arise during sessions, and teach and incorporate mental health coping skills, so you can share the impacts of all of the above and find more comfort with who you are and how you show up in the world.
Cost:
$20 Per Session (Sliding scale spots available) & San Mateo County HPSM & BHRS spaces are available.
When?
Tuesdays 5:30-7:00pm , starting March 19 through May 14
Who:
Community members 18+ who identify as bi-, multi-, ambi-, omni, or pan- sexual
Please register by March 4 through this link: tinyurl.com/PerpetuallyMultisexual
This special group will be hosted in-person by the Pride Center's very own Drae (Andrea) Roth (she/her) and Jessica Gugg (she/they).
Questions?
Contact Drae at drae@sanmateopride.org and Jessica at jessica.gugg@sanmateopride.org or call 650-591-0133
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Save the Date- Trans* Week of Visibility
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Join us in celebrating the beauty, strength, and visibility of our Trans*, Gender Diverse, and Non-Binary community! This year, Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is on March 31st; however, we think one day is just not enough... so, Pride Center is proud to host our first Trans Week of Visibility! Save the Date(s)!
We have some exciting plans in store for you:
- Legal Name & Gender Change Workshop: Learn how to update your identity documents, get assistance with filling out the court paperwork, and find answers to any questions you have about the process.
- Wed. 3/28, 6-7:30pm- Online
- Becoming More Visibly You: Gender Affirmation Workshop: Explore your identity;
Learn makeup/styling tricks; Browse our gender-affirming closet; Connect with your community; and know where to find local resources (HRT, voice coaching, and more).
- Thurs. 3/28, 5:30-7:30pm –In Person
- Regular Drop-in Hours:
Come visit us in-person, “shop” in our free gender affirming closet for a new chest binder, or makeup, clothes, and more.
- Tues-Thurs, 11:30am-6:30pm
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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 with any questions.
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Exploring Our Roots: Unpacking Bias in Order to Grow
It’s human nature to make assumptions about people, identities, and communities. We move through the world with ongoing assumptions and belief systems unknowingly. Supported by Kaiser Permanente, each training will create a carefully guided environment, allowing the work to begin to unpack our own internalized myths, ask ourselves where they come from, and examine the roots of their inheritance. By providing interactive activities, discussion time, and videos, the Pride Center will hold space for healing dialogue to help us all shift our assumptions and biases toward truth. All trainings will be capped at a 50-person maximum to foster a safe and grounding experience for all.
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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- Thursday, March 21
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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, 4/24
registrar aquí /register here:
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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.
Stay tuned for more information! If you are interested in volunteering or organizing at San Mateo Pride, please contact theractivist@gmail.com or call 650-591-0133.
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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 sjohnson@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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Our friends at the SFSU Department of Speech, Language & Hearing sciences is hosting gender affirming voice training clinic classes this Spring Semester.
This is a free series open to our Trans* & Gender Diverse community members. BIPOC or people with limited financial resources prioritized. If you or anyone you know is interested, please have them sign up through the link below.
There are currently 5 spaces open!
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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 phoenix.georgiades@sanmateopride.org or 650-771-0782 for support.
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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
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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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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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| As of September 25, households are entitled to free covid tests! For more information, please click this link.
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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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