"I am the first male, openly trans person elected to public office in our state; this is my coming-out story" - Lookout Santa Cruz "Nov. 13-19 is national Transgender Awareness Week, and in a Community Voices opinion piece, Adam Spickler, a Cabrillo College trustee and one of only four openly transgender people to hold elected office in all of California, shares their coming-out story. Adam wishes when they were growing up in the 1980s and 1990s that they had transgender role models." "Superintendent’s Community Report | COE reaffirms … [Read more...]

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. AAPI Voices Model Minority No More - Joanna Corpuz (art by her sister, @hellohaupia) Our Story, Our Voice: The Resilience of Queer AAPI Youth - GLSEN Bravespace - A compilation of original songs, sounds, and meditations created by Asian American women and … [Read more...]

"Darcelle, world’s oldest working drag queen, dies at 92" - AP News "Darcelle, who died Thursday, was crowned the world’s oldest working drag performer in 2016 by the Guinness Book of World Records and was regaling audiences until the very end. As a performer, Darcelle was known for hosting the longest-running drag show on the U.S. West Coast. Off stage, Cole, an Army veteran, championed LGBTQ+ rights and charitable work in Portland." "12 trailblazers to celebrate on Transgender Day of Visibility"  - NBC From pioneering … [Read more...]

It's been our mission from the beginning to offer these important things for those in need: All LGBTQIA+ peer-support A safe space Respect to those who seek our help Acceptance​ and affirmation Supportive listening, not advice Answers to factual questions Resources locally, nationally, and internationally Programs Available Coming Out Support Hotline Online Peer Support Chat Youth Chatrooms (Moderated / LGBT Teens or Trans Teens) … [Read more...]

"'We say gay!' Hundreds of students across Iowa walk out of class to protest LGBTQ bills" - Des Moines Register "From Ames to Waterloo, students slipped out of classrooms by the hundreds Wednesday afternoon in an organized "We Say Gay" walkout to protest a slew of legislative bills that target LGBTQ youth. Organizers estimated students at 47 schools across Iowa walked out in protest Wednesday, as Republican lawmakers pushed forward with legislation aimed at tightening school policies and state law regarding gender identity, sexual … [Read more...]

Smithsonian | LGBTQ+ Women Who Made History In celebration of Pride Month, we honor LGBTQ+ women who have made remarkable contributions to the nation and helped advance equality in fields as diverse as medicine and the dramatic arts. Here are a few of their stories, represented by objects in the Smithsonian's collections. Learn more at the Smithsonian Photograph of Sylvia Rivera (with Christina Hayworth and Julia Murray) by Luis Carle, 2000. Gelatin Silver Print. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquisition made … [Read more...]

Q Voice News "Sepi Shyne made history again this week when she became West Hollywood mayor. It was the first time in the city’s 38-year history that a woman of color, Iranian American, and LGBTQ Iranian was chosen for the position." … [Read more...]