January 1, 2024
Greetings community,
Happy New Year!
The quiet, reflective nature of December created a path to the new year and all the potential that it holds. Let’s do this, 2024!
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| Last year, we reopened our doors after three years of operating online. It was exciting, weird, overwhelming, joyful and scary. For some of us, there was no way to experience this year without feeling some mixture of those emotions.
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| In 2023, we also welcomed new teammates, said “see you later & best wishes” to others, collaborated with new partners to hold community events, provide education and trainings, explored new parts of San Mateo County through our “Walk this Way” hike series, celebrated with East Palo Alto at their first ever Pride celebration & were excited to be with our teammates and community members back in our familiar Pride Center space.
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We hope to see YOU at the Pride Center in the new year! We are YOUR space and have a variety of resources for you. In anticipation for the new year, here are a few reminders of the ways that the Pride Center is here for you:
- Volunteers are an important foundation of the Pride Center, we couldn't do it without you! If you enjoy holding space for others and leading discussion, maybe co-facilitating a group would be something for you? Are you someone who likes to work on projects in an ongoing way? Maybe the Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a good fit for you? Do you have an eye for design or marketing? Perhaps marketing and outreach is something you can support with? Is there something else you’d like to do? Connect with us!
- If you are looking to connect with others, make new friends and/or hear different stories and experiences, we offer a range of peer support groups. Our peer support groups are all free, peer led virtual safe spaces. Some of the groups that we offer include: Queer Women’s Group (18+), LGBTQ+ Book Club, Trans* Group (18+) & LGBTQ+ Parent Group. We work closely with our partners at Outlet and Peninsula Family Service to offer trauma informed, gender affirming and age-appropriate peer groups. For more information about our peer support groups, please click this link. If you have an idea for a group that you’d like to hold, reach out to us! Our groups are all volunteer led.
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- In addition to peer support groups, we offer a variety of events and onsite programs as well. In the past, we've co-hosted a crafting event with Dragonfly Community Arts, screened films like But I'm a Cheerleader & Pariah & hosted our first ever Karaoke night! Stay tuned for information about our upcoming movie nights, spring time hike & other gatherings.
- We have a variety of FREE onsite resources available to you as well:
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| If you are looking for gender affirming clothing, gender affirming garments like binders and gaffs, hygiene supplies, menstrual products & (a limited amount of) safer sex supplies we have these resources available for you.
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| We have an extensive library with a variety of LGBTQ+ focused books (categories include: fiction, art, non-fiction, relationship styles, graphic novels, ect.) & DVDs that are available for you!
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- We have a well stocked food pantry with a variety of different offerings.
- In addition to our onsite resources, we offer trainings, educational opportunities and consultation for wherever you are in your journey to be an ally and advocate. Examples of the trainings that we currently provide include: Pronouns 101, SOGIE 101, Trans* 101 & SOGIE 201. For more information about our training program, please click this link.
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| Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have a question about programming or resources that isn't reflected here, we are a space for you!
We hope the new year brings you joy and abundance & we hope to see you onsite at the Pride Center!
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| | The 2nd Annual Pride Prom will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at the College of San Mateo.
Once again this year we will provide an inclusive, safe, welcoming, night to remember for our youth in San Mateo County. This event will celebrate and uplift LGBTQIA+ young people and advocate for the sustained and continued efforts in our County to build places where youth are seen and supported in environments free from hate and discrimination.
More information will be posted soon, including RSVP information.
If you have questions or would like to sponsor or volunteer at this event to support the success of this event, please contact Holly Wade, hawade@smuhsd.org.
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| FriGay Flicks - Paris is Burning
Friday, February 9th from 6-8 PM at the Pride Center!
We hope you can join us for a screening of this seminal LGBTQ+ film. Stay tuned for more information about this event!
For a trailer for this film, click this link.
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Black History Month Celebration - African Americans and the Arts - Wellness Event
Date
Saturday, February 17 from 10-3 PM
Location
Eastside College Preparatory School
1041 Mytrle Street, East Palo Alto 94303
This is a free community event with a resource fair, speakers, health and wellness checks and free lunch.
This event is hosted by the African American Community Initiative.
More information to be shared!
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| Hike the Night Away : San Pedro Valley Guided Nature and History Walk
Hope you can join us for this special twilight time nature and history walk! This is a free community event we're co-hosting with the San Mateo County Parks Foundation.
Date:
Friday, March 1st from 6-8 PM
Location:
San Pedro Valley Park
More information to be shared!
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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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| 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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| | Welcome April, Ishani and Phoenix
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Join us in welcoming our three newest staff members, April Qian (She/Her), LGBTQ+ Mental Health Front Desk Specialist, Ishani Dugar (They, Xem), Lead Trainer and Peer Group Coordinator and Phoenix Georgiades (they/them)
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LGBTQ+ Mental Health Front Desk Specialist
April has a lifelong love for the arts and sciences. She believes that science helps us describe our world, while art helps us understand and appreciate it. Integrating art and science, April is passionate at creating innovative solutions that simplify complex ideas. Her diverse professional background — from surveying plants in remote mountains to a small business owner — also provided valuable insights into the technical, logistical and creative aspects of business operations. April holds a bachelor’s degree in plant biology.
As someone who has endured mental health challenges, April understands the stigma of talking about mental health and the obstacles of accessing care. She also knows the importance of having hope, community and finding practical and creative ways to heal and thrive. For April, playing the piano is particularly healing during difficult emotions.
April finds joy in reclining under the canopy of a peaceful forest, writing and playing classical music, cuddling with fluffy animals, conversing with friends and eating all types of sticky rice.
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| Ishani Dugar (they/xe) is the Pride Center's new Lead Trainer and Peer Group Coordinator. In their role, they provide SOGIE (and beyond) trainings and run peer social support for community. A South Bay-born nature gay, xe earned a dual-BA in Social and Cultural Analysis and Psychology at NYU before returning to the Bay Area to pursue non-profit community work. In xyr career they have been a camp counselor, worked with juvenile justice-system affected youth, collaborated with and guided students on health-risk prevention efforts, and most recently provided social support, resource connections, and training and education for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults who support them throughout the peninsula. Xe is thrilled to be able to continue to work with and support the LGBTQIA+ community through affirming peer spaces and educating providers, administrators, and professionals at the Pride Center.
While not working, Ishani can be found hanging out with their cats Felix and Max, enjoying nature, at the gym, or listening to xyr endless library of podcasts.
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| | | Phoenix Georgiades (they/them) grew up in San Francisco and is happy to be living in the Bay Area again after studying psychology at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. They have always been drawn to helping professions, propelled by a deep interest in mental health and a desire to improve the lives of others, especially those in their communities.
After graduating, Phoenix began volunteering at the SF LGBT Center because they wanted to connect with queer folks in their hometown. After working at the Welcome Desk for several months, they were offered a temporary position as an Information and Referral Associate, where they were able to work more closely with community members, offering resources and support. Throughout their time at the SF LGBT Center, Phoenix‘s interest in service coordination grew quickly, which led to their desire to work in case management. They enrolled in a Community Health Worker course through Code Tenderloin to strengthen their knowledge of the field and received their Community Health Worker Certificate in November 2023.
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| They are thrilled to be contributing to the San Mateo County Pride Center, where they have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of queer community members in the Peninsula.
In their free time, Phoenix enjoys hiking in parks around the Bay, playing card games, tending to their fish tank, and obsessing over sitcoms.
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Congratulations, Low, Alex & Elana!
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Join us as we congratulate our amazing teammates Low Sunga (she/they), Alex Golding (he/him) & Elana (she/they) on their title changes! It's exciting to see them expand in their roles.
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“As a founding team member who's been with the Pride Center since we opened in 2017, I'm struck by how much we've grown and evolved over the years. One of the many things I love about our Center is that both as a team and as individuals we are encouraged to grow and challenge ourselves, as well. My journey with the Center began as our one and only Case Manager providing direct services to our community members most in need.
Now, I'm thrilled to be stepping into my new position officially as Center Manager to continue to support and guide our incredible team in all their amazing work. In my new role, a personal goal of mine is to foster even more opportunities of growth for our team, our county, and our community as whole.”
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| | | Low (she/they) is excited to begin her new role as the Community Engagement and Volunteer Specialist for the Pride Center! They are excited to be able to amplify their skills by connecting with communities throughout San Mateo County to help foster and build relationships with other organizations in and outside San Mateo.
They are also excited to use their experience with social media, website maintenace to engage with LGBTQ+ folks and beyond to help foster and build relationships with the Pride Center.
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| Elana Ron (she/they) is the Pride Center’s new Lead Event & Outreach Coordinator.
“I am excited to step into this new role to help the community find connection. Whether at the Center or out in the county, I am looking forward to learning more about ways to bring us all together.
I can't wait to see you at some our FriGay Flicks, Queeraoke Nights, Crafternoons, any of the exciting events we are still planning, and Pride celebrations around the county.”
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| | Programs co-hosted with CORA
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| You deserve healthy relationships.
Join us in 2024 for QT Healthy Relationships, a free, in-person weekly workshop series co-hosted by CORA and the San Mateo County Pride Center. This is a rare opportunity to participate in a free workshop specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ Community members and our unique experiences. This group is for folks 18+.
It's important to note that "relationships" doesn't exclusively mean "romantic relationships". What you can take away from these workshops can be applied to interpersonal relationships of all types : friendships, work, community building, family and more.
This series of 6 classes will introduce topics and discussions like values, expectations & negotiation in relationships, the importance of accountability and setting boundaries, and how to resolve conflict in healthy ways.
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| This workshop will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 PM onsite at the Pride Center starting on January 24th. The Pride Center is located at 1021 S. El Camino San Mateo, 94402. For accessibility information about the Pride Center, please see the link in our bio. Please note: this group is held in english.
To respect the privacy of the participants, this group will only be offered in person.
Register using this link: tinyurl.com/qtskillsclass or use the button below.
Questions?
Contact Elliana (she/they) at EllianaW@corasupport.org or 650-935-1129 or
Katrina (she/her) at Katrina.Maple@sanmateopride.org
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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 Elana (she/they) at Elana.Ron@sanmateopride.org or 650-465-2407 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 Info@sanmateopride.org or 650-591-0133
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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 will be offline until Monday, January 8**
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*Application (New) Deadline Extended to Wednesday January 17th, 2024!*
What does a Youth Advisory Board Member do?
As a member of the Youth Advisory Board with Outlet and the San Mateo County Pride Center you will help plan, organize and publicize youth programming in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. You will provide input on services and resources for youth between the ages of 14 to 25. Youth Advisory Board members help the LGBTQ+ community by getting their friends and peers involved, sharing information about upcoming events with friends, peers and teachers at school, as well as bringing input and suggestions from community members to help shape the direction of the Youth Program!
We highly encourage youth ages 14-25 to apply (tinyurl.com/OutletYABApp) by January 17th, 2024!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Yossi (she/her/ella) at yoselin@acs-teens.org.
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| | | *Accepting new clients interested in therapy services*
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 this month's Trans* Talks presentation.
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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 presenters 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 workshop. Please reach out to Alex (he/him) for information and support about receiving this resource outside of the scheduled workshop date/time. The next workshop is scheduled to take place on January 31.
This workshop takes place in two sessions:
- 11am-12:30pm (morning)
- 6-7:30pm (afternoon)
This is a free workshop, registration is required! Please click button below to RSVP.
Please reach out to Alex (he/him) at Alex.Golding@sanmatepride.org or 650-465-6795 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 Elana.Ron@sanmateopride.org
or 650-465-2407 (text ok)
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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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Happy New Year, community! Hope to see you soon!
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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