To achieve greatness individuals must work together, learn from each other and trust and rely on each other. It is with this understanding that The Center spends much time and emphasis on the need to create a strong and supportive community in which individuals can support, learn, collaborate, and inspire each other. The Center organizes, hosts and facilitates a number of activities and events designed to engage local LGBTQ individuals of all ages and build supportive communities for everyone - lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer, gender non-conforming, etc. Below is the list of activities and events.
abOUT KERN Who: LGBTQ Professionals & Allies Where: The Center and off site When: Varies | Check Calendar Refreshments: Varies depending on the event, alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Varies depending on the event Description: abOUT KERN brings together LGBTQ and ally professionals to network and promote equality in the workplace. abOUT KERN offers the perfect platforms from which to make powerful connections, share best practices, and formulate a strategy to advance equality in the workplace and the community.
We invite businesses, agencies, ERG's and all employees interested in hosting or sponsoring an abOUT KERN networking event to contact The Center for the details.
Commuter Meet & Greet - Social Networking Drop-in Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (adults 18+) Where: The Center When: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Check Calendar Refreshments: Snacks, water, limited alcoholic drinks allowed (wine and beer) Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: This social and networking drop-in is an open and friendly environment where LGBT adults and allies come together without a specific agenda. We believe we have the perfect recipe for engaging conversation, great camaraderie and nurturing great ideas. Drop-in and have some fun!
Craft Together Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no unaccompanied children) Where: The Center When:Check Calendar Refreshments: Water - No alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: Bring your creative projects down to The Center. Knit, crochet, embroider, sew, draw, scrapbook, make jewelry and more! Whatever you do and whatever your art is, if you can carry it, bring it to The Center and work on it with us! Contact The Center for the details.
Gayme Time Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (all ages) Where: The Center When: 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month | Check Calendar Refreshments: water (you are welcome to brink a snack to share) - No alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: Gayme Time is a fun face-to-face gaming experience that you won't find anywhere else. The event includes board games, card games, pictionary, and much more! You will entertained and engaged.
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Queer Clothing Swap & Gender Rebels Social Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (recommended all ages) Where: The Center When:Check Calendar Refreshments: soda, water and light refreshments - No alcoholic. (you are welcome to brink a snack or dist to share) Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: All genders, all sizes, all types of hand selected styles and brands are available! We have kids clothes as well! If you’ve got drab, boring threads, you think another will work into the new year- drop in! Whether you swap or not, you’ll surely walk out the door with new items for you or your friends. We will have some activities related to self-care and light refreshments! ALL ARE WELCOME!
Rainbow Families Who: LGBTQ+ families, LGBTQ parents and allies Where: The Center and off site When: Varies | Check Calendar Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: Rainbow Families is for LGBTQ families, including parents with LGBTQ children. The goal is to create an environment where parents and their children can socialize, connect, learn from each other, support each other and share information about resources in the community. This group organizes, BBQ, games, play dates and other activities throughout the month. Check the calendar for their next activity or event.
Youth Events Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies ( under 26 years ) Where: Downtown Center and online When: Varies | Discord online hours and drop in Check Calendar Refreshments: Water and snacks - No alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Varies depending on event or activity Description: The Center in collaboration with other local organizations, hosts activities and events for teens and young adults, including LGBTQ+ proms. .
CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Speaker Series Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies Where: The Center When:Varies | Check Calendar Refreshments: Water, snacks - limited alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: The Center hosts speakers that inform, educate, and energize our LGBT community and allies. A wide variety of diversity education programs are offered to foster a greater understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression issues.
Art & Culture Event Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies Where: The Center When: Varies | Check Calendar Refreshments: Water, snacks - limited alcoholic drinks allowed Cost: Free (Donations Welcome) Description: The Center hosts all kinds art and cultural events, including art exhibits. Stay tune to our monthly calendar.
Rainbow Week Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies Where: The Center When: June Refreshments: Water, snacks - alcoholic drinks allow Cost: varies (Donations Welcome) Description: The Center hosts an annual rainbow week to celebrate pride month in Bakersfield. During Rainbow Week we hold lectures, a movie night, meet and greet socials, and other events.
Sex Education & Safety Talks Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies Where: The Center When: Varies| Check Calendar Refreshments: Water, snacks - no alcoholic drinks allow Cost: varies (Donations Welcome) Description: The Center in collaboration with local health organizations hosts events targeting sexually active adults to test for STD’s and encourages safe sexual practices. Free condoms and information material are available at the Center. Just drop-in during The Center's open hours and pick free a bag condoms.
do you have Questions, comments, or concerns? send us an email!