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.
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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:

• Bakersfield American Indian Health Project
• Bakersfield College
• Kern County Public Health
• Kern Health Systems
• Cal State University Bakersfield
• Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Event Objectives:

1. Enhance cultural competency and congruence among healthcare providers.
2. Foster community and provider dialogue on 2SLGBTQIA+ healthcare needs.
3. Lay the foundation for sustainable 2SLGBTQIA+ healthcare infrastructure in Kern County.

This symposium is designed to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all attendees, facilitating the development of specialized programs that address the unique challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

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:

• Date: Saturday, June 15th, 2023
• Time: 12:00 PM
• Location: Orange Theory Fitness
• Spots Available: 24

Participants are advised to register early as spots are limited. Non-members are required to set up a profile and sign a waiver prior to participation. For registration and to submit the necessary contact information, please reach out by Wednesday, June 12th.

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.

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.

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.
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