The Center is a safe, welcoming, loving space full of people passionate ​about helping our community thrive. 
​- Elizabeth Lewis

We can't say enough good things about the staff of the Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. They helped us so much recently when we experienced an act of hate and ignorance that targeted our beautiful community, and especially our Spanish-speaking families. We are especially grateful that the CSGD is continuing to support us as we implement awareness trainings in English and Spanish that will help us create a truly inclusive school community. We want every kid, parent, teacher, and staff member to feel at Voorhies and BCSD the true belonging and LOVE that the CSGD showed us when we first walked through their doors hurting and lost. Thank You, Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity of Bakersfield!
- Voorhies Elementary School Parents

As a grassroots, queer [filmmaker of color] highlighting marginalized communities, it is so important to have partners like The Center.
- Marco Castro-Bojorquez

The Center is a true gem in the community. Great people, fun activities, awesome place.
- Trish Castro

Wonderful, beautiful, kind people here. I have a beautiful, ​amazing time here all the time.
​- Sage Rosales

---

“Thank you for being a safe place for my daughter and for welcoming my family so warmly.
​- Brandi Groven

---

The Center is a great place! Every time I walk in there I feel so happy because I get to meet new people.
- Ryan

Great place, great vibe, great people. Always a positive time hanging out with great people who are giving back to the community.
- Loren Lirette

---

“Rachel” is the mother of a young trans child. She brings her daughter to The Center often for play time with other young children. She thanks The Center for helping her child to be a normal kid.

---

"Larry” is a 64-year-old gay man who has been closeted and isolated for his entire life. One day, he decided to call The Center because he finally realized he didn’t need to hide any more. He wept with joy after learning of The Center’s services and our efforts to provide a safe and affirming space for all LGBTQ people.

---

“Lucy” was assigned the sex of male at birth. When she started coming to The Center, she used a male name and dressed as a male. After attending events and the Gender Rebels support workshop, she felt empowered to live authentically all the time. Lucy is so grateful for the affirming space and people of The Center that she now volunteers regularly. “It’s made me want to give back,” she said.

---

“Michael” started coming to The Center at age 73 after his long-time partner passed away. He made a lot of new friends, and eventually found love again with a new life partner he met at The Center.

---

“Chris” is a 30-year-old Latino native of Bakersfield. Concerns about rejection by his family led him to attempt to ignore his gender identity as a trans man, but he eventually turned to substance abuse and “cutting” to deal with his unhappiness. Since turning 30 a few months ago, Chris has a new urgency to live authentically. He could not find a local doctor to help him access services to begin his medical transition. The Center’s staff went to work with Chris’s health care plan, training the plan’s staff members and advocating for improved access to local affirming providers. Partially through The Center’s staff involvement, new local providers have been identified and Chris is now able to access care.

---