May 26, 2021
Dear Marilyn Fernando,
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“We must be proud of our age.”
On June 1, the San Mateo County Pride Center celebrates birthday number 4. I recently gazed over at the event photos to spot some familiar faces in the crowd of about 500 who attended our opening day celebration. Over the years, we have developed numerous supporters – staff, (past & present) County officials, exceptional volunteers, interested neighbors, committed partners, and hundreds of amazing community members and allies. We opened with an important mission –“To create a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and affirming community climate that fosters personal growth, health, and opportunities to thrive for all individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities through education, counseling, advocacy and support.”
We opened on June 1, 2017 – smack in the beginning of the Trump administration, full of its repression, tyranny, hatred, and pain. Our mission has not always been smooth or easy, but the incredible outpouring of love we felt on that opening day, 4 years ago, definitely ameliorated our burdens. We have so much to be proud, as the San Mateo County Pride Center has been and continues to be, on the creative cutting edge with regard to programs, activities, trainings, and services for the entire San Mateo County community.
This June, at the San Mateo County Pride Celebration (June 6-12), we again continue to break down barriers on the path to full equality and social justice, with a new consciousness raising workshop, Age Pride: Ageism in the LGBTQ Community. We (San Mateo County Pride Center) originated the pronouns discussion in San Mateo County, demanding recognition for nonbinary, transgender, and gender nonconforming people on the peninsula. We have worked in solidarity with the African American Community Initiative, seeking social and racial justice for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our community. We are now seeking to dismantle one more insidious systemic -ism of oppression –ageism - for it needs to be eradicated and it needs to be eradicated NOW. Ageism is discrimination based on age and it permeates our society in general, and in the LGBTQ community, unambiguously. How do we overcome this socially sanctioned oppression and transform ourselves into an all-ages friendly society? Please come join us (virtually) at noon on June 7 to shift your consciousness and to become engaged in a thoughtful dialogue on ageism.
“We must be proud of our age.” Quote by Maggie Kuhn, founder of the Gray Panthers
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SAN MATEO COUNTY PRIDE 2021
DURING THE WEEK OF JUNE 6-12!
For more information about the celebration, please see this link: www.smcpridecelebration.com
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***JUNE 1, 2021: HAPPY 4th BIRTHGAY,
SAN MATEO COUNTY PRIDE CENTER!***
Chair Yoga
Tuesday, June 1 from 9:30-10:30 AM
What is chair yoga? Chair yoga is a style of yoga therapy that may be ideal for folks who have limited mobility, are new to yoga or work at a desk for prolonged periods of time. Improve your balance, lower limb strength, fight depression and gain vitality in this meditative morning class! Every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Fit Fusion
Wednesday, June 2 from 9:30-10:30 AM
A morning cardio class to help ensure you reach your fitness goal. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday morning. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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LGBTQ Book Club (18 )
Wed., June 2 from
4:30-6:00 PM
The San Mateo County Pride Center, Peninsula Family Service and San Mateo County Libraries System co-host LGBTQ Book Club every first Wednesday of the month! This club is free, open to folks 18 and runs from 4:30-6PM.
Pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPC-bookclub.
This month, participants will disucss The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams.
Please note: folks are invited to attend & participate in the discussion even if they haven't read the book!
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Thursday, June 3 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 AM. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Tai Chi
Friday, June 4 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi has been described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle moments. Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, June 4 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
Drop-in discussion group with weekly topics. Open to all LGBTQ women who are 50 . This group meets weekly every Friday afternoon. For more information, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Fit Fusion
Monday, June 7 from 9:30-10:30 AM
A morning cardio class to help ensure you reach your fitness goal. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday morning. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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***San Mateo County Pride 2021 program***
Raising Consciousness about Aging
in the LGBTQ Community
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Co-hosted by Cristina Ugaitafa, Aging and Adults Services & the San Mateo County Pride Center. As the world unites to fight for social justice for our marginalized communities, let us ensure we are also fighting for our older adults. Starting with a framework about what ageism is, this workshop will feature a diverse panel of speakers who will share their expertise and experiences as older adults in the LGBTQ community. Participants will be able to hear and participate in dialogue about what is unique about the stigma and bias about growing older as queer and gender-expansive people.
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Chair Yoga
Tuesday, June 8 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Fit Fusion
Wednesday, June 9 from 9:30-10:30 AM
A morning cardio class to help ensure you reach your fitness goal. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday morning. Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Wednesday, June 9 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Carol Queen has been on the frontlines of the sex-positivity movement since the 1970s. A cultural sexologist, author, and co-founder of San Francisco’s Center for Sex & Culture, Carol is a long-time advocate for sexual health and pleasure. As Staff Sexologist at Good Vibrations, Carol developed their education program and is a leading educator in the field of sexual education in San Francisco and beyond. A long running sex advice columnist for BUST magazine, Carol has brought her insight and knowledge to readers all over the world. Join Sex Therapist Zoe Sipe for a lively conversation with Carol Queen as they explore the state of sex in 2021. Together, they will discuss societal views on sex, social movements related to sex, sex education, sexual shame, and sex positivity in civic life.
For more information about this event, please see this link.
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Chair Yoga
Thursday, June 10 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Tai Chi
Friday, June 11 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, June 11 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
Drop-in discussion group with weekly topics. Open to all LGBTQ women who are 50 . This group meets weekly every Friday afternoon. For more information, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Pride Grand Celebration
Saturday, June 12 from 11-3 PM
At 11 AM, catch the livestream of the event on Pen TV's Youtube Live or the San Mateo County Pride Initiative
Facebook page (linked here)!
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Chair Yoga
Thursday, June 17 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Tai Chi
Friday, June 18 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, June 18 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
Drop-in discussion group with weekly topics. Open to all LGBTQ women who are 50 . This group meets weekly every Friday afternoon. For more information, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Fit Fusion
Monday, June 21 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Get APP-y Workshop
Monday, June 21 from Noon-1pm
Have a question about your tablet or laptop? Think your phone may be smarter than you? Join us at Get APP-y Workshop (formerly APP-y Hour) to freely ask questions and get answers that help you through your tech challenges. Please register in advance to Arlene at aaquino@peninsulafamilyservice.org. This workshop meets monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Chair Yoga
Tuesday, June 22 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
PRIDE BINGO
Tuesday, June 22 from 4:30-6:00 PM PST
Join us for a fun evening of bingo, featuring LGBTQIA Pride terms!The Network is once again celebrating Pride Month remotely by hosting a fun evening of bingo featuring LGBTQIA Pride terms. Prizes will be available for winners! All are welcome--this is a family-friendly event appropriate for those of all ages. Register in order to receive a bingo sheet, an optional Pride Zoom background and the Zoom link to participate! Please see this link for more information!
Gay Men’s Group (18 )
Tuesday, June 22 from 6:00 PM
Join this virtual conversation for Gay men who want to socialize about common interests, meet new people, and connect during the pandemic. Facilitated by Jorge Vidarte (He/Him). Please register using this link: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-gaymensgroup & Please contact Ainsley Blattel (they/them) at ainsley.blattel@sanmateopride.org for additional information or questions regarding the group.
Fit Fusion
Wed., June 23 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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Chair Yoga
Thursday, June 24 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Tai Chi
Friday, June 25 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
SHARING AND CARING- Social Group for LGBTQ Women 55
Friday, June 25 from 3-4 PM on Zoom
Drop-in discussion group with weekly topics. Open to all LGBTQ women who are 50 . This group meets weekly every Friday afternoon. For more information, please contact Michele at mepstein@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Fit Fusion
Monday, June 28 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Chair Yoga
Tuesday, June 29 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance by contacting Ellyn at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Fit Fusion
Wednesday, June 30 from 9:30-10:30 AM
Please register in advance with Ellyn (She/Her) at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
I'm Still Here: HIV, Long Term Survivors, and Trauma
Wednesday, June 30 from 11:00 AM-12 PM
HIV did not happen on a blank slate! This webinar will discuss the challenges Long-Term Survivors face: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, AIDS Survivor Syndrome, Trauma & Resilience
and how to find help. Sign up for free through this link.
UPCOMING BOOKS:
July 7th: The Price of Salt or Carol by Patricia Highsmith 4:30 PM. Please see this link for full list of books that will be discussed: tinyurl.com/smcpc-bookclub
**** This library browser extension shows you which books are available for FREE for your local library! https://www.cnet.com/how-to/this-browser-extension-shows-you-which-amazon-books-are-available-free-at-your-local-library ****
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Looking forward to seeing you at this month’s events
Please contact Ellyn (She/Her) if you need support or have questions about any of the programs and events listed above at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org
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In community,
Ellyn Bloomfield (she/her)
Older Adult Program Coordinator
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