Suisun Pride is this Sunday, May 31st! Don't miss the Kick-off Drag Party Saturday Night! We love our Sponsors! Support your Local LGBTQIA2S+ Center... | | |
Dear Friends,
We are so pleased to announce more of the performers sharing their talents with us at Suisun Pride 2026! Also, put the Kickoff Pride Drag Show on your calendar now! You may even want to get reservations at an area hotel or motel to "Make a Weekend of it!" See more ideas below.
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Amoretto
Your favorite haunted drag doll, from Davis, CA. The manic pixie nightmare is Active in the Northern California and Davis areas as a performer and treasurer for the Davis Drag Club. Frequently shares makeup tutorials, DIY platform shoe creations, and performance clips. Amoretto is a rising alternative drag performer based out of Davis, California. Closely affiliated with the local performance scene, they frequently showcase their signature creature-style aesthetics.
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Suisun Pride Kickoff Drag Party!
Come on down to Lucy's Bar & Lounge, where the space next door to 605 Main Street (across the street from where Pride will be)! There will be great Drag, Dancing, Drink specials and more! Get your tickets beforehand at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/suisun-pride-kickoff-party-tickets-1989156166641!
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Still room for volunteers!
There will be one more volunteer training Thursday, May 28th at 6 pm on zoom!
We need folx to help set up (from 9 am to noon) and take down (from 6 to 7 pm) the day of Suisun Pride!
Email cristina@solanopride.org go get the zoom link!
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Lots of other Pride events
going on around the county!
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Solano County Library
LGBTQ+ Mental Heath Student Presentations
• June 1st 4pm @ Suisun City Library (all ages)
Suisun City Library, 601 Pintail Dr. Suisun City
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Davis Pride
• June 6th 4-9 pm @ Davis Civic Center Park at 6th & B Streets, Davis. (all ages)
The 12th annual Davis Pride celebration will bring a month of events to celebrate and support the local LGBTQ+ community, with Davis PrideFest, a fun run, trivia and the annual comedy night.
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Pride Movie Night
The Watermelon Woman: a film by Cheryl Dunye. $18 at the door.
• June 6th 7pm @ 734 Marin Street, Vallejo (all ages)
Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
734 Marin Street, Vallejo
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IOOF & On the Fringe Theatre
PRIDE TRIVIA NIGHT
June 12th Doors at 6pm, Trivia at 7pm
[all ages welcome, trivia competition recommended for ages 13+]
Odd Fellows Hall
342 Georgia Street
Vallejo
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A Celebration of Trans People of Color and a Flag Raising at the Museum!
Friday, June 12th. Flag Raising at 6 pm. Program afterwards.
Trans People of Color exhibit starts on June 5th at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.
This is also the day we remember those who died in the Pulse Night Club Massacre 10 years ago.
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Solano County Library
Pride Films for Teens:
"The Mitchells v The Machines" [PG]
• June 13th 1pm @ Fairfield Civic Center Library (teen focus)
Civic Center Library, 1150 Kentucky St., Fairfield.
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PRIDE IN THE PARK by the Vacaville People's Forum
June 13th 12-4pm
Andrew's Park, Vacaville (all ages). Visit our Booth!
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PRIDE PICNIC
Vallejo Gay Network & Benicia Lgbtqia Network
June 14th, 12pm-5pm
Alden Park, Vallejo-Mare Island (all ages)
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AMATEUR DRAG
SHOW Thursday, June 18 @ 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Perform your favorite drag number at the library. Register solanolibrary.com/events.
Everyone is welcome to attend. WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY OUR HOST HENNESSY WILLIAMS
Fairfield Civic Center Library
For more information,
visit solanolibrary.com/events
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On the Fringe Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest [Pride Edition!] by Oscar Wilde
[all ages welcome, play is witty and recommended for ages 12+]
• June 18th-21st
Downtown Theater, Fairfield
• June 25th-27th
Missouri St. Theatre, Fairfield
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Solano Pride Teen Game Night!
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with bodacious board games, crafts, snacks, & more! A collaborative event with the Solano Pride Center.
• Wednesday, June 17th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
At the Dixon Library
230 N. First Street, Dixon
With Pizza and drinks for Teens of All Ages
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Benicia Lgbtqia Network
Pride Celebration Cocktail Party on Sunday, June 20th, 12-4pm
(18+ focus and cocktails 21+).
Baxters (Restaurant & Bar), 280 First Street, Benicia
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Woodland Pride
Saturday, June 20th
• 10 am Parade at Main & Elm Streets
• 10:45 am, Pride Party, 212 Second Street, Woodland.
Food trucks, Live DJ, Drag Show, Ice Cream Social, Resource Fair, Giveaways, Queer artists and vendors
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Benicia Lgbtqia Network
Pride, Priscilla & Page-turning Stories.
Pricilla Queen of the Desert [R] showing and book exchange
(R rated movies recommended for 17+ audience). June 30th 6:30pm-8:45pm in the Doña Benicia Room at the Benicia Public Library, 150 L St.
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Alibi Bookshop
Pride Book Club all June!
• June 4 @ 6:30 pm "A Gentleman's Gentleman"
• June 10th @ 5:30pm "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe"
• June 11th @7pm "Fairyland: A memoir"
• June 25th @7pm "Harriet Tubman Live in Concert"
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This Weekend! The Singing Tree Mural Project continues at Suisun Pride!
A group from the center created two murals for the Center this last weekend! And you can add your own leaves to the two trees created! Come to pride, and look for the Crescent Moon Center to make your leafs to be added!
First we pick a tree that symbolizes our community.
We chose these trees:
Striped Maple: Acer pensylvanicum, known as the striped maple, whistlewood, moosewood, moose maple or goosefoot maple, is a North American species of maple. It is a small, slow-growing understory tree, and one of the most shade-tolerant species of maple. The striped maple is a sequential hermaphrodite, meaning that it can change its sex throughout its lifetime. It is the only species of snakebark maple native to North America.
White Mulberry Tree: (Morus alba) can change their gender, or more accurately, their sex expression. They are often described as gender-fluid, capable of switching between male & female or monoecious (having both male & female flowers) throughout their lifespan.
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Trans Packs will be at Pride!
Macksyn Peterson from our Board has created some Trans Packs for those undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy at home!
When you get to Suisun Pride, when you arrive, please come by our Headquarters booth at the northwest corner, grab some swag or a flag, and if you need a subcutaneous or intramuscular needles, grab one of the 40 packs available that day. Thanks Macksyn!
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If you are hungry, please drop by our lobby and take what you need. Or, if you have something to donate, you can drop by bags of unperishable food for others. The lobby will be open, even while the Center won't be if you need to stop by and grab something to eat. If you need more resources, please look at the very bottom of this email for where you can get food or help. See more resources at the bottom of the email. There's a large bag of dog food for anyone who needs food for their pet.
| Drag & Regional events lower in the email... | Like other LGBTQIA2S+ Centers, We Need Your Financial Support! Keep your Local Center Open by giving today! | |
Can you spare a few dollars to help keep the Center open during these trying times? LGBTQIA2S+ Centers across the state are experiencing a drop in donations, and your support is crucial to help us continue delivering the life-saving services our community depends on. We've even put all of our donation and Pride links in the same place above!
We are recognizing that the uncertainty since Trump returned to office has definitely affected giving for our life-sustaining programs. If you are in a place to share financially right now, we definitely need your help right now. You can even set up a monthly donation of as little as $5 a month, which helps us more than you can know.
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. Or, you can check out our new Donations Page, with links to Pride Sponsorships, and Regular Giving here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/solano-pride-center. Donate today!
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Will McGarvey
he/they
Executive Director
Solano Pride Center
will@solanopride.org
| 2026 Suisun Pride Updates! | |
This year we've updated our website to include www.suisunpride.com for our May 31st Suisun Pride Festival!
We are pleased to be able to announce that Adrienne LaCielo & Bella Aldama will be our Mistresses of Ceremonies!
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We Love our Sponsors!
- Office of Assemblywoman Lori Wilson
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Episcopal Churches of Solano County (Church of the Ascension, Vallejo; St. Paul’s Episcopal, Benicia; Grace Episcopal, Fairfield; Church of the Epiphany, Vacaville)
- Cassandra James for Supervisor
- Community Congregational Church of Benicia, UCC
- Unity of the Valley Spiritual Center
- Wanda Williams for Supervisor
- John Garamendi for Congress
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Mark Porter, Financial Planner (Porter, Ritchie and Associates Ameriprise Financial Services , LLC Maek Anthony Porter Private Wealth Advisor)
- Planned Parenthood Northern California
- Community Presbyterian Church, Vallejo
- The Jelly Belly Candy Company
- City of Suisun City: Recreation, Parks and Marina Department, Suisun City
- Solano County Public Health and Behavioral Health
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Want to help with Pride?
We still need volunteers to help us set up and tear down on Sunday! Email cristina@solanopride.org if you need to do a volunteer orientation Thursday night at 6 pm.
Save the night of Saturday, May 30th for our Kickoff Pride Drag in Suisun City!
Can you help us get the word out on FB? Share this link for the event!
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We are in the midst of putting together another Pre-Pride Drag Show at Lucy's Bar & Lounge across the street from where we will celebrate Pride the next day! Amelia Need Moore is organizing the Drag for the night, and Eli, the new owner of Lucy's has promised to keep the drinks flowing!
Save the date! Saturday, May 30th from 8-11 pm at Lucy's Bar & Lounge, 605 Main Street, Suisun City!
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We've also updated our list of Gay and LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses in the region for folx to be able to make a weekend of Suisun Pride!
We heard of families and friend groups coming to Suisun Pride by Train, Ferry or driving to make it a weekend the last couple of years. You can walk to a hotel from the Capitol Corridor Amtrak train! You can grab a Lyft from the Vallejo Ferry to Suisun, and party all weekend! Lots to do, wine to drink, and play to have! We hope to have shuttles for parking to announce soon as well! If you have any other businesses that wish to be listed, please send them to sponsors@suisunpride.com. Download the file as a pdf here.
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Pride Proclamations!
√ Vallejo City Council above, County Supervisors right.
√ Vallejo City Council Proclamation, May 26th at 7 pm. Vallejo City Hall. 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo.
• Benicia City Council meeting Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm, Benicia City Hall, 250 E. L St., Benicia.
• Suisun City Council Meeting, Tuesday, June 16th at 6 pm. They will have it also available for the Suisun Pride event on May 31st.
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Pride Flag Raisings confirmed!
Rio Vista Youth Group members after receiving the Proclamation.
• Vacaville Flag Raising: Monday, June 1st at 8 am, at the three flagpoles, 720 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville
• City of Vallejo Pride Flag Raising – Monday, June 1st at 10 am. 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo.
• Fairfield Flag Raising & Proclamation: Monday, June 1st at 12:00 pm noon, City Hall Flag Pole between the Library and City Hall, Fairfield.
• County Flag Raising: Monday, June 1st at 12:45 pm, 675 Travis St., Fairfield.
• Benicia Flag raising on Thursday, June 4th at 9 am. Benicia City Hall, 250 E. L St., Benicia.
More cities to be confirmed.
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Stephan's Corner
Dear Solano Pride Community,
Pride Is Here!
Congratulations, we have arrived to another Pride! This Sunday May 31st at the Suisun Waterfront, the Solano Pride Center hosts the annual Suisun Pride event, for the third year in a row.
Pride welcomes all as you are! And our community has some guidelines on how we come together and show mutual respect.
Community Guidelines:
We appreciate all who attend and share their gifts and talents at Suisun Pride, where we have worked to create a fun, safe, and mutually supportive environment! Please see these Community Agreements!
Be Present: Join us in the present moment. Free yourself from distractions.
Use Your Name & Pronouns: Use your name and pronouns. Ask others which name and pronouns they use.
Share Time & Participate: We encourage everyone to participate and speak from your lived experience. Use “I” statements.
Set & Respect Boundaries, Value All Opinions: Set boundaries and respect the boundaries of others, using “I” statements. We don’t put down others. There is more than one point of view. Appreciate and respect multiple realities.
Intent Is Different From Impact: We commit to respond with grace and concern. Seek out understanding when you receive someone’s comment.
Be Yourself: Be your fully authentic self. We celebrate diversity and invite you to show up exactly as you are.
Respect Our Safe Space: We agree to maintain the information shared at a meeting to remain confidential.
Clean and Sober: The Center maintains a clean & sober space. We are an all-inclusive community and value all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, age, ability, gender and sexual/affectual orientation. (At Pride, please respect the rules around where alcoholic beverages may be consumed and stay safe. Please don’t partake until after your performance or time with the public is complete.)
Respect Youth Safe Space: We respect space that is designated for youth group participants and staff only. (At Pride, please respect the rules around where children and teens have designated space, and let a leader know if you see something.)
Accountability: If anyone chooses not to follow these community agreements or is disruptive, the facilitator will give them a warning. If a second warning is given, they will need to meet individually with a staff member or group volunteer. If disruptive behavior continues, they may be asked to take a leave of absence.
For Pride Leadership: We ask that all of our leaders, performers and volunteers commit to help create a NO DRAMA / NO DISCRIMINATION ZONE. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, ableism or any bigotry of any kind will NOT be tolerated. You will immediately be asked to leave and will not be considered for further bookings. As much as we all love some good gossip, this is a positive and safe environment, so please try and keep any drama to a minimum before, during and after the event.
We have these guidelines so everyone can participate and be themselves at our events and feel safe. This is how we interact in shared spaces and we invite all of you to participate in kind!
Pride is a come as you are event, accepting all the spectrum and multi dimensional aspects of humanity with welcome arms. And, it is a time to honor the history of sexual orientation and gender identity diversity that has existed since the dawn of time, and combat the erasure of that history by creating inclusive and brave spaces.
The Stonewall Riots that created Pride month, occurred in 1969. After years of being harassed and beaten by New York police, the single phrase as an unknown female was being manhandled by the police again “are you really going to let them do this to me?!” and the crowd grabbed anything they could as a brick flew across the air toward the police. It began with a brick and the Queer community in New York had had enough and fought back. One year later the Christopher Street Liberation Day march occurred on June 28th 1970, in NYC, LA and SF.
(August 1966) A few years before this in San Francisco, a group of transgender women sex workers also rioted against the police after years of abuses. This was the Compton Cafeteria Riot.
In 1919 Magnus Hirschfeld started the Institute of Sexual Research in Berlin, Germany. This was both a Queer community center, research institute, gender affirming care clinic and sexual orientation clinic. In 1932, this was where the first and largest book burning began in Nazi Germany.
In 1933 in Spain the Las Carolinas (trans women as well as cross dressers) held a protest and marched in the streets of Barcelona. This is the first recorded LGBTQ+ uprising!
In 630 BC the Greek poet Sappho was born on the Island of Lesbos, and created the root words for lesbian and sapphic love due to her prolific romantic female loving poetry.
This is just a small version of a vast history exploring gender and sexuality within humanity! It is every generation’s job to learn and preserve this history so that as the future arrives, we can envision and create a world where no child feels alone or alien on Earth due to their diversity.
Today in the United States, it is hard to be unique and different. The walls that were opening and accepting, are closing in, forcing many to leave our country, go back into the closet or not to come out in the first place. It is our goal at Solano Pride to continue fighting for a more inclusive world.
If you are scared to be out and about and worried about the safety of Pride, know that we take your safety very seriously. We are working closely with Suisun PD and we have private security. All of the volunteers and organizers are paying attention. If you see something out of the ordinary, find someone with e VoluntQueer t-shirt or a Pink vest, so that we can help.
Bravery is not the absence of fear, it is deciding to move forward anyway. The staff, volunteers and board of the Solano Pride Center discuss and encourage this mindset whenever we participate in public. Safety in numbers!
Activist Dan Savage during the AIDS epidemic stated: “During the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, we buried our friends in the morning, we protested in the afternoon, and we danced all night."
In the immortal words of Harvey Milk, I am here to recruit you. I encourage you to participate in as many Pride events as your energy will allow, see our website’s community events page. I caution you to not engage with any hecklers or trouble makers, and instead seek assistance. I invite you to get politically active (make sure those primary ballots are in)! And I beg of you to love passionately and fiercely, living your authenticity as our maker intended for us all.
I hope to see your authentic loving self, dancing, singing, eating, drinking and perusing the many vendors who are coming out to Suisun to encourage celebration!
Wear sunblock, drink plenty of water, and let’s have fun together just as we are! And if you so desire, come and find me, my shirt will say “Free Dad Hugs” .
Much love, we are in this together, may we always celebrate Pride!
Stephan@solanopride.org
Yo Prez
Stephan L.T. Clifford
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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.
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.
In addition Solano Pride Center is accepting application from Interns and Student Counseling Trainees needing practicum sites who are interested in providing therapy to the LGBTQ+ community. Please contact our Clinical Director Colin Amato at colin@solanopride.org for more info.
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Have you ever been near the end of your rope, and need someone to help you find the resources you need to survive? Solano Pride Center staff can help!
Many of our staff know much about the County's support system, and can help you sign up for food assistance, Medi-Cal, and even give you referrals to our sister organizations serving those in need around the county. Give Kacen Cosmos, our Associate Clinical Social Worker a jingle, text or email to learn more.
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THE TRANSFORMATION STATION.
This is a place where our Trans/Non-binary folks can come in and pick out any articles of clothing that they need. They will choose from our community's donations.
We are heading into Fall which means it just might be getting a bit chilly....or....you might be looking for a job and making the rounds of interviews....or if you just want to look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S, we've got your back!
Right now, we are not asking for more donations.
- Please share this opportunity with your Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Intersex, Drag Queen and other Fabulous Friends! We need folx to come and take some of the clothing before receiving any more.
Please contact cristina@solanopride.org for donations and questions.
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Senior Programs!
Senior Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/senior-programs/
Our next Senior Lunch will be Friday, June 5th at Allan Whitt Park! Come meet us on the south side of the park at the Pavillion at 1640 Woolner Ave, Fairfield. No Presentation.
Contact Cristina Zaldana at cristina@solanopride.org for more info.
We are closed for Juneteenth, June 19th. So June 26th will have a presentation from The Area Agency on Aging, and the Master Plan for Aging/Disabilities by Denise Kirnig.
| | Updated Youth Programming | | Next Up for Youth & Young Adults around the county! | | To see all of Youth Programs on our website, please go under the home button in the menu or go to this link. Youth Programs: https://solanopride.org/youth-programs/. Be advised that some of the times of youth events in April have been updated to new time frames. | | Don't miss the Rio Vista Group on 4th Fridays, May 26th from 3:30-5:30 pm at Rio Vista Cares! There is always Pizza! | | |
Hey Will & Trystan,
Attached are the completed flyers for the Solano Pride Teen Game Night event in both Spanish & English. Take care & have a thrilling Thursday!
Sincerely,
Ricky Gjertsen (He/Him)
Library Associate - Teen Services - Direct: 707-784-1836
Dixon Library, 230 N 1st Street, Dixon, CA 95620-3028
New Email: RDGjertsen@solanolibrary.gov
| | 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 | |
Starting at a new time continuing Thursday, May 28th, 2025 now from Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 pm the rest of March! LGBTQ+ Drama Therapy Group
A free, supportive environment for self-expression and building community.
What is Drama Therapy?
Drama Therapy is a chance to connect with others and explore emotions, identity, and social interactions through the use of theatrical techniques.
Who can participate?
This group is designed for the LGBTQ+ community. It is open to actors and non-actors alike. No prior theater experience is required.
When and where is the group?
We will meet at the Solano Pride Center conference room at 1234 Empire Street in Fairfield, Thursdays.
How can I get more information?
Please reach out to Erik at erik@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 31st at 7 pm. The group will meet in person at the Solano Pride Center’s Conference Room on every Sunday evening now, at 7 pm. Come to the main 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. Here's an article on the number of folx recreating sober nightlight options.
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Nuestro Orgullo – Our Pride spanish speaking group.
Tuesday, June 2nd from 5:30 to 7 pm.
Gratuito y seguro, abierto a todos los miembrosLatinos de la LGBTQIA+ y nuestra aliados para compartir experiencias y conectar
Free and safe, open to all Latino LGBTQIA2S+ members and our allies to share experiences and connect. Please rsvp with cristina@solanopride.org to attend.
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New group starting for Gender Non-Conforming People to do Drama Therapy/Play together. Four Session, May 6th, 20th, June 3rd and 20th!
Also, the group would then go see The Compton Cafeteria Riot play in San Francisco together. Interested folx should email Kacen or Cristina. Schedule based on those who sign up.
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The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Friday, June 5th at 5:30 pm at our GEC where we will watch Hedwig & the Angry Inch!
The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Fridays, May 15th at 5:30 pm at the Center for movie and conversations. There will be time to see the Transformation Station and Library. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our trans, enby, and gender nonconforming history. Please rsvp to either kacen@solanopride.org or cristina@solanopride.org to attend.
This group normally meets on the first & third Fridays. This group is for Trans, Intersex, Non-binary, Gender Non-Conforming, 2 Spirit and those questioning their gender identity or expression.
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Coping with Loss and Grief.
Grief has no set boundaries. Grief comes in many different avenues such as losing a spouse, parents, a sibling, your pet, the loss of a friend or a friendship, even the loss of a job can cause us to grieve.
This new group will continue Friday, June 12th from 10 - 11:30 am on zoom. The next gathering would be June 26th, also online.
The way in which we cope with the loss is the way in which we begin to heal and move forward with our lives no matter the depth of pain and sorrow we are in. One way and there are many depending on how one copes with the loss is to talk about what we are feeling, what we are going through and share those feelings and thoughts with others who may be experiencing the same just as you are. The grief counseling session is an avenue for people to continue their healing process. More info, including the zoom link, at Kacen@solanopride.org or Tim Meyers at tjm1756@yahoo.com.
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New Dungeons & Dragons Group will continue online.
Hey Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers, the orientation begins at 5 pm online on Sat, June 13th. The campaign starts at 1:30 pm Sunday, June 14th in the Conference Room! Please email Stephan@solanopride.org to be added to our DND communications and planning. Next Online game together will be announced soon.
Dungeon Mistress Izzy will contact you about meet ups!
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LGBTQ2S+ Men's Social Group (3rd Wednesdays – June 17th at 7:00 pm –we will meet at the Lagoon Valley Park (4627 Pena Adobe Rd., Vacaville) to do an after dinner hike together. Let Will or Milton know if you can meet us there.
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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The HIV Positive Support Group will continue as a zoom group on the 3rd Wednesday this month – June 18th – but now from 5:30 to 7 pm.
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.
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New Group for Women will meet next on June. 20th at 2 pm at the Center.
Open to all who identify as women and/or have a lived experience of being a woman. Please let Trystan know (email below) if you have any ideas for topics of conversation, or field trips the group can do together! Contact Trystan@solanopride.org for more information.
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We are also adding another Social opportunity for our whole Intergenerational community this Spring on the first Thursday nights of the month!
After May, we will take a break during June and July, so the next Movie Night will be August 6th! in the Conference Room! Knock on the front doors to be let in.
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If you'd like to share an art project, please contact us. Just bring any games you'd like to play or share.
If you'd like to share an art or craft project on September 3rd, please contact us at cristina@solanopride.org.
| | Pan-Pagan/Magickal Support Group will cease to meet until we have a number of folx who want to attend on a more regular basis. If you are interested in a Military Group, Bi+/Pan/Omni Group, or Group for Trans Men, please do let us know at will@solanopride.org. | | |
7 Days in June: A National Call to Elevate Health as a Governing Priority.
Health must be treated as a core governing responsibility, regardless of ideology or party. Working together, we can build a healthier nation. Join us on June 5 at sunset in communities around the nation to hold candlelight vigils honoring everyone who has died as a result of cuts to healthcare. Let Will know if you sign up to host an event. https://www.sevendaysinjune.org
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Our last Red Cross Blood Drive was a huge success!
Since May 11, 2023, the restrictions on the LGBTQIA+ community for donating blood were dropped.
This means that we can now donate blood and save a life.
Solano Pride center have been doing their part by partnering with the American Red Cross to serve this community with a blood drive.
We have already facilitated 2 blood drives. Thank you to those who have come out to donate! You are saving lives! Now, we need your help in ensuring that these blood drives can continue! We need at least 35 donors to be able to do this! 35 people that will come in and donate. Please join us for our next blood drive and SAVE LIVES! CONTACT ME and set up a time at: cristina@solanopride.org
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Gen Silent and Cultural Competency Training for those serve LGBTQ+ Seniors!
If your Senior Living setting or agency serving Seniors need Cultural Competency Training for your staff, which is mandated by the state of California, we are willing to come do a training or create a training specifically for your staff and leadership! Contact will@solanopride.org for more info.
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SPC Trainings for your Team
We have Cultural competency Trainings for Schools, Teachers, Professors, Therapists, Social Workers, Case Managers, Businesses, Health Care workers, Senior Centers, and all who work with LGBTQIA2S+ people in every environment. Yes, we have a 2.5 hour long SB 923 training for health systems available now!
Contact will@solanopride.org for more information.
| | We need People of Color from Central and West County, age 21 and up. Please apply today by emailing board@solanopride.org! | | |
LOUNGE LIBRARY RESOURCES:
We have the power to read books! We don’t need any expensive gadgets to read a book. We don’t need any cables, monitors or electricity for that matter. What we do need is the want to read. We might even have to change some gears so that we can get in the habit of reading. Now in the New Release section!
| | Events from our Partners! | | Vallejo Gay Network Events! | | |
Upcoming events!
It's beginning to look a lot like
Pride Month!!
Pride Month in Vallejo: Celebrating Community, Visibility, and Joy
June is almost here, and with it comes Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that helps make Vallejo such a welcoming and dynamic place to call home. Across our city, neighbors, families, and local organizations are coming together to honor the diversity that strengthens us and the resilience that continues to inspire us.
From community gatherings and creative events to Pride proclamations and celebrations throughout the month, Vallejo offers many ways to show support, connect, and uplift one another. Whether you’re attending a local event, supporting LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses, or simply taking a moment to learn and reflect, Pride is an opportunity for all of us to stand together in solidarity and joy
At its heart, Pride is about belonging—creating space for every person to live openly, authentically, and with dignity. Here in Vallejo, that spirit shines through in the people, partnerships, and traditions that bring our community together year after year.
Let’s celebrate loudly, love boldly, and continue building a city where everyone is seen, valued, and celebrated.
The Pride Month events include:
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City of Vallejo Pride Proclamation - May 26th @ 7 pm. Join your community as our City Proclaims June as LGBTQ Pride Month. See details on Facebook.
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VGN Pride Pizza Night — May 27th. A relaxed evening of pizza, laughter, and community pride. Come as you are and enjoy a slice with us. See below for details. See below for details.
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VGN Game Afternoon Party - May 31st. Come out and let's play games! Eric is hosting a gaming afternoon for the Vallejo Gay Network. There will be three (or more) gaming areas with card games, board games, video games, and more for you to enjoy. Please feel free to bring your own games too.See below for more details.
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City of Vallejo Pride Flag Raising - June 1st @ 10 am. Join your community as the City of Vallejo celebrates Pride Month by raising the Pride Flag. See details on Facebook.
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Exhibit Opening: I Live the Life I Love, Because I Love the Life I Love - June 5th @ 6 pm. Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive and Vallejo Naval & Historical Musuem opens an exhibit celebrating of Trans People of Color called "I Live the Life I Love, Because I Love the Life I Love".
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Pride Movie Night: The Watermelon Woman - June 6th @ 7 pm. The groundbreaking 1996 film by Cheryl Dunye, is vibrant representation of Black lesbian identity by a Black lesbian filmmaker. For Gen X women this film was seminal and we are bringing it to a new generation with our friends Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive, Solano AIDS Coalition and Vallejo Gay Network. $18 with refreshments. See Facebook for details.
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Celebrate Pride Month at Vallejo’s Drag Brunch - June 7th @ 10 am. Celebrate Pride Month in Downtown Vallejo with an unforgettable morning of dazzling entertainment and exceptional food. On Saturday, June 7, Bambino's Vallejo will host Vallejo's only Drag Brunch, a high-energy showcase of artistry and community. See below for more details.
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Exhibit Reception & Pride Flag Raising: I Live the Life I Love, Because I Love the Life I Love - June 12 @ 6 pm. Join Ms. Bob and friends of the Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum for the reception for the exhibit I Live the Life I Love, Because I Love the Life I Love. Prior to the reception there will be a flag raising in front of the museum.
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Solano County Pride Picnic - June 14th @ 12 pm. Join your community in a celebration of Pride in the sun at our annual Pride Picnic. See below for details
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Celebrate Pride in Style - June 20th @ 12 pm. Join your friends at Baxters and the Benecia LGBTQIA Network for delicious drinks, lite bites and great company.
We’re grateful for every person who makes this community vibrant. Here’s to a month filled with connection, celebration, and pride!
Let's build a great community!
Thomas Bilbo
Save the Dates: If you want to host, please email tom@vallejogaynetwork.com.
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VGN Community Pride Pizza Nights
Join your community for a new monthly event and support a diverse business in the process. Anna Bergman and Judith Learner are organizing a BOYP (buy your own pizza) meetup at the Fusion Pizza on Georgia Street on the last Wednesday of the month May 27th at 5:30 pm. Let us know you're coming at our event page: VGN Community Pride Pizza Night
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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, June 10th from 8:30am-10:30am, Vallejo Community Center, 225 Amador St
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VGN Game Afternoon Party
Come out and let's play games! Eric is hosting a gaming afternoon for the Vallejo Gay Network. There will be three (or more) gaming areas with card games, board games, video games, and more for you to enjoy. Please feel free to bring your own games too.
Bring some game snacks. Cocktails will be served so please be over 21. Link
| | Benicia LGBTQ+ Network Events! | | |
The Benicia LGBTQIA Network is on Facebook!
Please watch the Benicia LGBTQ Network group.
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The Benicia Public Library invites the community to a special Pride Month screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Tuesday, June 30.
This iconic, high-energy film follows two drag performers and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian outback in a lavender bus, celebrating friendship, identity, and self-expression along the way. Known for its unforgettable costumes, humor, and heart, the film has become a beloved classic and a meaningful part of LGBTQ+ cultural history. The screening is rated R, and attendees under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
In the spirit of the film, costumes are highly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded for the best looks of the evening. Guests are invited to come dressed to impress and celebrate Pride in style. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a favorite LGBTQ+ book title to swap, creating an opportunity to share stories and discover new reads within the community.
Free popcorn and Dirty Soda will be provided! This program is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the Benicia Public Library or contact library staff. In the Doña Benicia Room. Link!
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Want to join the new "Vacaville LGBTQ+ Network" on Facebook? Go to this link on facebook, and ask to join! https://www.facebook.com/groups/652492897897233/. Check it out!
Thanks to all who came out and had a good time! Thanks to Sharon for hosting! We may do a post Pride in the Park Social after Vacaville's Pride in the Park on Saturday, June 13th from noon to 4 pm. Let me know if you'd like to host something at your place, or have an idea of a local place we can go to keep the Pride going! Perhaps this autumn we can do a Pizza Party at a local place together. Where do you suggest is the most accepting Pizza place in Vacaville? Let will@solanopride.org know if you want to help plan future east county events quarterly!
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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
| | What's going on at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge? | | |
Vallejo's Drag Brunch at Bambino's! Now twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Sundays with competitions like RuPaul's Drag Race!
• Sunday, June 7th · 10am – 1pm PDT. Doors at 9:30am. Tickets Link.
• Sunday, June 21st · 10am – 1pm PDT. Doors at 9:30am.
(You can search for Free Music Collective on Eventbrite to follow them for updates each month.)
Bambino's Vallejo - Pizza, Pasta + Full Bar
301 Georgia Street #suite 122 Vallejo, CA 94590
Are you ready for February DRAG hosted by no other than Sadie C. Sparkles and MissCherrylane. It’s a chance to embrace the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy a brunch experience like no other. Come on down and be part of this exciting new event that brings drag and queer culture to our community!
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Next Hidden Fantasea Event will be Friday, June 12th at 6:00 pm at the Redwood Empire Whiskey Bar (1195 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo's Mare Island) so don’t miss it! Check this space in future eblasts.
Vallejo! Can’t wait to meet you at Hidden Fantasea: Earth Day Style Drag Show hosted by the dazzling @thearielfantasea and featuring Mercury Rising, Cyah Envy, Cayenne Pepper Cult, Mikki Vuitton, and Unieke Moore! Don’t miss out on Solano County’s latest Drag Show in the fabulous tasting room at Redwood Empire usually on the first Fridays of the month!! See more info on a Pride Party on June 13th there.
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The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot
Compton's Cafeteria Drag Brunch with Mary Vice & Coco Buttah
It’s better with a group!
Planning a night out with friends, colleagues, or your chosen family? Groups of 10 or more receive special discounted rates, making Compton’s an unforgettable shared experience. Contact us to reserve seats together and let us help you plan a powerful night at the theater.
Actors Jaylyn Abergas and Mary Vice sat down with KRON 4’s Live in the Bay host Jessica Wills to share how The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot places audiences inside the first recorded act of militant queer resistance, and what it’s like to bring this powerful piece of San Francisco history to life on stage. Link
GET TICKETS
Regular Friday and Saturday shows resume on January 16, 2026. PURCHASE TICKETS.
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Vacaville Pride in the Park Returns: A Celebration of Love, Identity, and Community
Get ready to celebrate love, inclusivity, and vibrant self-expression! Vacaville Pride in the Park is back and bigger than ever, inviting the community to gather for a day filled with joy, unity, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride. SPC is a sponsor, and will be there with our information and support!
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 12-4PM
Location: Andrews Park, 614 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Vacaville!
2026 details to be posted soon! Link.
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Save the Date for Davis Pride Comedy Night on June 26th at 5:30 pm!
As a reminder – this is a FUNDRAISER for the Davis Phoenix Coalition. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the life changing working of DPC.
No later than May 8th via the Davis Pride social media pages, we are going to announce the 2026 comedy line up. We promise you are not going to want to miss this line up. The team is working on amazing talent from all over the west coast. — Each year the LOL takes talent to the next level.
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Sacramento FrontRunners Pride 5K returns for 2026! Registration is open now!
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Old Sacramento, 111 I St,
Sacramento, CA 95814
After an incredible first year, we can’t wait to gather again for a bright, joy-filled morning of running, walking, and soaking up the Pride energy in Sacramento. Whether you joined us last year or were on our waitlist, we’d love for you to be part of this year’s celebration. This event is for runners and walkers of all paces, LGBTQ+ community members, allies, friends, and chosen family — everyone is invited to show up as they are. Shine bright!
Early Bird Pricing is available now! Register before entry prices go up April 1. Expect good vibes, big smiles, and a whole lot of fun! With Pride, Sacramento FrontRunners & FrontWalkers. Link.
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The wait is over!!
Registration is officially open for the 40th annual AIDS Walk San Francisco!
For four decades, our community has come together to walk in solidarity, remembrance, and hope. Since our very first steps in 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has raised critical funds for HIV prevention, care, and support services across the Bay Area. Generations of walkers, team captains, volunteers, and advocates have built this movement. We have only been able to achieve all of our successes, including raising over $100 million throughout the years, because of participants like you.
Now, in our 40th year, we are preparing to honor that legacy and want you to join us along the way.
We remember the early years, when fear and stigma were everywhere but our community showed up anyway. We celebrate the progress made through activism, research, and compassion. And we recommit ourselves to the work ahead because, as we know, the fight to end HIV is not over.
Join us as we return to Golden Gate Park to mark this powerful milestone together. Whether you walked in the early days, joined us somewhere along the way, or are returning after time away, this anniversary belongs to all of us.
Register today to celebrate 40 years of impact and activism, honor the lives lost and uplift those living with HIV/AIDS, reconnect with a community built on resilience, and help us launch the next chapter of progress.
Register today, start your team, and let’s make the 40th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco one for the history books!
We can't wait to see you in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, July 19!
Register today, start your team, and let’s make the 40th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco one for the history books!
Register here!
We can't wait to see you in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, July 19!
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Community Congregational Church UCC of Benicia is hosting a FREE Concert in honor of our 160th Anniversary on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00pm at 1305 W. 2nd street, Benicia.
We are fortunate to sponsor an evening of songs and stories with Bobby Jo Valentine, award-winning and hope-filled modern folk artist.
Bobby Jo Valentine’s music exists outside the lines of any genre, but the music’s thoughtful, spirit focused lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners across all walks of life. The poetic nature and spiritual focus of his stories and songs has resulted in notable awards and a growing, loyal following around the country. He’s found a voice with original, hopeful songs about the gentle everyday spiritual awakenings of an openhearted life.
Growing up and emerging out of a Baptist Church of strict lines and sharp edges, Bobby Jo Valentine has emerged into a larger, kinder, more welcoming faith…one that is excited to learn, open to growth, and focused on love.
Along with theatres, house concerts, and many other kinds of stages, Bobby is often invited to offer his stories and songs at faith communities around the nation. Among others, he has been invited to perform for The Wild Goose Festival, the international Emerge Conference, and the 2017 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. His music has won Song of the Year twice at West Coast Songwriter’s Association, and his work has appeared on radio, TV, and feature films. He has performed artist residencies, hosted songwriting workshops, and been involved in helping communities of all types use their spaces and voice in more creative and powerful ways.
Bobby currently hails from Northern California, and is ecstatic any time he can discuss the big questions, challenge the easy answers, and inspire people to move closer to love.
You can hear music, watch performances, and get information on catching a show at www.bobbyjovalentine.com.
| Save the Date! Solano Pride Center will be cosponsoring and helping with some workshops! | | Ever wondered if the Center is open, or how to contact the staff member you need? | |
Other local and regional gatherings:
Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 pm in front of the Vallejo Ferry building.
Thursdays at 5 pm in Benicia, Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible hosts flag waving by the Gazebo in City Park (Military & First Street, Benicia). https://www.facebook.com/events/1077820594478484/1077820677811809/?active_tab=about
Stand Up for Democracy Vallejo: Saturdays from 11 AM - NOON "Stand up for Democracy" sign waving and protest music on the sidewalk in front of Home Depot on Admiral Callaghan Lane and Plaza Drive in Vallejo. This a local Indivisible event! Stand Up For Democracy.....continue the momentum !! Benicia-Vallejo Indivisible will continue their weekly Saturday protest. Bring a friend, a sign, and your voices! Saturdays at 11 am at Vallejo Plaza, Admiral Callaghan Lane & Plaza Drive, Vallejo. Link to sign up.
Sundays at noon in Benicia, Vallejo-Benicia Indivisible hosts flag waving by the Gazebo in City Park (Military & First Street, Benicia).
https://www.facebook.com/events/1077820594478484/1077820677811809/?active_tab=about
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To view previous news items from the Equality Brief, visit our website.
CELEBRATING HARVEY MILK DAY 2026
Today marks Harvey Milk Day, an observation of the trailblazing lawmaker and LGBTQ+ advocate who made history in California with his election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Milk's passion for full, lived equality and his demand that our community be treated with dignity and respect helped pave the way for laws to change, visibility to grow, and hearts and minds to open. Though his life was tragically cut short much too soon, his legacy continues to inspire countless people to Rise Up in hope for a better, more equitable tomorrow.
2026 CALIFORNIA PRIMARY ELECTION: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
It's hard to believe, but the 2026 California Primary is 10 days away, and ballots have begun to drop in mailboxes. Want to help get out the vote for some of our priority candidates? Join us virtually for a series of phonebanks this month to help elect out LGBTQ+ candidates to office at the federal and state level!
An important note we wanted to share about voting by mail: Due to delays in postal service that could affect delivery or postmarking, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber and Attorney General Rob Bonta have recommended that for this election cycle, ballots be mailed in by May 26. If you plan to vote between May 27 and June 2, it is strongly recommended you drop your ballot in a ballot box or vote in person.
Call on behalf of Juan Camacho for Senate District 26 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM. RSVP Here!
Join Equality California and our friends at the Human Rights Campaign every Wednesday as we phonebank for Scott Wiener for Congressional District 11! RSVP Here!
Week of May 17-May 23, 2026:
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Federal Judge Renews Preliminary Injunction Preventing Transgender Female Inmates From Transfer to Male Prisons: On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth once again blocked the Trump administration's efforts to transfer transgender women in federal custody into male prisons. The case at hand, Doe v. Blanche, was brought in January 2025 after three transgender woman incarcerated in federal prison sued over an executive order mandating the federal government only recognize "sex assigned at birth."
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South Carolina Governor Signs Law That Could Force Transgender Students to Use 'Porta-Potties' at School: Governor Henry McMaster signed a law this week that segregates bathrooms, locker rooms, student housing and changing rooms at public K-12 schools and colleges by "sex assigned at birth." While the law allows single-user restrooms be available on request, the statute is written such that "porta-potties" qualify as adequate accommodations. The ACLU slammed the law, saying it will make life harder for students who already face increased risks of bullying, harassment, and violence.
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Colorado Supreme Court Orders Transition-Related Care to Resume at CO Children's Hospital: A 5-3 ruling from the state's Supreme Court ordered Colorado Children's Hospital to resume providing transition-related care for patients after previously stopping care following funding threats from the Trump administration. The majority further elaborated that the sudden termination of care violated the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, unfairly imposing hardship on the basis of gender identity.
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Barney Frank, First Out Gay U.S. Congressman, Dies at 86: Barney Frank, who represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981-2013, died on Tuesday after a prolonged bout with congestive heart failure. Elected to Congress in 1980 following a tenure in the Massachusetts House, Frank came out publicly in 1987, the first Congressman to do so voluntarily. In 2012 he became the first incumbent member of Congress to marry someone of the same sex. While Frank is recognized as a pioneer in politics, many took issue with his more recent statements encouraging Democrats to step away from focusing on issues affecting the transgender community.
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Texas Hospital, DOJ Reach $10 Million Settlement With Disturbing Caveat: The Department of Justice announced on May 15 that it had reached a $10 million settlement with Texas Children's Hospital in relation to its provision of transition-related care for minors. While the settlement was reached out of court, with neither party admitting wrongdoing, part of the agreement mandates that the hospital revoke privileges for any physicians involved in providing such care, and also requires the creation of a so-called "detransition clinic." Both actions stand to have a chilling effect on transgender healthcare providers nationwide.
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The House passes the “Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act”: The bill passed yesterday by a vote of 217 - 198, and it was supported by every Republican. The Act is essentially a school gag rule — publicly funded schools would be prohibited from teaching “concepts related to gender ideology," and a forced outing bill, in that it requires schools to inform parents if their transgender students use preferred pronouns or names. The bill now advances to the Senate, where it is unlikely to gain traction. Read more.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 🏛️
This week, two of our priority bills passed key votes in the California Senate.
- SB 934 (Wiener): Expand Justice for Conversion Therapy Survivors passed by a vote of 30-9 on May 20, 2026.
- SB 1149 (Durazo): Expand Bereavement Leave for Chosen Family passed by a vote of 39-0 on May 20, 2026.
To view our entire 2026 state legislative package, visit eqca.org/legislation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUST ANNOUNCED: Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson, the former President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, will receive the Equality Allyship Award at the 2026 San Diego Equality Awards. The event happens next Thursday, May 28 from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at the spectacular Loews Coronado Bay Resort. We'll also recognize San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell with the Vanguard Leadership Award, and the evening's host will be SoCal drag and performance icon Paris Qijon. Get your tickets today!
'RISE UP' FOR PRIDE 2026!
Equality California will be traveling throughout the state this summer (and fall for Palm Springs folks) as we celebrate Pride Month 2026. We need volunteers to help us run tables at festivals and march with us in Pride Parades! Check out the full list of volunteer and marching opportunities at our 2026 Pride homepage!
Our Pride Parties return this summer as we gather in community and celebrate Pride 2026! Rise Up and join us at an event near you! Tickets are on sale now!
- Los Angeles: Wednesday, June 10 @ Hi Tops Los Feliz
- San Francisco: Tuesday, June 23 @ El Rio
- San Diego: Tuesday, July 14 @ InsideOUT
Our hub also provides guidance and resources from our national and state partners, our official statements, and opportunities to take action and fight back. Learn more on our website.
Thank you,
— Eric
Eric Hernandez
Program Manager
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Studies
7 new studies can be found at:
https://www.solanopride.org/studies/
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Good afternoon Solano Pride Center team,
My name is Emerson Shiang and I am the research coordinator at UCSF’s Division of Prevention Science (Department of Medicine) for an older gay men’s study called Openly Gray, and an older trans women’s study called Matriarch. Earlier this year our study was cancelled by the federal government, and while our study has been reinstated, we are still at risk for being terming due to our population. Therefore, we are in a great rush to gather as many participants as we can and have expanded our reach from outside the 9 counties of the Bay Area to Santa Cruz, Fresno, and Sacramento.
Matriarch 8.5 x 14Download
A quick blurb about the studies:
Openly Gray is a NIH funded study that explores what contributes to health and wellbeing of aging gay men. Participants will go through an interview that includes a blood collection via finger prick, an online questionnaire, and a chance to refer friends to the study. They will receive a stipend of $100 for their participation and then for each friend they refer to the study they will receive an additional $25. We are looking to recruit gay, cis-men, ages 50 and over who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz, Fresno, and Sacramento, and identify as Black/African American, Latino, or Asian & Pacific Islander. We have already reached our goal for White participants; so currently, we are not accepting White participants and are looking for individuals that identify as Black/African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Latino/Hispanic. The study can be done remotely over Zoom or in person at UCSF Mission Bay. Participation can be English or Spanish.
Matriarch is a supplemental grant we received off Openly Gray that will be looking at the same things but for older trans women. Participants will go through the same interview process that includes a blood collection via finger prick, an online questionnaire, and a chance to refer friends to the study. They will receive a stipend of $100 for their participation and then for each friend they refer to the study they will receive an additional $25. We are looking to recruit trans women, ages 50 and over who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz, Fresno, and Sacramento, and identify as White, Black/African American, Latina/Hispanic, or Asian & Pacific Islander. The study can be done remotely over Zoom or in person at UCSF Mission Bay. Participation can be English or Spanish.
I will attach our flyers and palm cards to this email. People who are interested should just text or call the phone number, and leave their name, best phone number to contact, and say they learned about the study from Solano Pride Center. If you would like us to drop off hard copies of the materials, let us know and we would be happy to come by. Additionally, should you want a more in-depth presentation about the studies, we would be happy to do that as well.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Best,
Emerson
Emerson Shiang, MPH (pronouns: he/they)
Project Coordinator
Division of Prevention Science | University of California, San Francisco
• OG_Flyer_8x14_EnglishDownload
• OG_Flyer_8x14_EnglishDownload
• OG_Palm card_EnglishDownload
• OG_Palm card_SpanishDownload
Added April 24/26
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May Health & Wellness Observances
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First Sunday In May: International Family Equality Day (IFED) is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of May to honor the diversity of LGBTQ+ families worldwide, promote equal rights, and combat discrimination. Launched in 2012, this day serves as a global call for legal recognition and visibility for "rainbow families," bringing together families, allies, and organizations for community events.
Key details regarding International Family Equality Day:
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Purpose: To honor, celebrate, and protect LGBTQ+ families, highlighting the need for legal recognition, equality, and safety, according to about IFED.
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Significance: It serves to combat homophobia and transphobia while promoting a, according to about IFED.
- Global Reach: Celebrated worldwide on the first Sunday of May with various events and social media campaigns.
- Targeted Themes: The celebration promotes inclusivity and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality and reducing inequalities.
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International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17th): (IDAHO or IDAHOT) are widely recognized as an essential feature in the international LGBT rights calendar. In the 9th edition, in 2013, commemorations took place in almost 120 countries, in all world regions. The day aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide. IDAHO’s date was chosen to commemorate the decision to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990. The original founders of the International Day Against Homophobia (or “IDAHO”), established the IDAHO Committee to co-ordinate grass-roots actions in different countries, to promote the day and to lobby for official recognition of May 17.
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May 19: National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Observed annually on May 19, National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NAPIHAAD) highlights the impact of HIV on Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, focusing on reducing stigma, promoting testing, and providing culturally responsive care. Founded in 2005, it falls during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Key details:
- Significance: The day focuses on breaking the silence surrounding HIV/AIDS, encouraging testing, and addressing stigma in API communities.
- Impact: While HIV prevalence in these communities is often lower than the U.S. average, stigma, language barriers, and limited access to care contribute to underdiagnosis.
- Data Trends: In 2021, while HIV diagnoses in the Asian community decreased by (19%), they increased by (65 %) among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
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Action: Resources are available to support this day, such as the AIDSVu 2024 Toolkit and information from the UNC School of Medicine.
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Harvey Milk Day (May 22nd): Harvey Milk Day is organized by the Harvey Milk Foundation and celebrated each year held on May 22 in memory of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist assassinated in 1978.
Observed annually on May 22nd (his birthday), Harvey Milk Day honors the legacy of the first openly gay person elected to public office in California. Established in 2009 by, it is a day of special significance in California schools and for LGBTQ+ advocacy, celebrating his work for civil rights, anti-discrimination laws, and community empowerment.
Key Facts & Significance
- Significance: Celebrates the life and achievements of Harvey Milk (1930–1978), a trailblazing LGBTQ+ rights activist.
- The Date: May 22nd is chosen because it is the birthdate of Harvey Milk.
- Background: Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 and was assassinated in 1978.
- Official Designation: Created by the California legislature in 2009, with proclamations often made by the governor.
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May 24: Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness and Visibility Day: May 24th is the annual Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness and Visibility Day, dedicated to celebrating individuals attracted to people regardless of gender and educating on these distinct identities. It highlights those who experience sexual (pansexual) or romantic (panromantic) attraction based on personality rather than gender identity.
Key Aspects of the Day:
- Purpose: To raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and increase visibility for pansexual and panromantic individuals within and outside the LGBTQ+ community.
- Definition: Pansexuals are attracted to people of any or all genders, sometimes referred to as being "gender-blind" in their attraction.
- Panromantic: Refers to romantic attraction without sexual attraction to people of any gender.
- Significance: It serves to combat the erasure of pan identities, as they are often misunderstood or wrongly considered the same as bisexuality.
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Celebration: Events, educational posts, and social media campaigns are used to educate on the topic and the Pansexual Pride flag.
According to the Heckin' Unicorn blog, this day is distinct from the Pansexual and Panromantic Pride day held on December 8th. As noted by the Workplace Pride, the day focuses on acknowledging that pan individuals are attracted to the person, not the gender.
| | Food and Other Resources Available in the Community! Giving opportunities to meet neighbors needs. | | If you are hungry, please drop by our lobby and take what you need. Or, if you have something to donate, you can drop by bags of unperishable food for others. You can also bring something for the Interfaith corner of the lobby, leaving a decoration on the tree, or a Chanukkah decoration or gift for those in need. More resources below.... | | |
The County Food Bank has a Food Finder.
Link is here:
Input your zip code and fine the closest Food Closets.
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Food is Free Bay Area distribution
1 in 4 Solano residents will not receive SNAP benefits as of November 1, 2025. Our neighbors need help NOW!
Information from Food is Free Bay Area:
- We distribute food every week at several locations.
Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. inside McCormack Hall at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo.
- Tuesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Benicia.
- Every Second and Fourth Saturday at mobile sites in Vacaville.
- Every Third Saturday at the Benicia Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Senior Food Box Program
We are proud to offer the Community Senior Food Box Program for Solano County Seniors aged 55 and older. Please come to our distributions to sign up for this program. Program proudly funded by Napa Solano Area Agency on Aging.
Ways to Help
There are many ways to get involved and support our cause. You can make a donation, become a volunteer, or even organize a fundraising event in your community. Whatever you choose, know that your contribution will make a difference in the lives of those in need.
TO DONATE, VOLUNTEER AND FIND OUT WHERE TO GET FREE FOOD, GO TO: https://fifbayarea.org/
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