Safe. Welcome. Needed.
Thanks to stigma, shame and – in some cases – family rejection, LGBT people face number of disparities. Statistics on LGBT people are frightening. Consider the following research by the Centers for Disease Control, Center for American Progress, California Department of Public Health and Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion:
- 75 percent report emotional difficulties directly related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Up to 40 percent of the youth homeless population identify as LGBT
58 percent of homeless LGBT youth report being sexually victimized while on the streets
- 26 percent of LGBT students report missing a class in the last month while 30 percent report missing an entire day because they felt unsafe
- Due to increased pressures at home and school, LGBT youth are less likely to attend college
- A 26 percent increase in new HIV infections since 2012 among young gay men age 13-24 who have sex with men
- Two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual peers; 50 percent if trans-identified youth
- LGBT people list primary care doctors that are LGBT affirming as the most difficult medical professionals to find and, as a result, are not accessing care and using emergency rooms for primary care
- Less likely to have health insurance at a rate of one LGBT insured person for every two insured heterosexuals
- More likely to delay or obtain needed medical care or prescriptions
- Three times more likely to experience alcoholism, substance abuse and/or use tobacco products
The results form the report, First Do No Harm: Reducing Disparities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Populations in California and provided a framework and recommendations for government, foundation and social service partners to begin exploring how to effect real change.
The Center’s Here For You.
Input from community stakeholders and evidence-based data has molded the Center’s menu of programs for nearly 30 years. As the landscape for LGBT people and their families has evolved, so has the Center’s offerings.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is a dedication to always be a place where LGBT people are safe, welcome and needed, working in unison to create a better tomorrow for the region’s LGBT people.
Current programs include the following, which include links to more detailed information on each focus area:
Most services are housed in the Q-Spot and include a drop-in center, support groups, youth & family events, linkages, life skills development, showers and laundry facilities.
Services include Covered California enrollment, HIV testing, safer sex supplies, HIV prevention education and support, culturally responsive trainings and suicide prevention.
Whether you are new to town or experiencing a significant life crisis, the Center is open six days a week to meet clients and offer referrals for services, social groups, places of worship, doctors, therapists, businesses and more.
All listings are LGBT affirming and are interviewed by Center staff or volunteers.
The Center offers a diverse array of peer-based support groups ranging from Girl Scouts to seniors. The Center also offers low- or no-cost meeting space for groups and community partners.
This space provides a place to chill, talk with someone and get connected to additional resources.
Our volunteer program offers an opportunity to change lives and create a more inclusive community for LGBT people.
All levels of time, skill levels and expertise are needed!
The Center can assist employers, business owners, educators or care professionals with trainings tailored to meet specific needs, ages, competency levels and time frames.
Throughout the year, the Center will also host or support other outings, showings, concerts, lectures or exhibits.
Hosting or participating in community events, rallies and other actions, as well as responding to media inquiries.
Alliances & Task Forces:
Building on-going, permanent relationships to apply a collective vision for the benefit and improvement of the quality of life for under-served and marginalized populations.