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.
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.
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!
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: 3rd Friday of the month from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 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.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no unaccompanied children)
Where: The Center
When: 3rd Friday of the month from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM | 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.
Gals’ Night Out
Who: Women - Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, etc.
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Cost: Varies depending on activity
Description: This diverse group of women get together for night out in town and occasionally makes excursions to event, the beach, wine tasting and cultural events including art openings, film screenings and live performances.
Who: Women - Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer, etc.
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Cost: Varies depending on activity
Description: This diverse group of women get together for night out in town and occasionally makes excursions to event, the beach, wine tasting and cultural events including art openings, film screenings and live performances.
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.
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.
Guys’ Night Out
Who: Men - Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, etc.
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Cost: Varies depending on activity
Description: This diverse group of men get together for night out in town and occasionally makes excursions to event, the beach, wine tasting, cultural events including art openings, film screenings, and live performances.
Who: Men - Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, etc.
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Cost: Varies depending on activity
Description: This diverse group of men get together for night out in town and occasionally makes excursions to event, the beach, wine tasting, cultural events including art openings, film screenings, and live performances.
Karaoke Potluck
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no unaccompanied children)
Where: The Center
When: 3rd Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water (brink a dish or snack to share) - limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: A safe and friendly environment where anyone can be themselves and have fun. Singing not required.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no unaccompanied children)
Where: The Center
When: 3rd Saturday of the month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water (brink a dish or snack to share) - limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: A safe and friendly environment where anyone can be themselves and have fun. Singing not required.
Movie Night
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies
Where: The Center
When: 4 to 6 times a year | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, popcorn - limited alcoholic drinks allowed.
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: We are proud to bring LGBTQ themed movies to Bakersfield for the community to enjoy in a safe and welcoming environment. Movie Night are scheduled throughout the year as they are released so stay tuned to our announcements. Most movies are rated "R". Parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for some minors.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies
Where: The Center
When: 4 to 6 times a year | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, popcorn - limited alcoholic drinks allowed.
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: We are proud to bring LGBTQ themed movies to Bakersfield for the community to enjoy in a safe and welcoming environment. Movie Night are scheduled throughout the year as they are released so stay tuned to our announcements. Most movies are rated "R". Parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for some minors.
Potlucks & BBQ
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (with Parental Permission)
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, food, limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: We are proud to host these socials and give the community the opportunity to come together and to enjoy a safe and welcoming environment where they can be themselves.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (with Parental Permission)
Where: The Center and off site
When: Varies | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, food, limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: We are proud to host these socials and give the community the opportunity to come together and to enjoy a safe and welcoming environment where they can be themselves.
Queer Clothing Swap & Gender Rebels Social
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (recommended all ages)
Where: The Center
When: Every 2nd Saturday of the month | 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!
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (recommended all ages)
Where: The Center
When: Every 2nd Saturday of the month | 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.
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.
Singles Meet & Greet
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals (adult 18+)
Where: The Center
When: 1st Friday of the month from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, snacks - limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: This event provides a safe and friendly space for LGBTQ singles to meet and greet. After the meet and greet at The Center, the group heads off to explore downtown and First Friday.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals (adult 18+)
Where: The Center
When: 1st Friday of the month from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water, snacks - limited alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: This event provides a safe and friendly space for LGBTQ singles to meet and greet. After the meet and greet at The Center, the group heads off to explore downtown and First Friday.
Yoga
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no children)
Where: The Center
When: Weekly Sessions (Monday or Tuesday) | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water - No alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: This event is designed for those who are new to yoga. The class will focus on balance and alignment while introducing beginner poses. This lesson is open to the public but aims to nurture students in an environment where all students feel safe to participate. Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in and if you have a yoga mat please bring it with you. Please note that anyone under the age of 18 will need signed permission from their guardian.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (no children)
Where: The Center
When: Weekly Sessions (Monday or Tuesday) | Check Calendar
Refreshments: Water - No alcoholic drinks allowed
Cost: Free (Donations Welcome)
Description: This event is designed for those who are new to yoga. The class will focus on balance and alignment while introducing beginner poses. This lesson is open to the public but aims to nurture students in an environment where all students feel safe to participate. Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in and if you have a yoga mat please bring it with you. Please note that anyone under the age of 18 will need signed permission from their guardian.
Youth Events
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (under 20)
Where: On and off Site
When: Varies | 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. To ensure the safety of youth, we won't be admitting anyone 20 or older.
Who: LGBTQ+ individuals and allies (under 20)
Where: On and off Site
When: Varies | 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. To ensure the safety of youth, we won't be admitting anyone 20 or older.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
