October 3, 2024
Greetings, Community!
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We have a number of observances this month to celebrate our communites individuality and uniqueness.
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| October is LGBTQ+ History Month!
What is LGBTQ+ History Month?
LGBTQ History Month, an annual month-long observance that provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ community. Founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a gay history teacher from rural Missouri, LGBTQ History Month was declared a national history month by President Barack Obama in 2009. This celebration coincides with National Coming Out Day (October 11) and commemorates the first and second marches on Washington for LGBTQ rights in 1979 and 1987. (Source: GLAAD)
Stay tuned as we highlight some of our favorite figures of LGBTQ+ History!
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| October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
DVAM evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had common themes:
- Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence
- Celebrating those who have survived
- Connecting those who work to end violence
These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.
(Source: G.R.O.W. Foundation)
CORA is an amazing local resource whose focus is to support those experiencing and affected by intimate partner abuse.
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| | | October is Filipinx History Month!
Filipino American History Month (FAHM)*, established in October 1988, commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinxs in the continental U.S. On October 18, 1587, "Luzones Indios" came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza, landing at what is now Morro Bay, California.
As the third-largest AAPI group in the U.S. and the second-largest in California, Filipinx Americans have shaped and enriched this nation over generations.
(Source: UC Berkeley: Equity and Inclusion)
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| | The Pride Center team is proud to reflect the community we serve. The Pride Center exists to support and advocate for the diverse LGBTQ+ community of San Mateo County. We are proud that our team’s representation reflects the community we serve. Do you want to learn more about us?
We've updated our team page with information that highlights the wide range of identities, languages spoken, and some other fun facts about us!
If you want to learn more about each staff member, the team page includes our individual bios as well! We each share our histories, and our skillsets that uniquely qualify us to support the expanding needs of the LGBTQ+ community we serve and belong to.
To see our updated team page, please click this link sanmateopride.org/ourteam/
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| Ariana (she/they) is the LGBTQ+ Case Manager at the San Mateo County Pride Center. A Bay Area native, she grew up in Fremont and now calls San Mateo County home. Ariana holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Theater from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master’s in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. With over a decade of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work across higher education, tech, and legal sectors, they are excited to return to non-profit community work, where their career first started. Ariana is deeply passionate about providing collaborative, affirming, and holistic case management for the LGBTQ+ community.
Deeply connected to her Middle Eastern and Muslim roots, she carries a complex history with her queer identity and those cultural foundations. In her spare time, she can be found playing Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy RPG video games, practicing yoga, or caring for her plants. They also love spending time with their two cats, Barnacle and Mango, and exploring the beautiful nature, delicious eats, and unique coffee roasters around the Bay Area.
Welcome to the Pride Center Team, Ariana!
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| | Recap of September Events
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Community Care and Connection Workshop!
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Thank you to everyone who attended Community Care Package and workshop, the Pride Center's community event to commemorate Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you are interested in finding resources, please click this link. We still have plenty of supplies from our event. Come by to create a therapy stone, mindfulness jar or worry stone!
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Equinox and DIY planner event
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Thank you to everyone who came to the DIY planner event we co-hosted with CORA!
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The sun was out for our very first Community BBQueer event on Saturday, September 28th, at San Mateo Central Park, and it was amazing! The day was packed with vibrant community members and tons of activities that made the event truly special. From delicious food to exciting board games, it was incredible to see everyone connecting, laughing, and building community. We can't wait for even more unforgettable
moments at future community events!
So much appreciation and gratitude to our Lead Events and Outreach Coordinator, Elana Ron (she/they),
who planned the amazing event for the community!
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Check out the photos from our first Community BBQueer Event below!
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Can you think of a better way to prepare for Halloween than getting together with your besties and singing along to your favorite songs? Whether you’re a karaoke regular, someone who is curious about karaoke or someone who’d like to try singing a new song, this is a space for you!
Costumes are encouraged, but not required! Dress like your favorite animal or mythical creature.
This is a sober, all ages event. Snacks will be provided.
For accessibility information about the Pride Center, visit: sanmateopride.org/accessibility/
To register scan the QR code or visit: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPCQueeraokeHalloween
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| FriGay Flicks- Rustin (2023)!
Friday, 10/18 at 6PM
About the Film:
Rustin is the critically acclaimed film from director George C. Wolfe, starring Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin. Architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Rustin challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement. The film features an all-star cast including Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Jeffrey Wright and Audra McDonald.
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 6 pm.
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| To watch a trailer, follow this link. This film is Rated PG-13 and not suitable for audience attendees under 12.
Content warnings include:
- Sex and Nudity (mild)
- Violence (moderate)
- Profanity (mild)
- Alcohol & Smoking (moderate)
Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/frigayrustin
The Pride Center is located at 1021 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo, 94402. Our building is located at 11th and El Camino. For accessibility and parking information, please use this link: https://sanmateopride.org/accessibility/
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What Programming do you want to see at the San Mateo County Pride Center?
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We’re working on building our event calendar for the rest of the year and want to hear from you! What events and programming do you want to see at the
San Mateo County Pride Center?
Are you a nature fan that likes to be outside? Are you a plant nerd who wants to meet other foliage fans? Do you want to learn how to sing and dance? Are you looking to spend an evening supporting a local business while building community? Are you a foodie who wants to swap recipes or bring something to share? The possibilities are as wide and expansive as our community. Please let us know, your input and feedback helps us serve and celebrate you better!
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| | Please use the button below to access the survey!
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Menlo College Club & Community Fair 9/4
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| World Suicide Prevention Day Event for Youth 9/10
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| Caltrain Electrification Celebration 9/22
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| Low and Elana tabling at Menlo College Club & Community Fair on 9/4. George (he/him), StarVista's Community Engagement Coordinator saying hello in back!
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Elana and friends in San Carlos for World Suicide Prevention Day for Youth on 9/10.
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Low and Elana having fun in San Mateos Caltrain Electriciction Celebration on 9/22.
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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 6:30pm. This months next CAB meeting will meet on October 9.
For more info, connect with our Community Engagement & Volunteer Specialist, Low Sunga (she/they) at lowellyn.sunga@sanmateopride.org!
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| The San Mateo Pride Center is excited to be able to offer a variety of trainings and educational opportunities! To read more about the trainings that we currently offer or request a training, please visit the training page of our website.
If you have any questions about the trainings we offer, reach out to Ishani Dugar (they/xe) at ishani.dugar@sanmateopride.org or call 650-554-1234 (text ok).
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Please note that we do charge a fee for our trainings!
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Pronouns 101: A FREE community training
Tuesday, November 12 from 6-7:30pm on Zoom.
Transgender Awareness Week is November 13th-19th, we encourage everyone to join us and kick off the week by brushing up on your pronoun skills! Are you seeking more guidance on how to ask for, use, and practice pronouns? This Pronouns 101 workshop will help you feel more comfortable in any situation!
In this training, you’ll learn how to safely ask
someone their pronouns, break down
neo pronouns, and experience a comfortable space to
ask your questions about pronouns in general.
Accessibility Information:
This training will be conducted in English. Closed Captions are available for those that need it.
There are no prerequisites for taking this training. This training will not be recorded.
Resources will be sent out to folks that attend after the training is complete.
Questions? Email ishani.dugar@sanmateopride.org
or text/call (650) 554-1234
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| | Mental Health Services at the Pride Center
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There is currently no waitlist and community member can expect to meet with a clinician promptly.
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Clinical Services include:
- Therapy: Individual, Couples/Multiples, Family, & Group sessions available! We accept HPSM/BHRS Medi-Cal or self-pay (sliding scale with income verification). Community members based outside of San Mateo County have the option of self- pay.
- Case Management: Work 1 on 1 with our knowledgeable case manager for support with housing, employment, legal, healthcare, gender-affirming care resources and providers, and more. This is a FREE resource.
Clinical services are available onsite at the San Mateo County Pride Center, hybrid or exclusively virtual. The Pride Center provides LGBTQ+-affirmative therapy within a strengths-based and person-centered framework. All our clinicians have LGBTQ+ lived and/or work experience.
Priority is given to LGBTQ+ community members based in San Mateo County, but services are available to all community members based in California.
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| | | 🌈 Transcending Through Art: An Expressive Arts Drop-in Group for Transgender/Nonbinary/Gender Expansive Teens (Ages 13-19)
Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00PM through October 29
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 drop in group is a safe and welcoming space where creativity becomes a powerful tool for exploring identity, fostering self-expression, and building a supportive community. This is a FREE space!
To register, please use this link -https://tinyurl.com/TranscendingThroughArt
Please reach out to Jazz.Slavin@sanmateopride.org or (650) 207 - 9628 (text is ok)
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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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Outlet's peer groups are the Monday Youth Group, Tuesday QTBIPOC group & Thursday Trans* Group.
For more information, click this link.
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LGBTQIA+-focused Art Project
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Alma Landeta (they/them) was approved by the Public Art Commission as the 2024 King Artist-in-Residence. Alma Landeta is a trans and mixed-race visual artist and educator who centers queer joy as liberation through drawings, paintings, site-specific installations, and public programming. Their work reflects their lived experiences while celebrating the communities that have held space for them to live authentically.
You can check out this page on the City of Palo Alto's website for more info.
If you or anyone you know is interested in contributing to the project please let Alma know. Some ways I'm asking folks to get involved:
- Stop by for a studio visit at the Cubberley Community Center Studios.
- Share a reference photo that may be rendered as a drawing for the final public art installation in King Plaza.
- Call or text the Queeries Hotline to leave an anonymous message in response to the prompt: What do you wish residents of Palo Alto and San Mateo knew about your experiences as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community? The Queeries Hotline is 510-854-6578.
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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 Trans* Talks next subject and meeting date!
The topic of last month's workshop was "Navigating the Politics of Gender Affirming Care as a Trans Youth: State Government to Local School System". If you missed it or would like to rewatch it, please click this link- https://tinyurl.com/Politics-of-GAC
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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
Marilyn (she/her) at Marilyn.Fernando@sanmateopride.org 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.
Upcoming dates are: October 9 & 23
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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Our monthly LGBTQ+ Parent group has a new meeting dates for October. Typically this group meets on the first Tuesday of the month.
The new meeting dates for this month is
Wed, 10/23 from 730PM- 830PM on Zoom.
This is a FREE peer support group for folks who are LGBTQ+ identified and parents of kid(s) 0-17 years old. Parents are encouraged to join us to receive support, share parenting wisdom, build community and more.
All ways of being or becoming a parent are welcome!
Accessibility information: this group meets in english and closed captioning is available
Registration is required:
tinyurl.com/smcpc-parentsgroup
Questions? Please contact Ishani (they/xem) at Ishani.Dugar@sanmateopride.org
or (650) 554-1234 (text ok
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| | | Join us for the November book club where we will discuss Never Name the Dead by D.M. Rowell (Koyh Mi O Boy Dah)
For a description of the book and content information, please click here.
This group meets monthly on the first Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 PM PST & is a hybrid meeting.
Participants have the option of meeting on Zoom or in person at the San Mateo County Pride Center (1021 S. El Camino Real). It’s open to everyone ages 18+, with folks 50+ strongly encouraged to attend!
Register using this link - tinyurl.com/smcpcbookclub
If you would like more information about the Pride Center's peer support groups, please contact Ishani (They/Xem) at Ishani.Dugar@sanmateopride.org or 650-554-1234 (text ok)
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| The book club is a partnership with the San Mateo County Public Library System 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!
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Based on recent wastewater surveillance data, test positivity, ER visits and hospitalizations, levels of COVID-19 infection are now high in San Mateo County.
Following San Mateo County Health recommendations, we are temporarily re-instating our on-site mask policy. Effective immediately face masks will be required while on-site at Pride Center.
We will continue to monitor virus levels and remove this temporary requirement when rates decrease/return to normal and it becomes safer to do so. As a reminder, we have face masks and COVID tests available on-site if you need them. We also continue to take other precautions including using air purifiers, sanitizing surfaces regularly throughout the day, and keeping windows open for increased air flow and circulation.
If you need support or connections to resources, during this time please do not hesitate to contact us at info@sanmateopride.org.
Thank you for your care and understanding. Stay safe everyone!
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U.S. households are now eligible to order 4 free COVID-19 tests. These COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.
For more information, visit this link - https://covidtests.gov/
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In community,
The San Mateo County Pride Center
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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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