 Bakersfield, CA – The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity announces the departure of Jesus Martell Gonzalez as the Executive Director, effective Friday, June 28th, 2024. The Center is deeply grateful for Jesus' leadership and dedication during the last eight months. Under Jesus’ leadership, The Center achieved significant milestones and enhancements, contributing to improving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Key accomplishments during his tenure include:
"The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has greatly benefited from Jesus’ visionary leadership and tireless commitment to our community," said Alyssa Olivera, Board Chair of The Center. "His efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Jesus has worked diligently to restore and build trust with community members, leaders, and other institutions to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He engaged in advocacy work at the state level to bring awareness of the mental health and healthcare disparities experienced in Kern County. As Jesus moves on to his new role as Chief Operations Officer for a Federally Qualified Health Center in San Francisco, we are thankful for all he has accomplished and for his continued support of our mission. "I am honored to have served these last 8 months and am grateful for Kern County community leaders and the many organizations who have built bridges with us to better serve our community. Kern County has been my home for the past 9 years and I am excited for the continued work The Center will do to enhance the lives of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community," said Jesus Martell Gonzalez. The Center will soon commence the search for a new Executive Director who will continue to build on the successes achieved under Jesus's leadership and further our mission to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more information, please contact Alyssa Olivera, The Center Board Chair at [email protected]. About The Center for Sexuality & Gender DiversityThe Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Through various programs, services, and community initiatives, The Center aims to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all individuals.
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 Bakersfield, CA – [Release Date] – The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is excited to announce the "Love Should Be Fair" Pride Fair, organized by the Youth & Young Adult Council, also known as the 'Rainbow Rangers'. This vibrant community event will be held on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bakersfield College Renegade Event Center.
This year's Pride Fair, inspired by the resilience and struggles of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, aims to celebrate love and authenticity through a day of joyous celebration. The event will feature a diverse array of local 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and vendors, along with tables hosting local affirming resources, ensuring that attendees can connect with supportive community services. Event highlights include:
For more information about the "Love Should Be Fair" Pride Fair, to become a vendor, or to volunteer, please contact Fry Friend at [email protected] About The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space that fosters the health, wellness, and community connection of the 2SLGBTQIA+ population through education, advocacy, and support services. About Bakersfield College's Lavender Initiative: The Lavender Initiative at Bakersfield College aims to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and education at the college and the broader community, supporting a diverse and inclusive environment for all students and staff. Join us as we celebrate love, diversity, and resilience at the "Love Should Be Fair" Pride Fair. Your presence will enrich our tapestry of unity and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  We are excited to announce a special event that promises to be a great night for our community – the Pride Power Mixer. Set to take place at Mango Haus on June 13th from 6-8 PM, this event is sponsored by the Kern County Young Democrats and the Democratic Women of Kern. It is designed for professionals, change makers, and Kern County power players who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and supportive community.
Why This Event is Important for Kern CountyKern County is a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and a promising future. However, to realize our full potential, it is crucial to bring together individuals who are committed to making positive changes. The Pride Power Mixer is more than just a social gathering; it is an opportunity to foster connections, build partnerships, and ignite conversations that will shape the future of our community. In a time when collaboration and unity are more important than ever, this event aims to empower attendees to share their visions and ideas, ensuring that Kern County remains a place where everyone can thrive. By supporting this event, you are contributing to a movement that values diversity, inclusivity, and proactive engagement in local politics and community-building efforts. What to Expect The Pride Power Mixer promises an evening filled with meaningful interactions and dynamic discussions. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Supporting the Pride Power Mixer means supporting the future of Kern County. It is a chance to be part of a collective effort to create a community that works for everyone. By attending, you are showing your commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. This event is open to everyone – no RSVP is required. Whether you are a seasoned activist, a professional looking to make connections, or someone who cares about the future of our community, your presence is valuable and welcomed. Join us at Mango Haus on June 13th from 6-8 PM for an evening that promises to inspire, connect, and empower. Let’s come together to share ideas, find new partnerships, and imagine a new Kern County that works for us all. Your participation can make a difference. For more information, stay tuned to our social media channels and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!  Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting our Give Big Kern Donor Appreciation Event, a night filled with joy, gratitude, and community spirit. It was a truly wonderful evening where we came together to celebrate a monumental giving campaign. This year, through the incredible efforts of our community, we raised an astounding $54,000 to support mental health services and programs in Kern County. Here are some highlights of our campaign:
A special acknowledgment goes out to our Peer-2-Peer fundraisers whose efforts were instrumental in our success. You can see the full impact of their work and more details about what we achieved together at Give Big Kern - The Center. A heartfelt thank you goes to Moo Creamery, who provided delicious snacks that made the evening even more enjoyable. Their support added a wonderful touch to our gathering, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. We also want to express our deep appreciation to every donor, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to this year’s success. Whether you donated, shared our mission with friends, or gave your time to help, you have made a lasting impact on the lives of many in our community. As we reflect on the success of this event and our Give Big Kern campaign, we are reminded of the strength and generosity of our community. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our cause, and for your continued support. Together, we are making Kern County a better place for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and ways to get involved by checking our website and following us on social media. Here’s to more achievements and continued collaboration in the future!  Bakersfield, CA - The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is proud to announce its support for “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational,” a groundbreaking art exhibit curated by Victor Gonzales, hosted at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The exhibit will run from May 30, 2024, to September 7, 2024, located in the Ablin Gallery.
Summer Exhibits Opening Reception:
“Resonantly Me” features forty artists from Southern California, Northern California, and Bakersfield, showcasing the vibrant creativity and unique perspectives of 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. The exhibition celebrates the kaleidoscope of human experience as seen through queer artists, from bold expressions of identity to poignant reflections on society. Participating artists include Donald Bradford, J Carino, Enrique Castrejon, Eli Cather, Luis Felipe Chávez, Ben Cuevas, Rakeem Cunningham, Ruben Esparza, Rebecca Farr, C Fodoreanu, Gabriel Garbow, David Gordon, Chuck Hohng, Carl Hopgood, Chase Irvin, Louis Jacinto, Jason Jenn, Alma Landeta, Ahn Lee, Michelle Jane Lee, Edmund Liang, David Ligare, Humberto Maldonado, Zära Monet, John T.D. Murphy, Ramekon O’Arwisters, Alisyn Palla, Elizabeth Patterson, Vojislav Radovanovic, Lucky Rapp, Yunfei Ren, Christian Rogers, Marshall Sharpe, Suzanne Shifflett, Joey Terrill, Eric Theodore, Brea Weinreb, Tanya Wischerath, Kristen Wong, and Jun Yang. “Our vision is for a community where diversity is celebrated, health and wellness are accessible to all, and every person feels valued, respected, and connected,” said Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director at The Center. “This exhibit aligns perfectly with our mission, as it emphasizes the importance of representation and provides a platform for queer stories to be told and appreciated.” The exhibit not only showcases the artistic expressions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also fosters emotional resonance and connection among viewers. By engaging with these artworks, visitors can experience the richness and diversity of queer lives, encouraging understanding and empathy. Victor Gonzales, the curator of “Resonantly Me,” has carefully selected works that draw inspiration from California's storied history as a hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and activism. Each piece in the exhibit challenges norms and fosters understanding, creating a dialogue between the artist and the viewer. This collaborative experience amplifies each artist’s voice and empowers those who may feel marginalized, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. “At the root of this exhibit is the importance of representation,” Gonzales said. “Humans strive to see themselves in all forms of media, and this exhibit aims to drum up that sense of belonging and validation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.” The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity envisions a future where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive and belong to a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community, where their rights, contributions, and wellbeing are recognized and upheld by all. “Resonantly Me” is a step towards that future, creating a space where queer art can be appreciated and where everyone can feel a sense of connection and resonance. Tickets for “Resonantly Me: A Queer Artist’s Invitational” can be purchased at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. For more information about the exhibit and The Center’s mission, please visit: https://www.bmoa.org/ About The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is dedicated to enhancing the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Kern County through health and wellness, education, advocacy, and access to mental healthcare. We envision a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual lives in an empowering, inclusive, and supportive environment, celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging and validation.  Bakersfield, CA - The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, in collaboration with the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, Bakersfield College and other local organizations, proudly announces the inaugural Sexuality & Gender Identity Healthcare Symposium, set to take place on June 14th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Bakersfield College. This groundbreaking event is the first of its kind in Kern County and aims to advance health equity and cultural competence in 2SLGBTQIA+ healthcare.
The Pride Health Symposium will feature educational workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a Health & Wellness Fair, providing a comprehensive platform for healthcare providers, community partners, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to engage in meaningful dialogue and share best practices. This event will offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating professionals, further emphasizing the importance of culturally appropriate care for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Event Date: June 14th, 2024 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305 Participating Organizations:
Event Objectives:
How to Register: To sign up for the Pride Health Symposium and view the full agenda, please click on the button below. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and event details, contact [email protected] Quote from Executive Director, Jesus Martell Gonzalez: "The significance of local organizations coming together to advance health equity for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community cannot be overstated. Our community often faces formidable challenges in accessing affirming care, frequently necessitating travel to distant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco for basic healthcare services that could be provided locally. This symposium is a crucial step in changing that narrative. There's no reason we cannot offer the same high-quality care tailored to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community right here in Kern County. As Kern County grows, so does the need for culturally affirming primary and mental healthcare. I am immensely proud that so many organizations have chosen to join forces to pave the way forward." Join us in making a difference and be part of this historic event that champion's health equity and inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Media Contact: Jesus Martell Gonzalez Executive Director [email protected] About The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to providing resources, support, and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.  Bakersfield, CA — Orange Theory Fitness is proud to announce a special Pride Donation Class in partnership with The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, June 15th, 2023, at 12:00 PM, designed to promote fitness while supporting the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The session will be held at the Orange Theory Fitness facility and is open to all, emphasizing inclusivity and community support.
The 90-minute class is an opportunity for both members and non-members to engage in a high-energy workout while contributing to a great cause. The class is not limited to Orange Theory members; the community is encouraged to join in the fun. A suggested donation of $25 per participant will directly benefit The Center, aiding their ongoing efforts to provide vital services and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ population in Kern County. Event Details:
This event marks a significant collaboration between Orange Theory Fitness and The Center, highlighting the importance of community, health, and wellness within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is a testament to the power of local businesses and nonprofit organizations coming together to make a positive impact. For more information or to learn more about the work of The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, please email [email protected]. To register for the event, click the link below. About The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity: The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Kern County, offering a range of services aimed at fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. Their mission is to empower and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. About Orange Theory Fitness: Orange Theory Fitness is a leader in group fitness, offering scientifically designed workouts that leverage technology to measure performance and maximize results. Known for its vibrant community and effective fitness sessions, Orange Theory Fitness is committed to helping individuals achieve their personal health goals in a supportive and dynamic environment.  [Bakersfield, CA] – The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is thrilled to announce a new chapter in its mission to support and unite the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Starting Thursday, June 6th, The Center will host the monthly PFLAG meetings at our downtown location at 902 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA. These meetings, previously held at the First Congregational Church, will now take place in a space that is central to The Center’s operations and mission.
This move marks a significant milestone for The Center, reinforcing our commitment to providing accessible support and resources to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their families. By hosting PFLAG meetings, The Center aims to enhance the accessibility of crucial support for parents, caretakers, and families, creating a welcoming environment where they can learn, share, and grow together. Jesus Martell Gonzalez, Executive Director of The Center, expressed his enthusiasm about this development: "As we continue to expand services at The Center, creating a safe space for parents and caretakers to learn and get the support they need from their peers will be instrumental in creating safe and affirming homes for our 2SLGBTQIA+ children." PFLAG meetings are open to everyone and remain free of charge, aligning with The Center’s inclusive and supportive ethos. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM. Each session starts with an informative presentation or guest speaker, followed by peer support discussions, offering attendees a platform to connect and find community. We invite all interested individuals to join us at this new location for an opportunity to engage with the community, access valuable resources, and support 2SLGBTQIA+ families and their allies in Kern County. For more details about the PFLAG meetings and other services offered by The Center, please visit our website. 
At The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, our commitment to addressing mental health disparities within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County remains a top priority. Recently, our Executive Director, Jesus Martell Gonzalez, had the opportunity to speak on the MoneyWise Guys Radio Show, shedding light on our dedicated efforts and community impact.
During the engaging discussion, Jesus highlighted the innovative strategies The Center has implemented to support the mental well-being of our community. As the leader of our organization, his insights into the challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in rural areas provided a compelling narrative about the necessity of accessible mental health resources. The conversation also ventured into the exciting realm of community support through the Give Big Kern fundraiser. This annual event is a cornerstone for fostering local philanthropy and enhancing the services provided by organizations like ours. Jesus detailed how contributions from this fundraiser are pivotal in sustaining our mental health programs and ensuring that no individual feels isolated or unsupported. Jesus’ appearance on the radio show not only highlighted the critical work being done by The Center but also reinforced the importance of community involvement. By participating in events like Give Big Kern, our supporters play a vital role in sustaining and expanding the reach of our services. We are proud to have Jesus Martell Gonzalez showcasing the significant strides we are making in reducing mental health disparities. His advocacy emphasizes that together, with continued support and awareness, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of many.  Join us!
The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity is set to get a boost from Aera Energy to further expand mental health, counseling and therapy services it provides to Kern County residents. Aera Energy will present the Center with a $15,000 donation at a check presentation ceremony on Tuesday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. at The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, 902 18th Street in Bakersfield. Your participation in recognizing the amazing work the Center provides the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County would be greatly appreciated during this big check presentation ceremony. Please consider attending to read the full press release, click on the button below: |
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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