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Get your tickets today
for Adult Prom April 26th!
Pride is around the Corner!
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Dear friends,
It sounds like our new Health & Human Services Secretary is looking for a culprit for autism, and, sadly, that he isn't listening to the other health professionals around him. This week, RFK announced in his press conference that they will be looking at the data of those living with autism to see if they can find the cause.
This may be of concern to those in the LGBTQIA2S+ community because of the broad correlation of autism among members of our broader community. Use of our private health data should be confirmed by us, whenever it is used for such studies, and these announcements have not confirmed permission from the participants whose data will be used in this meta study.
More troubling, it seems that RFK expects to find one environmental toxin as the cause for autism, rather than the multi-causal interaction between genetics and environmental factors that today's scientific studies confirm. That he describes the rising numbers of those with autism as an 'epidemic' seems most troubling, and likely that this untrained person is projecting onto not just the autism community, but the queer community as well. As was shared in one of the articles below,
“The CDC describes autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, as a "developmental disability caused by differences in the brain."
The Autism Society, and educational and advocacy organization, took issue with Kennedy's description of the increasing rate of autism as an "epidemic," saying that it instead represents diagnostic progress.
"As the nation's oldest grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society of America remains committed to ensuring that prevalence data drives equity and access – not fear, misinformation, or political rhetoric," Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society, said in a statement about the report."
Our LGBTQIA2S+ community is a diverse community with intersections with neurodiversity, let’s make sure to stand with all marginalized groups targeted by this administration. We know what happens when we are divided. Research should be voluntary (and scientific based) and confidentiality should remain a tenant of all healthcare.
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-04-16/4-takeaways-from-rfk-jr-s-press-conference-on-cdc-autism-report?rec-type=blueshift
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-04-22/rfk-jr-s-major-autism-study-to-use-private-health-records#google_vignette
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Not just Kilmar Obrego Garcia...
As we share our advocacy for those who have been disappeared, or taken without due process, let us not forget Andry Hernandez Romero, the gay make up artist, who was also wrongly deported and put into the hell-hole of CECOT in El Salvadore. There may be other innocents taken as well, up to 70% of those taken in the first airlift didn't receive due process. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/family-fears-safety-venezuelan-makeup-artist-deported-salvadoran-megap-rcna200078
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Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom! Saturday, April 26th from 6-10 pm, a Prom for Adults 18+ of all identities & Allies hosted at The Saturday Club of Vacaville, 125 West Kendal Street, Vacaville! Sponsored by Travis Credit Union!
This is the Rainbow Wonderland Prom week, which means that you will need to get your tickets for the Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom for those 18+ years old! There will be plenty of food and drink, with a cash wine and beer bar on hand as well!
Plan now to attend our second Adult Prom (apparently we did one a decade ago!). Sliding scale $5-25 for tickets includes a couple of drinks! Make the memories you wish you had as a young person, or bring some friends and make your own memories for the future! And, yes, there will be Drag Queens and Kings!
You can now get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-rainbow-wonderland-adult-prom.
If you'd rather not pay by credit card, you can pay by check by registering with Marlette West by phone calling 707.207.3430 or by emailing marlette@solanopride.org. There are a number of free tickets that have been donated already, so feel free to put your name down for one if needed.
| Can you spare a few dollars to help keep the Center open during these trying times? Donations are down at every LGBTQ+ Center in the state, and we need your support to keep providing our life saving services! If you are giving to our General Fund to support all of our programming, you can give through our portal on Zeffy at https://tinyurl.com/Give2SolanoPride. Donate today! | |
Our Queer Youth Prom for 14-18 year olds will be Saturday, May 10th at the Center from 6-9 pm! It will be Out of This World!
It will be a great, fund night in the big room off the main entrance to our building. Volunteers for decorating and take down are still needed. Contact tyrstan@solanopride.org for more info!
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Did you know that you could make a whole weekend of Suisun Pride this year?
It's been real hard for us to plan any after parties for Pride in the past, so we are pleased to have a Pre-Pride Drag show on Friday, May 30th from 8 pm to midnight at the Marina Lounge.
Come make a weekend out of Pride! Party responsibly.
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We have also compiled a list of LGBTQ owned or friendly businesses with some fun ideas for you, your family and friends to participate in throughout the region! From wineries to spa days, good eats and fun for the family! Check out the links on our website or download the pdf here.
You may also wish to take the train to Pride, as it is in walking distance to Harbor Plaza and a couple of hotels!
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Please share the links below with potential Sponsors, Entertainers, or those who could sell items at a booth! If there are any questions, don't hesitate to email me at will@solanpride.org. Deadline of April 28th or 30th for different opportunities.
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Our Sponsorship, Vendor, Entertainer and Food Vendor sign-ups are online!
Performer Application Form
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Also, we just updated the website to have separate pages for our Support & Social Groups, Senior Programs and Youth Programs. See them at these links, or go to the drop down links under the home button:
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Will McGarvey
he/they
Executive Director
Solano Pride Center
will@solanopride.org
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| Stephan's Corner – Program Committee Chair | | If you would like an action to accomplish today, please write to your congressman and ask him why he won't meet with members of our community! Ask them when they will start speaking out to protect us, as they have promised. | | |
See our home page for some suggested text for a phone or message through his website if Rep. Garamendi is your representative. https://garamendi.house.gov/contact, or at his Fairfield office: (707) 438-1822, Vallejo office: (707) 645-1888.
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The SCC Theater department is putting on the play Head Over Heels this Spring.
A little about the play…. Head Over Heels is a delightful laugh-out-loud love story set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “Vacation.” A modern musical fairy tale where once-upon-a-time is right now, it follows the escapades of a royal family who set out on a journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction.
“This show powerfully packs in inclusivity by embracing non-binary characters, same-sex couples, and a recognition of the love that may exist right in front of our faces,” said Mani. “At the same time, it gets us dancing and singing in our seats. What’s not to love?”
Here is the link for tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=245797
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Our counselors have special training and skills in treating a vast number of issues. Their training in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief has been especially helpful as we've navigated the ever-changing and uncertain path of our times. We are fortunate to have counselors with LGBTQIA2S+ cultural competency, so you know they will have heard about your uniqueness just by stepping through our doors! You can sign up for free counseling by calling our confidential Counseling line at 707.389.4520.
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Senior Programs!
Many thanks to Colin's friend Julia Pankey, who came and did a short chair yoga time with us last week!
We will be having our next Senior Zoom meeting on April 25th. Contact marlette@solanopride.org to get the link to join the fun!
Our next Senior Lunch will be Friday, May 2nd in the Conference Room at the Center, without any presentations, so more time to socialize! Contact Cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
On May 16th, we will have a special Brunch at 11 am instead of noon, so folx can carpool to the Graveside Service remembering our friend Robert Padilla in the Dixon Military Cemetery.
To see all of Senior Programs on our website, please go under the home button in the menu or go to this link. Senior Programs: https://solanopride.org/senior-programs/
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Interested in an inter-generational pilot program to link Seniors and Young people in strengthen connections between the generations while learning Gardening Skills? Join this group meeting in the Conference Room at our Center on four Tuesday afternoons beginning April 15th.
Call or text Innovative Health Solutions at 707-684-4276 or email info@innovativehealths.com
| | Updated Youth Programming | | Next Up for Youth & Young Adults around the county! | | Some of the dates of April Youth Programs are on different dates than usual. | |  | Please take a closer look at dates for your groups. | | | Don't miss out on our Teen Prom this year on May 10th! | | |
Volunteer at either Prom!
If you would like to volunteer at Rainbow Wonderland Adult Prom this year, please email cristina@solanopride.org to join our next orientation on Wednesday, May 20th from 6-7 pm on zoom!
Teen Prom is Sat, May 10th at the Center.
| | Upcoming Social & Support Groups! | What should our next Queering Faith group topic be? | To see all of Social and Support on our website, please go under the home button in the menu or go to this link. Social & Support Groups: https://solanopride.org/social-and-support-groups | | |
A supportive gathering for those who experience Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain is temporarily on hiatus.
Ray McIntosh will be rejoining us for another semester, and we are pleased this group will be restarted soon. Next in person group will be Friday, May 2nd (1st and 3rd Fridays at 10:30 am in person in our Lobby). Monday, April 28th at 5:30 pm on zoom.
Contact Ray for more info, and know that you are not alone. Ray can be contacted at ray@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.408.2458.
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Pan-Pagan/Magickal Support Group is normally the 4th Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm, and will meet in our Lobby tonight on Wed, April 23rd. For those with any form of neo-pagan, polytheistic, or non-abrahamic practice, to explore the intersections of queerness and pagan spirituality. Led by members of SPC Staff. Bring something from your altar to share about.
Led by Will, Colin and Trystan this month. Bring something from your altar to share about. Let's talk about Beltane!
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A new Movie Night is being started at the Center on Tuesday, April 29th at 6 pm!
The first film we will watch together is A New Hope, Star Wars! Come and watch A New Hope (PG run time 2 hrs 1min) at the Solano Pride conference room.
Feel free to bring your own refreshments. Cosplay welcome but not required! (Subtitles in English will be on.) This Is the beginning of a monthly movie night! Please feel free to email Stephan@SolanoPride.org to request future films. Come in costume or not.
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We are adding another Social opportunity for our whole Intergenerational community this spring!
Arts & Crafts Nights will be the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Conference Room in even numbered months, and Gayme Nights will be on the same nights in the odd months.
Our next gathering will be Gayme Night on Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 pm!
If you'd like to share an art project, please contact us. Just bring any games you'd like to play or share. These will be go through May, and we will take the summer off.
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The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Friday, May 2nd at 5:30 pm, in the Conference Room.
GEC meets on the first and third Friday's of each month unless noted.
This group is for Trans, Intersex, Non-binary, Gender Non-Conforming, 2 Spirit and those questioning their gender identity or expression. The group is led by Kacen Cosmos and Cristina Zaldana! Questions can be directed to Cristina at cristina@solanopride.org.
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The QR code: Queer Recovery
A secular 12-step LGBTQ+ group for those in recovery for any addictions. The next meeting will be Sunday, May 4th at 7 pm. The group will meet in person at the Solano Pride Center’s Lobby on the 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings at 7 pm. Come to the south doors near our offices and knock to be let in. Hosted by Christopher Cortes (christopher@solanopride.org) with shared leadership from other members of the group. Anonymity will be protected.
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Grief Support Group will next meet on Fridays, May 9th & 23rd from 10-11:30 am on zoom through the summer.
Rachel Wilson and Timothy Meyer will be the facilitators for the group that will meet in person on the 2nd and 4th Fridays for zoom meetings.
Rachel can be contacted at rachel@solanopride.org or by phone or text at 707.681.1887.
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The HIV Positive Support Group will continue as a zoom group on the 3rd Thursdays of the month, but now from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. The next group meeting is this Thursday, May 15th. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more information. This is the first meeting, so plan on attending to share what you'd like to see in future meetings! Facilitated by Cristina Zaldana and Christina Ochiega.
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LGBTQ2S+ Men's Support Group (3rd Wednesdays – May 21st from 7:00 to 8:30 pm – at the Center's Lobby – come to the south doors and knock to be let in).
We will be having an open discussion, so bring a topic to share! This group is for all those who identify as Male or Trans Masc, and is trans inclusive, led by Will McGarvey & Milton Heath Solórzano. Contact us by email for more info at will@solanopride.org or miltonheath@solanopride.org.
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Military/Veterans LGBTQ+ Social & Support Group
This group will take a break through the summer, and return when we have found a date and time that works for more participants.
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HIV Prevention Awareness
Did you know you can get STI testing mailed to your home?
Did you know that PreP and PeP can help you remain HIV negative?
Contact me for more info! Thank you. Cristina Zaldana
| | Testing next month will be Sunday, May 4th at the Cinco de Mayo event from 11 am to 4 pm at Harbor Plaza, Suisun City. Then May 22nd from 7-10 pm at the Town House Cocktail Lounge, the Gay Bar in Vallejo! | | |
Solano Pride Center offers counseling and psychotherapy to the LGBTQ+ community of Solano County.
There are openings available for those who wish to be seen for counseling services right now! We can even talk to you if you just want to make sense of the times we live in. We are able to see clients for up to six months at no cost to clients, helping you make sense of life as a queer person, get support coming out, or deepening your self confidence by talking about your past. Please call our confidential line to make an appointment at: 707-389-4520. Please contact our Clinical Director Colin Amato at colin@solanopride.org for more information.
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Join HANDS OFF! Fairfield, Saturday, May 1st from 5:00 pm in front of Congressman John Garamendi's office at the corner of Travis Blvd and Pennsylvania Ave., Fairfield.
We will raise our voices in protest against the attacks on our civil rights and the programs that we voted for and paid for with our taxes. Hands Off!
This is a nationally organized event and your participation matters. Bring your signs, your friends and your voices.
(Sponsored by MobilizeUS, hosted by Azonia Haney, public citizen of Fairfield). Contact Azonia Haney to help make it happen at (503) 419-8469 or handsoff.fairfieldca@gmail.com
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Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Solano Pride Center, please let us know!
Our next Volunteer Training will be scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th at 6 pm on zoom. If you are interested in volunteering, just for special events or on a more regular basis at the Center, please email cristina@solanopride.org with the best times that work for you to be trained. These trainings are necessary for anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Center, in one of our Programs, or even for short term events like our Teen and Adult Proms and June 1st Pride celebration being planned now! Don't miss this informative background on how to help, knowing our best practices and Community Agreements!
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
There is a volunteer opportunity in the HIV Prevention dept. It involves going out to off site locations where we can table and provide free testing.
The County will do the testing and we will table at these locations such as a club (like the Townhouse in Vallejo) or youth drop in spaces. I have been looking for someone that can help me with this.
In the same department of HIV Prevention, we have the Safe Sex Packets that are put together. They involve 2 condoms, 1 lube packet & a slip of paper with info on SPC. These packets are put together at home. Pick up supplies at the center & bring back completed packets 4 days later or can depend when needed. We generally need 100 to 200 to 300. You can do 100 or 200 or 300. It is up to you. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity.
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For the Youth Dept Volunteers:
We need Team Leaders for youth with With Q-Scouts (a special after school program for LGBTQIA2S+ middle schoolers, beginning in Vallejo/Benicia). We need 2-4 adult volunteers to help with youth ages 8-12, helping with activities as team leaders. Training provided.
After 3 pm, Weekdays the Q-Scout meetings are planned and the weekends as that allows for kiddos to participate after school.
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Volunteers needed for the Senior Luncheons:
Senior luncheons are every 1st & 3rd Fridays of the Month at 12 noon.
Volunteers would come in at 11 am and help with setting up the food as it comes in, making sure everyone has what they need, helping with the presenter doing presentations, closing up making sure we leave the conference room as we found it.
Gathering the utensils needed: Forks, napkins, plates, etc
You will have help with all this so you won't be doing everything yourself.
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Admin Tasks & Holding Space: There are also some admin jobs which include organizing the office a little. Consolidating some items so we have more space, etc. Welcoming folx when multiple groups are meeting at the Center.
Our next Volunteer Training will be scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th at 6 pm on zoom.
I will be covering all these volunteer opportunities. If you have already attended an orientation, there is no need to attend again. Let me know if you need more specifics! Contact: cristina@solanopride.org
| | Vallejo Gay Network Events! | | |
Spring Party Potluck at the MouseHouse on Sat, April 26th from 5-8 pm. Link
VGN Game Night, Sat. May 10th from 6-10 pm. Link
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Recurring Events in the Community
GVRD Host Mothly Senior Social Event for People Ages 55+. From the organizers: Join us for a fun and relaxed morning of socializing, coffee, and light activities! Our Senior Social takes place once a month on the second Wednesday, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, delicious pastries, and a variety of puzzles and games while meeting new friends. It's a wonderful way to start your day and make new connections in a welcoming environment. Best of all, it’s completely free! We hope to see you there! Coffee is sponsored by a local Starbucks, pastries from local businesses, and games and puzzles are provided by GVRD.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month - Next gathering Wed, May 14th from 8:30am-10:30am, Vallejo Community Center, 225 Amador St
| | Benicia LGBTQ+ Network Events! | | |
Volunteer & Lunch May 17th
Benicia LGBTQIA Network, in collaboration with Benicia Litter Pickers, will work together to clean up Benicia. And you know we can't gather without food involved! We will meet immediately after to have lunch.
We are tentatively planning to start picking up litter in the Industrial Park, but exact location will be updated shortly. We plan to pick up trash for 2 hours, and then meet at McCallister Park in Waters End to have lunch. Sandwiches, chips and soft drinks will be provided.
Notes:
- Wear closed toe shoes for litter pickup.
- Trash bags will be provided and likely some gloves, but if you have gloves, bring them. We will have a handful of litter grabby thingies, but if you have one, bring it.
- We also encourage sun hats and sunscreen. McCallister Park has bathrooms.
See you on May the 17th! Link
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Black Embrace: A Podcast Supporting Black Families Navigating LGBTQIA+ Challenges
By Charlotte Richardson, DSW-C, LCSW and SPC Board Member
This podcast is dedicated to discussing the hard issues at the intersection of Black Family and LGBTQIA+ Youth. Historically the Black Community and LGBTQIA+ issues have been a point of disagreement and Black Family relationship breakdown. This podcast seeks to heal the wounds of family breakdown, create positive communication within Black Families with LGBTQIA+ Youth, and overall improve relationships and connection with Black Families and Community.
Our Clinical Director, Colin Amato, was one of Charlotte's first interviews! Hear it here! Will McGarvey's interview is here!
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charlotte-richardson4
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Volunteers Needed to Support Wildfire Prevention and Evacuation Safety on May 4th for the Green Valley Fire Safe Council Community Action Day!!
Join the Green Valley Fire Safe Council, roll up your sleeves in an effort to protect our community on May 4th. This volunteer event is focused on brush removal, evacuation safety, and wildfire prevention (see attached flyer and Press Release). Tools, safety equipment, and guidance on proper brush removal techniques will be provided. No experience is necessary—just a willingness to help make a difference.
Lunch is provided for the volunteers at 12:00 noon. Volunteers who commit to 2 hours will receive a T-shirt and cap.
Register at Volunteer Registration - May 4th Community Action Day
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, May 4, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early as we will need to shuttle folks to the meeting area.
📍 Location: Rockville Heights Road, Fairfield (Parking on Rockville Road before and after Rockville Heights Road intersection).
🥪 Lunch and water will be provided.
🧤 Volunteers are encouraged to wear long sleeves, gloves, sturdy shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Cold water will be provided. Join GVFSC in building a fire-resilient community. Together, we can mitigate wildfire risks—one property at a time.
Thank you,
Rochelle Smith
| | Ever wondered if the Center is open, or how to contact the staff member you need? | | April Health & Wellness Observances | | | | |
