Founded in 2011

Founded in 2011, The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has been a beacon for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County, offering a a safe space and message of acceptance and love.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual in Kern County lives in an empowering, inclusive, and supportive environment. 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. We strive for a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive and belong to a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community and where their rights, contributions, and well-being are recognized and upheld by all.

We Envision A Kern County Where Diversity In All Its Forms Is Celebrated!

In 2011, The Center was founded in Kern County, propelled by the vision and passion of community leader and philanthropist David Trujillo. David, who once found solace and community at the Los Angeles Center as a young man coming out, was deeply moved by the tragic suicide of Tehachapi teen Seth Walsh in 2010. This event underscored the urgent need for supportive resources for Bakersfield’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, igniting David's commitment to action. He championed the cause with a clear message: 2SLGBTQIA+ youths must understand they are valued and loved, affirming there is nothing wrong with who they are or whom they love.

Expanding upon David’s legacy, our new vision extends to a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual in Kern County exists in an environment that not only empowers and includes but also actively supports them. We envision a community where diversity in all its forms is celebrated, and every individual, regardless of their gender identity, is respected and valued. Central to our mission is ensuring that all individuals have access to comprehensive medical, behavioral, and mental healthcare, irrespective of their financial situation.
​

​Our aim is to foster a world where 2SLGBTQIA+ people are not just surviving but thriving, contributing to a community that is vibrant, diverse, and dynamic, where rights, contributions, and well-being are universally acknowledged and protected. This vision reaffirms our dedication to David’s original dream, driving us forward in our commitment to building a Kern County where inclusivity, support, and connection flourish for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Our Mission

We’re on a mission to enhance the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Kern County through dedicated health and wellness, community education adn advocacy. We commit to breaking down barriers to access and need, bridging cultural and generational gaps, and creating spaces for connection across identities. By providing health and wellness that nurture, health services that heal, community education that enlightens and advocacy that strengthens we aim to empower 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to express their identities fully and live their lives authentically. We pledge to be a beacon of respect, inclusion, and empowerment, working tirelessly to ensure that every 2SLGBTQIA+ person in Kern County has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilled, and respected life

Join Our Movement

Our Values

1

Empowerment Through Inclusivity

​We commit to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. By championing inclusivity, we empower community members and staff to express their identities and contribute their unique perspectives fully. Our programs and spaces are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all, promoting diversity, equity, and the elimination of barriers to participation.

---

2

Stewardship & Sustainability

Recognizing our responsibility to current and future generations, we pledge to be prudent stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This value manifests in our commitment to environmental sustainability, financial integrity, and the mindful growth of our organizational vision. We aim to make decisions that ensure our longevity and uphold our commitment to the community we serve.

---

3

Continuous Learning & Innovation​

At the heart of our organization is a dedication to continuous improvement and embracing change. We foster a culture of learning, where feedback is seen as a gift and mistakes as opportunities for growth. Innovation is our compass, guiding us to explore new strategies, technologies, and ideas that enhance our service delivery and organizational effectiveness.

---

4

​Collaboration & Community Building

We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of community. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we achieve more than we could alone. Our organization actively seeks partnerships and cultivates relationships that strengthen the fabric of our community, ensuring that everyone has a support system and a sense of belonging.

---

5

Empathy & Compassion

Empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of our interactions and programs. We strive to understand and meet the needs of our community with kindness and respect, acknowledging the varied lived experiences of those we serve. Our approach is to listen deeply, act thoughtfully, and foster an environment where every individual can find support, healing, and growth.

---

6

Integrity & Authenticity

We operate with transparency, honesty, and authenticity in all our endeavors. Trust is fundamental to our relationships within the community, our team, and our partners. We are committed to acting with integrity, ensuring our actions align with our words and our organizational values, and fostering an atmosphere where authenticity is celebrated.

---

7

Quality & Excellence

Our dedication to quality and excellence is unwavering. We aspire to set the standard in service delivery, program development, and community engagement. This commitment to excellence drives us to constantly seek ways to enhance our impact, exceed expectations, and provide outstanding care and support to our community.

---

8

Well-Being

Prioritizing the well-being and safety of our community, staff, and volunteers is paramount. We advocate for environments that are not only physically safe but also promote mental and emotional health. Our commitment extends to fostering spaces where individuals can thrive, feel secure, and are supported in their journey towards healing and resilience.

---

9

Respect for People

We uphold the principle that respect is the foundation of positive interactions and healthy relationships. This value guides us to honor the dignity, diversity, and rights of every individual we engage with, whether within our organization or the broader community we serve. We listen actively, communicate thoughtfully, and treat everyone with the consideration and esteem they deserve. Our commitment to respect fosters a culture of mutual understanding, collaboration, and trust, enabling us to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

---

These values collectively reflect our organization's ethos and mission, guiding our actions, decisions, and interactions with the community we serve. They are the foundation upon which we build our future and the lens through which we view our purpose and impact.

​Our Journey Here, Our Journey Forward

Looking back on our journey since we first opened our doors in 2011, The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has grown and evolved over 13 remarkable years. Our transformation began in earnest at our sixth anniversary in 2017 when we embraced a new name that mirrors the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community we serve. This change was a significant step towards inclusivity, ensuring that individuals across all sexual orientations and gender identities in Kern County felt represented and supported by our work. Moving beyond our origins in Bakersfield, we expanded our reach to become a resource for all of Kern County, reinforcing our commitment to serve a broader community.

Now, in 2024, under the leadership of Jesus Martell Gonzalez, The Center is embarking on another phase of evolution. Jesus is guiding us through an organizational restructuring aimed at better meeting the ever-changing needs of our community. This strategy enhances our ability to be more adaptive, expand our services, and make a deeper impact, securing The Center’s place as a beacon of empowerment, advocacy, and support.

Our journey of growth and transformation is both a reflection of our past achievements and a blueprint for our future. As we continue to evolve, our commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community remains steadfast. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and invite you to join us as we navigate this new horizon together.
Stay connected with us for updates on our progress and find out how you can contribute to shaping a more inclusive, vibrant future for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County.