WELCOME HOME
Dear Friends, Community Members and Supporters,
As you know due to the pandemic we were forced to close our in-person activities. However; we never left you! We were able to provide most of our services over the phone and online. 
During this time, we also experienced growth in our staff and services. We added new workshops, youth events and counselors. We also used this time to remodel the downtown location to make it more inviting, fun and comfortable. We cannot wait for you to see all of our improvements! 
All this to say.. WE ARE BACK!! Following local and federal health and safety guidelines we are back offering services in both of our facilities. Our downtown location is back open for drop in and gatherings.  Also, in- person counseling is available at our Annex. We have continued to make online counseling an option. Our workshops are still online however; we will continue to keep you updated on when those will go hybrid. Check our calendar for days and hours of operation. 
Please connect with us for support and updates on our website, social media outlets and at info@thecenterbak.org and 661-404-5209.

the center's community calendar

The Center hosts and facilitate a number of events and activities. Below is the calendar of events, activities and support groups serving the LGBTQ community of Bakersfield and Kern County. We also include events hosted by other LGBTQ+ organizations, so click individual items.
Here is the current calendar:

stay informed

Additional events are added every month as they are scheduled. To stay up-to-date with The Center, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram, join our Facebook group, or sign up for our newsletter below!

---

THE CENTER'S ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE POLICY

It is estimated that between twenty percent to thirty percent of gay and transgender people abuse substances, compared to about nine percent of the general population (SAMHSA 2012). The Center aims to be a safe space for all LGBTQ community members and allies, including those who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse; to ensure this, we have established this policy governing alcohol and other substances at The Center. We appreciate your support in enforcing this policy.

• Drugs, including marijuana, are never allowed to be used in The Center’s facilities.
• Alcohol may be served during specific hours and for specific events. Alcohol will not be served during open hours Tuesdays through Thursdays. Specific events on those days (i.e., social nights) may serve alcohol, and will be noted in the full event description on our Google calendar.
• Alcohol will not be allowed at training activities.
• In all cases where alcohol is offered, non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

do you have Questions, comments, or concerns? send us an  email!