 We're excited to announce our packed May events calendar at The Center! This month is filled with a variety of activities designed to uplift, support, and connect the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. From mindfulness meditation sessions and vibrant social gatherings to specialized events like the Teen & Y.A. Game Night and the Pride Pages Book Club, there's something for everyone.
Highlights include:
All events are designed to provide a safe space for exploration, discussion, and celebration of diversity. Check out the detailed descriptions of each book, learn more about meeting dates, and see how you can get involved in our vibrant community. Visit our website or follow our social media pages for the latest updates and to download the full May activity calendar. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect and grow with us this month! For more detailed event information and to participate, visit www.thecenterbak.org.
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 Bakersfield, CA – The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity proudly announces the successful completion of its first Give Big Kern fundraising event of the year, held at UrbanCore Studios. The event, meticulously organized by Peer 2 Peer fundraisers Derek Harmon and Chris Tovar from the Queerly Pledge Group, brought together community members for a restorative yoga session that not only fostered wellness and unity but also advanced the Center's mission to support the local 2sLGBTQIA+ community. The fundraiser highlighted the essential role of inclusive events in building a welcoming space for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. "This event is a testament to the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel accepted and valued," said Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director of The Center. Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, including the generosity of UrbanCore Studios for providing the venue, and yoga instructor Kevin Arambula for leading the session, the event raised $400. These funds are earmarked to sustain and expand the variety of programs and services offered by The Center in the coming year, which include educational workshops, support groups, and counseling services. "This fundraiser is just the beginning," added Gonzalez. "The funds raised are crucial as they enable us to continue our work and expand our reach to more members of the community who rely on our support. Every dollar raised moves us closer to a more inclusive and supportive community." The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity calls upon other community members and local businesses who are interested in supporting the cause to consider hosting a fundraising event. Those interested should contact Executive Director Jesus Martell Gonzalez to explore how they can make a difference. For more information about The Center and upcoming events or to make a donation, please visit www.thecenterbak.org About The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for the well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County and beyond, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy, affirmed, and supported life.   The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is thrilled to announce the Pride Pages Book Club launch, a new virtual gathering space designed to foster understanding and exploration of 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences through literature. This inclusive book club is ideal for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, allies, and those with a curious mind eager to expand their knowledge and appreciation of diverse narratives.
Pride Pages Book Club aims to elevate 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and narratives by delving into a variety of genres that highlight the richness and complexity of the queer experience. Open to individuals 18 and older, the club offers a welcoming environment for members to connect and engage in meaningful discussions about each month's selected book. Each book selection and its discussion date are detailed on our website, where attendees can also click to read comprehensive descriptions of the books. This feature ensures participants can choose which discussions to join based on their interests and schedule. "Our goal with the Pride Pages Book Club is not only to celebrate LGBTQIA+ literature but also to build a supportive community where dialogue about these important stories can flourish," said Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director at The Center. "We believe that books are a powerful tool for change and understanding, and we are excited to offer this resource to the community." The club's discussions are scheduled to take place monthly virtually, providing an accessible platform for participants from all locations. The next discussion is set for May 2024, featuring All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M.Johnson an 2SLGBTQIA+ Author, a profound narrative that explores gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. For more information on the Pride Pages Book Club and to register for upcoming discussions, please visit our website or contact [email protected]. Join us at the Pride Pages Book Club and be part of a movement that reads, learns, and grows together.  We are excited to invite you to a very special evening dedicated to celebrating the tremendous support of our donors and community members. Please mark your calendars for May 7th from 5-8 PM at 902 18th Street, where we will come together in gratitude for a night of camaraderie and festive entertainment. The Center has always thrived on the kindness and commitment of our community, and this event is our way of saying thank you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet the people behind the generosity that fuels our mission and to connect with fellow supporters who share your passion for making a difference. Delicious Refreshments and Live Entertainment Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful friends at Moo Creamery, guests will enjoy a selection of light refreshments throughout the evening. Their delightful treats are sure to add an extra layer of joy to our gathering. Adding to the excitement, we will have live performances by the incredibly talented local artists, Manu & Guitargirl. Their music will provide the perfect backdrop as we mingle, celebrate, and reflect on the impact of your contributions. Make A Donation At The Event For A Chance To Win A BIG PRIZE! As a token of our appreciation, we are offering the chance to win a special prize donated by a local business for those who make a donation during the event. It’s our little way of giving back to those who have given so much to support our cause. Open to All This event is open to everyone—long-time donors, new supporters, and anyone interested in learning more about The Center. Whether you've been with us from the start or are just looking to get involved, your presence would mean the world to us. We are eager to honor the amazing people who have made our work possible and to share this joyful occasion with the whole community. Join us to be part of our ongoing story of support and success, and help us continue to provide crucial services to those in need. Come celebrate the power of community and the impact of generosity at The Center’s Donor Appreciation Event. Let’s gather to honor the spirit of giving that defines our community and look forward to achieving even more together. We can't wait to see you there! - Jesus Martell Gonzalez, MBA, PMPJesus Martell Gonzalez is The Center's new Executive Director.  We are excited to announce that our website now hosts a comprehensive list of free online crisis support resources, along with other non-crisis resources to help anyone in need. These resources are available at no cost and can be accessed easily through our platform.
For those in immediate need, we feature critical services like the Trevor Project, specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ youth; the Trans Lifeline, offering peer support for transgender and non-binary individuals; the Crisis Text Line for text-based support; and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, providing 24/7 emergency assistance. These services ensure that you have access to supportive, confidential, and empathetic care whenever you need it. In addition to crisis intervention, our website offers a range of non-crisis resources. These tools are designed to help you navigate everyday challenges, from mental health maintenance to finding community connections. If you have non-crisis related questions or need guidance on accessing local services, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly at The Center. We're here to connect you with the right resources to support your journey towards health and wellness. Visit our website today to explore these resources and learn more about how we can support you. Whether you're facing an urgent crisis or seeking support in your daily life, our list of free online resources are here to help.  In an incredible show of support for The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity and the vital work we do, Aera Energy has stepped forward with a commitment that promises to supercharge our Give Big Kern fundraiser: a generous match of up to $15,000 in donations. This act of generosity doubles the impact of each donation and propels us closer to our goal of sustaining and expanding our essential programs and services throughout Kern County.
We owe a heartfelt thanks to Dylan Chennault, a dedicated member of our board, who played a pivotal role in securing this partnership. Dylan’s efforts, combined with the diligent preparation of our sponsorship details by our Executive Director, Jesus Martell Gonzalez have opened an exciting new chapter in our journey to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Aera Energy: Doubling Your Impact Aera Energy's commitment to Kern County goes beyond the financial. As part of their ongoing mission to improve the lives of residents and help the state achieve its ambitious carbon goals, Aera Energy is investing in Direct Air Capture technology and other community-enhancing projects. Learn more about their initiatives and the positive changes they're driving at Aera Energy’s website. The Power of Your Donation With Aera Energy’s Community Impact Match, every dollar you donate to The Center during Give Big Kern will be doubled, up to $15,000. This incredible opportunity means that your support will go twice as far in helping us offer safe, affirming spaces where individuals across Kern County, especially those in rural areas, can explore their identities freely and openly. Sustaining Hope and Inclusivity The funds raised during this campaign are crucial. They ensure that our youth, young adult, and adult programs continue to provide a lifeline to those in need of support, education, and community. In a region where safe, affirming spaces are scarce, The Center stands as a beacon of hope and inclusivity. We’re calling on you, our community, to seize this opportunity to make your donation have twice the impact. You have until midnight on May 7th to contribute and have your donation matched by Aera Energy. Together, we can meet our fundraising goal and continue to make a profound difference in the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families throughout Kern County. Join Us in Making a Difference Your support has never been more critical, nor has it ever had the potential to go so far. Let’s come together to ensure that The Center can continue its vital work. Donate today, spread the word, and take part in a movement that is transforming lives every day. To everyone who has supported us so far, thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission and empowers our community. With Aera Energy’s match and your continued support, we look forward to achieving new heights of impact and inclusivity.  About The Event
Join us at UrbanCore Studios for a special evening of wellness and community support, led by the renowned local Yoga Instructor Kevin Arambula. We're rolling out our mats for an all-levels hot yoga class followed by a social gathering, all in support of The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity. This unique event blends the invigorating practice of hot yoga with the warmth of community spirit, underlining our commitment to supporting the essential programs and services provided by The Center. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this class is designed to welcome all who wish to contribute to a great cause while engaging in self-care. Event Highlights
Space is limited, ensuring an intimate experience for all attendees. Secure your spot today and be part of an evening dedicated to wellness, community, and support for the incredible work done by The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity. Join us in making a difference, one pose at a time. Your participation not only offers you a moment of rejuvenation but also extends a hand of support to those in need within our community. Reserve Your Spot Now! |
AuthorPosts are made by The Center's team members and community volunteers Monthly Events CalendarCheck out our monthly events calendar for a lineup of engaging activities and support groups tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t miss out!
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The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (The Center) is a Community-Based Organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County.
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