San Joaquin Pride Center Hosts Community Events for National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week
The San Joaquin Pride Center is hosting a week filled with various community events to help promote LGBTQ+ mental health during the last week of March – also known as National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week! The San Joaquin Pride Center is an LGBTQ+ Task Force for #Out4MentalHealth– a statewide project hosted by the CA LGBTQ HHS Network that advances mental health equity, provides resources to build capacity in local LGBTQ+ communities, and represents a coalition of voices at state-level policy discussions to advance the mental health support that LGBTQ+ community receives throughout California.
The Pride Center plans to host a movie night, host workshops on healthy coping mechanisms to navigate mental health distress and promote the Transgender services they provide such as name and gender marker changes. San Joaquin Pride Center’s Transgender Day of Visibility event on March 31st will shine light on the trans community and the importance of mental health in contrast to the current political climate regarding Transgender identities and bodily autonomy.
“As national LGBTQ organizations fight against anti-transgender legislation across the country, it is important for us to support our local LGBTQ communities,” stated Network Director, Dannie Cesena. “We are proud to partner with and see the San Joaquin Pride Center provide valuable resources and services to the LGBTQ community that eases mental health distress caused by experiencing homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.”
The mission of the San Joaquin Pride Center is to serve the diverse LGBT+ community in San Joaquin County and the surrounding areas by creating a safe and welcoming space. They provide resources that enrich the body, mind and spirit, and educate the public in tolerance and respect for all people within the LGBT+ community.
“With bills attacking transgender individuals’ right to exist sweeping the nation, observing Transgender Day of Visibility is paramount to maintain the safety and well-being of our transgender community. The struggles of our gender-expansive communities are compounded especially within San Joaquin County as there are efforts by inflammatory, far-right, and white-supremacist groups to take away access to gender-affirming healthcare right here within Manteca,” stated Trans Specialist at the San Joaquin Pride Center, James Patnaude.
“Our Mental Health Awareness Week, ending with our Transgender Day of Visibility Event is a week aiming to promote better mental health and overall well-being across all members of our marginalized communities. Join us for a week of fun, self-care, and empowerment!”
To learn more about the San Joaquin Pride Center, visit https://cultureishealth.org/implementation-pilot-projects-ipp/lgbtq/san-joaqin-pride-center/