Mission & Vision
Solano Pride Center builds community and provides services for Solano County’s LGBTQIA2S+ people and our allies. Solano Pride Center envisions a community where all LGBTQIA2S+ people live freely and authentically.
Do you get our weekly eBlasts on Wednesday afternoons? If not, or if you need to update your email, follow this link to register for our weekly eBlasts. Look below for some of our latest eBlasts.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Go under the Program button in the menu or go to these links:
Mental Health Resources, https://www.solanopride.org/mental-health-resources/
Support and social groups, https://www.solanopride.org/social-and-support-groups
Senior Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/senior-programs/
Youth Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/youth-programs/
HIV Prevention & Support: https://www.solanopride.org/hiv-prevention-support/
Blood Drives: https://www.solanopride.org/blood-drives/
Volunteering: https://www.solanopride.org/volunteering/
Protests & Advocacy: https://www.solanopride.org/protests-advocacy/
Studies: https://www.solanopride.org/studies/
Regional LGBTQ+ Partners: https://www.solanopride.org/regional-lgbtq-partners/
Library: https://www.solanopride.org/library/
Trainings & Presentations: coming soon. Yes, we do SB 923 trainings. Email will@solanopride.org for more information.
Events:
Suisun Pride 2025: https://www.solanopride.org/suisun-pride-2025/
Pride Center Events: https://www.solanopride.org/pride-center-events/
Community Events: https://www.solanopride.org/community-events/
Suisun Pride 2024: https://www.solanopride.org/suisun-pride-2024/
Letter from the Center:
Wednesday, November 5, 2025,
Dear Friends,
It is becoming increasingly difficult just survive as an American. As our neighbors who rely on the social safety net struggle during this time when Congress and the President are turning their backs on those in need, we will rally with our neighbors to give food staples (unexpired, unperishable food items) , warm clothing (check with Cristina and Trystan to see what’s needed), and toys for children (to be distributed with VGN and the Solano AIDS Coalition event on Saturday, November 29th at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum).
Bring in donations to our Lobby at suite 1560 of our offices at 1234 Empire Street, Fairfield! Questions about what is ok to bring, can be sent to Cristina Zaldana at cristina@solanopride.org or Trystan McReynolds at trystan@solanopride.org.
Toys to be distributed with VGN and the Solano AIDS Coalition event on Saturday, November 29th at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum (724 Marin Street, Vallejo). Unwrapped gifts and winter coats for children of all ages are welcome.
If these donation opportunities don’t work for you, please keep an eye out for other non-profit partners who are also helping serve those in need, such as this event being led by the Fighting Back Partnership!
Join us in spreading love and joy this holiday season by providing gifts and food assistance to Vallejo families for the 2025 Annual Holiday Giving Event.
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Where: John F. Kennedy Library – Vallejo Room
505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo, CA 94590
How to Help:
- Sponsor a Family – Complete this form: https://forms.gle/u9Xz3WNzgkuxFfL4A
- Make a Donation – Donate online at https://www.fight-back.org/support-us
- Donation Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025
- For More Information:
Donna Hoffman Phone: 707-648-5230
Email: dhoffman@fight-back.org
A Night with Author Janna Barkin, who wrote “He’s Always Been My Song” & “A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren” recording is here!
Janna Barkin is an author, educator, and parent of a transgender person. Janna combines her many years of experience as a preschool educator/director and her expertise as a workshop presenter, speaker, group facilitator, and parent coach to bring educational and inspirational learning opportunities to educators, administrators, parents, caregivers, and community members. Since 2015, Janna has led a support group for parents and caregivers and another for grandparents of transgender and gender-expansive and questioning youth. To learn more about Janna and the work she does, visit https://www.hesalwaysbeenmyson.com.
If you missed this conversation on stories and understanding for Grandparents of Trans folx, here’s the recording with Janna Barkin, author of ‘He’s Always Been My Son’ and ‘A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dcXTw3rzSs
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/
Food Bank has a Food Finder.
Input your zip code and fine the closest Food Closets.
And, you can also help SPC with funding during our HundredX Causes season of giving feedback for national and regional businesses.
Text the word Impact to the number 90412 to get started!
Wednesday, October 29, 2025,
Dear Friends,
We are fortunate to have had many great Interns over the years, and our current group of interns are no exception. Crystal Hubbard has been leading many groups, including the Chronic Pain and Illness group, and Erik Thurman has introduced us to Drama Therapy! Here’s a brief overview. Try it out with us on Thursday night! Open to participants 16 years old and up.
An Overview of Drama Therapy:
“Many people who have participated in drama or theater are familiar with the powerful cathartic release it can provide, with actors often shedding tears after a performance and feeling a profound sense of relief. Fortunately, experiencing this kind of release is not limited to joining a theater troupe; it can also be found in drama therapy. Drama therapy is a unique form of therapy that uses “acting out” rather than just “talking it out,” encouraging clients to externalize their inner experiences to support therapeutic processing (Pendzik, 2006). Despite sounding like a modern innovation, drama therapy is a well-established and validated therapeutic approach effective for a wide range of people dealing with diverse problems and disorders (Haen & Weber, 2005; Landy, 1994). In the rest of this article, we will explore an overview of drama therapy.”
If you wish to learn more, you can visit https://limbd.org/an-overview-of-drama-therapy/ where this brief overview begins.
Thanks to those who participated in our Resource Fair!
The World is Watching: Queer History Showcase
Very cool gift to the community and world: Free Frameline films for us to stream at our convenience from home now until 10/31 as a response to the damaging messaging and policies of the T administration. Viva Frameline! Here’s the link to the event. https://www.frameline.org/news/frameline-announces-the-world-is-watching-queer-history! Thanks, Claire Siverson, for sharing this opportunity.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025,
Dear Friends,
Here’s a write up by Izzy Krumenacker (on the left) about our trip to the Castro and Tenderloin to learn about LGBTQIA2S+ history in the city.
A report back from Izzy (left of picture) after our trip to the Castro & Tenderloin
Going into San Francisco with Solano Pride Center was a truly wonderful and informative experience. Executive Director Will’s knowledge of and experience with the city made it easy to learn about the city’s history and current relevance in the world (with emphasis on, but not limited to, the LGBTQ+ aspects). While I personally have always felt at home in SF, I can recognize that safety is always a concern, and I can confidently say that awareness exists in the Solano Pride staff and that there was not one moment where I felt unsafe on that trip. From the GLBT Historical Society Museum in the Castro giving direct and interesting information, to walking along Market getting a verbal history of queer life beyond what we see as the gay neighborhoods of SF, I gained a new kind of knowledge from this experience that all my time spent studying researching have not given me previously. My personal favorite part was going to the Tenderloin Museum. The museum gave an interactive history of a neighborhood that is so significant to the history of San Francisco, queer forks across the US, and various forms of media. It gives perspectives and info that school systems almost always fail to provide. Ultimately, it was a great experience that I look forward to helping give to anyone who attends in November.
Izzy Krumenacker
Castro District tour for 18-24 year olds is an opportunity to go to the city on the Ferry, learn to use Bart/Muni/Ferry, learn about Queer History, and have a fun time together.
Register with Trystan@solanopride.org today! $25 contribution, and SPC will pay for the rest of the travel costs. Bring funds you want to spend for lunch, snacks and drinks.
9-12th Grade Queer History Field Trip to the City, learning how to use public transit, from Ferry, BART & Muni! Download the Permission slip below, having it filled out and given to Trystan by Wednesday, November 26th at 9 am to trystan@solanopride.org!
Beginning Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 6:00pm. 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 weekly on Thursdays from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Our first weekly session will be on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. We will meet at the Solano Pride Center at 1234 Empire Street in Fairfield.
How can I get more information?
Please reach out to Erik at erik@solanopride.org
Donna’s Memorial Confirmed.
10/8/25 UPDATE: Please send your condolences to the PO Box below. Thank you.
We wanted to pass on that Donna’s funeral/celebration of life is confirmed for Saturday, November 15th at 1:00pm. It will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church located at 1600 Union Ave. in Fairfield.
In the meantime, if you would like to send a condolence card to Donna’s family, please used the following address:
Family of Donna Harris
P.O. BOX 55
Suisun, CA 94585
Peace, Deacon Louis
Holy Family Old Catholic Church
The county has a new Community Health Needs Assessment Survey they’d like input from our community upon. Please visit this link to get more information about the survey, and how you can help share the needs of the LGBTQIA2S+ Community! Please share all of our needs there, since the county needs to have more input from US.
Special SPC Poetry & Writing Anthology Benefit Project Announced! Call for submissions by Feb 1st, 2025.
It was a dark and stormy night
When at my desk I began to write
Of things poetic and such
And things that might impress me much. (apologies to Shania Twain)
Of talents wasted or quite unknown
Of slighted authors we bemoan
Yet, what light thru yonder window gleams?
Groupings of stories, prose, and poems, it seems.
Solano Pride doth beg your submission
With cheery smile and signed permission
To share your works for published glory
Be they sweet or silly or even gory
Make haste to share your treasured text
With brains afire and muscles flexed
They be due by end of next January
So send them to us and do not tarry!M. West
If you’d like to submit an original poem, short story, haiku or other artistic representation by February 1st, 2026. If we have enough to create an anthology of all of our writing as a fundraiser for the Solano Pride Center.
Email submissions to spc@solanopride.org with a short written certification that the item is of your own creation, and that you give permission for it to be included in a fundraising anthology on behalf of the Center.
Want to join the new Vacaville LGBTQ+ Network? https://www.facebook.com/groups/652492897897233/. Check it out! The next social we would like to host in East County is a Holiday Potluck. Let will@solanopride.org know if you want to help at the potluck dinner on Saturday, Dec 13th or Sunday.
Stephan’s Corner
Stephan’s Corner
Laramie Project
On October 12th we had an opportunity to see the Laramie Project at the Vallejo Navy and History Museum. I brought my son. He had never heard of Matthew Shepard before we discussed going. (We got him at 17).
The performers, from “On the Fringe,” most of which had also participated in the previous performance ten years earlier (and 3 of Maria Stats children, the co-founder of the group). During that earlier performance, hate groups threatened the performance and Maria’s family.
Now in 2025, Matthew’s story has been removed from the White House website. Much like how Transgender people have been removed from Stonewall. Our community is no stranger to erasure. This tactic from fascists, is one of the most lethal strategic attacks on marginalized groups.
The three hour performance was emotional and inspiring. The actors were so passionate with their expression of statements given by those living in Laramie Wyoming at the time of Matthew’s death and the following trials. I am so thankful for their efforts. The conversations with my son about forgiveness and vengeance and how the world was versus the way the world is changing yet again, were reminders of just how important art and performance are.
It also reminded me and underscored the importance of our local performing arts programs. Now as we find the corporations declining our existence by removing DEI trainings, moving into our local communities with whatever extra money we have, is exactly what we should do, need to do and will help our independent safe spaces remain open and safe in a fragile and untethered future.
So, come out to Solano Pride Center’s events, groups or volunteer to help. Take the family to the Vallejo Navy History Museum and check out On the Fringe upcoming performances. Strengthen Solano County by spending your time, effort and money here.
And, when you’re scared and need to bolster some confidence and courage against all that lay before us, maybe remember Matthew Shepard.
For Matthew,
Your President,
- https://www.matthewshepard.org
- https://vallejomuseum.net
- https://www.onthefringevapa.org
- https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/lgbtq/news-and-events/remembering-history
Your Board President
Stephan Clifford
Stephan@solanopride.org
Erin in the Morning has an article on the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, SF’s own Stonewall moment, you can read here.
“If the buttons was on the wrong side, like a blouse, they would take you to jail because they felt it was female impersonation,” said Amanda St. Jaymes, a trans woman and local hotel owner, in Susan Stryker’s 2005 documentary Screaming Queens. “We got tired of being harassed. We got tired of being made to go into the men’s room when we were dressed like women. We wanted our rights.”
Did you know that there’s a play currently going on in the City that reenacts what we know of that riot? The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot.
Presented by the Tenderloin Museum, it’s a play written by Collette LeGrande, Mark Nassar, and Donna Personna, Directed by Ezra Reaves. It’s an immersive theatrical experience… with breakfast.
Izzy will be writing a review from those of us who attended Sept 12th! Look for it in a future eBlast. Thank you for attending The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot! We hope you had an unforgettable experience. We’d really appreciate it if you could take 2 minutes to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback helps us grow and keeps the magic alive. Your answers will remain anonymous unless you opt to provide your name.
We’re a small, independent production that relies on word of mouth, social callouts, and community love to thrive—so please come back, and bring a friend! Use discount/voucher code CCRxREF15 for $15 off tickets to any upcoming show that’s not sold out.
The fall season of The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot concludes on October 25, followed by two Sunday matinees on November 9 & 16, and a holiday drag spectacular on December 18. Regular Friday and Saturday shows resume on January 16, 2026. PURCHASE TICKETS.
We will be having an online program with Jenna Barkin on Tuesday, Nov 4th!
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!
Kids on the Street: Queer Kinship and Religion in San Francisco’s Tenderloin
by Joseph Plaster
In Kids on the Street Joseph Plaster explores the informal support networks that enabled abandoned and runaway queer youth to survive in tenderloin districts across the United States. Tracing the history of the downtown lodging house districts where marginally housed youth regularly lived beginning in the late 1800s, Plaster focuses on San Francisco’s Tenderloin from the 1950s to the present. He draws on archival, ethnographic, oral history, and public humanities research to outline the queer kinship networks, religious practices, performative storytelling, and migratory patterns that allowed these kids to foster social support and mutual aid. He shows how they collectively and creatively managed the social trauma they experienced, in part by building relationships with johns, bartenders, hotel managers, bouncers, and other vice district denizens. By highlighting a politics where the marginal position of street kids is the basis for a moral economy of reciprocity, Plaster excavates a history of queer life that has been overshadowed by major narratives of gay progress and pride. (Order online here.)
Did you miss some of the letters from Will this year? There are links near the end of the home page with links to every eBlast going back a couple of months, or you could find all of the 2025 Pride messages here on our Suisun Pride 25 link. https://www.solanopride.org/suisun-pride-2025/.
The recording of Will’s fall of 2024 presentation on the “Weaponization of Christianity” against our community can be found here: https://youtu.be/pVImrR6eFIc?si=vvMb8hX1I-9cdYdq
His Pride sermon at Community Congregational Church of Benicia UCC on Sunday, June 29th entitled “Expecting Diversity” can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYuvuRyUvhM&t=2s
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.
Attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett will be attending to answer questions and speak with people. Laura is an LGBT community member who wrote the LGBT platform of the Kids Online Safety Act which passed the Senate and failed the House due to ACLU and their big tech money claiming it would hurt Queer kids. She can address those concerns and any others. For more info on the act, visit: https://www.losangelesblade.com/2023/09/05/the-revised-kids-online-safety-act-protects-lgbtq-youth/
Want to help us raise funds for the Center?
Contribute without cash!
Raise money for the Center without sending a check or buying a thing!
HundredX Causes is an online agency that provides feedback to companies or brands. They say, “we believe in “listening to the crowd” – that is, real customers who share unprompted feedback with HundredX – to inform the outlook for businesses and industries. Every time your supporters submit feedback on a brand they’ve interacted with over the last 6 months, they are providing insight into their customer experience with the leaders of those companies.” Here is a link to their FAQ for supporters!
It’s easy to start. Go to your text app, and text “Impact” to the number 90412, choose Solano Pride Center, and then answer questions about businesses you have patronized in the past, giving your honest opinion in the questions! That’s it! You can give reviews of up to 75 businesses a year, so if you helped us out last spring, you can try again to reach your 75 total in any given year! And, you can do so any time of day!
Our next HundredX money free fundraiser – giving feedback on businesses online from November 3rd to December 2nd will be our winter participatory fundraiser. We will have a training again beforehand. Let Will know if you are interested in joining! Great to give funds to the Center without writing a Check!
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 at Solano Pride have noticed that we have received $20,000 less in donations from the community over the last six months since the election than the previous years. We are recognizing that the uncertainty since then 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. Donate today!
Help Solano Pride Center turn candy into cash.
Thank you for supporting the Solano Pride Center! We’ll receive profits from any items you purchase below. Order more to help us reach our fundraising goal!
Copy and paste this updated link in your marketing emails and social media posts:
https://www.yumraising.com/store/all-year-2025-solano-pride-center-8d3e/ChaRic2420
Protests and Advocacy!
Other local and regional gatherings:
Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:15 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
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
Prop 50 Save our Democracy Rally at Vacaville City Hall, 650 Merchant Street.
Saturday, October 4th at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Prop 50 is on the line! Our democracy deserves our non-stop energy. Let’s not be silenced!
Democracy work isn’t always smooth sailing, but that’s exactly why it matters so much. Every challenge we navigate makes us a stronger & a more resilient movement.
Bring your signs, flags, friends and spirit of American Protest. The sidewalk is our stage, we’ve got that kind of energy lighting up Merchant St.
This is a peaceful protest, when tensions arise, WE ARE the ones to cool things down and keep our message crystal clear. We lead with strength, unity, and purpose! Dictatorship DEPENDS on Silence. Democracy REQUIRES our Participation and Voices. Your Voice matters. Your Presence matter. Let’s do this!
The Fairfield Hands Off group has a Facebook page you should join! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1197790722132920
See more at our Protests & Advocacy page here: https://www.solanopride.org/protests-advocacy/
Trangender Law Center’s ID Please Resource for helping Trans, Intersex and GNC people change their identification cards
This guide was created to help you navigate the often confusing process of obtaining California and federal identification documents that reflect your gender and identity. It is designed to be used without the assistance of an attorney. However, in some cases it may be quickest or easiest to work with one.
The information in this guide should not be considered legal advice. This guide provides you with legal information but does not seek to apply that information to your specific situation. We’ve tried very hard to make sure that this resource is accurate and up-to-date. Still, the changing nature of laws and policies concerning identity documents makes 100% accuracy nearly impossible. It’s also important to note that this is a guide to policy, and how things are supposed to work. Unfortunately, not all judges and other government employees always implement these policies by the book.
If you have a question about your specific legal situation, feel free to contact Transgender Law Center’s Legal Information Helpdesk at http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org/legalinfo and we’ll do our best to answer your question or point you to resources that may be helpful.
https://tlcenter.app.box.com/s/3da7afk3p7dn1ngoxcz3tuy18q3u1dco
• Our friend Omar Kahn from Health Markets Insurance Agency who helps provide the Backdoor Films monthly at the Martinez Campbell Theater, 636 Ward Street, Martinez! Come on out the 4th Saturdays of the month at 8:30 pm to see a classic film, together.
Red Cross Blood Drives come to Solano Pride Center!
Next Red Cross Blood Drive will be scheduled soon…
Not everyone can give blood…but everyone is eligible to volunteer. Registration link is here!
There aren’t the same restrictions there used to be against our community, so schedule a time to come to the Conference Room off the Main Entrance to the Center’s building, and come out Friday, October 10th. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=SPBDF
See our new Blood Drives website under Programs in the menu above….
Statement on our Agency’s commitment to confidentiality in our care:
We don’t ask questions of our clients around citizenship or documentation. We never have and never will. We also do not disclose any personal or contact information about our clients without their written permission. If any public agency comes seeking such information, they will be turned away and referred to our legal representation. We are contractually obligated by the County and other funders to keep HIPAA privacy laws and protect the privacy and confidentiality of all of our clients. See our “Notice of Privacy Practices” in our Center, and on the paperwork shared during intake of all counseling and case management services.
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.
In addition Solano Pride Center is accepting application from Associate Clinicians (AMFT and ACSW) in addition to 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.
For more Mental Health Resources, https://www.solanopride.org/mental-health-resources/
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 or email to learn more.
Social and Support Groups for many sub groups within our community.
New D&D Group starts Saturday, October 11th at the Center at noon! See more at the link below…
To see all of the support and social groups, go under the home button in the menu or go to this link: https://www.solanopride.org/social-and-support-groups
Senior Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/senior-programs/
Youth Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/youth-programs/
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
More information now in our HIV Prevention page, under the Programs in the menu above… https://www.solanopride.org/hiv-prevention-support/
Calling All Volunteers!
Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Solano Pride Center, please let us know!
Our next Volunteer Training is scheduled for Friday, November 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 Pride celebrations being planned now! Don’t miss this informative background on how to help, knowing our best practices and Community Agreements! Next training will be Thursday, Sept. 25th at 6 pm on zoom.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
See our Volunteer page under the Programs menu above….
To see more Youth Programming, go to Youth Programs: https://www.solanopride.org/youth-programs/
9-12th Grade Queer History Field Trip to the City.
9-12th Grade Queer History Field Trip to the City, learning how to use public transit, from Ferry, BART & Muni! Download the Permission slip below, having it filled out and given to Trystan by Wednesday, November 26th at 9 am to trystan@solanopride.org!
Registration form inside this link:
See the different time, since we are going to the Spook Alley at the Mall! See you there by 7 pm for us all to go experience it together.
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. Contact will@solanopride.org for more information about our SB 923 Training available now!
Ever wondered how to find all of the Queer organizations here in the Bay Area? Well, the Horizon’s Foundation has just such a list!
Here: https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/org-directory/
FOOD BANK SITES (PARTIAL LIST)
Sparrow Project https://thesparrowproject.fbcvallejo.com/emergency-pantry
707-644-4087 Vallejo
Food is Free-Solano- https://fifbayarea.org/
707-690-0945 Benicia
Faith Food Fridays – https://faithfoodfridays.com/
707-557-7933 Vallejo
Food Bank of Contra Costa/Solano https://www.foodbankccs.org/
855-309-3663 Fairfield
Emmanuel Arms- https://www.emmanuelarmsinc.org/
707-642-2391 Vallejo
Thanks to all of those who came out and tabled with us at our Resource Fair, October 29th!
| EVERYBODY is a modern riff on the fifteenth-century morality play Everyman. It puts a twist on a classic morality play, and poses questions regarding one of life’s greatest mysteries… Death. Discovering that their end is nigh, the character Everybody frantically seeks answers to questions like: What do we leave behind? WHO do we leave behind? And more important, is there anybody who might want to come with us? …Somebody? ANYONE?!!?! November 7-23 |
2025 FESTIVAL DATES + LOCATION – 2025 DREAM COMMISSIONS
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Dream Commissions to 5 BIPOC trans, transgender, gender-nonconforming, Indigenous Two-Spirit, non-binary, gender-expansive and genderqueer filmmakers.
Date: November 13-15 (In-Person)
November 16-23 (Online)
In-person: Roxie Theater, San Francisco, USA
Online: via Eventive – https://sftff.org
A quick reminder to register for Fair Share for Equality 2025 — Equality California’s annual gathering where LGBTQ+ community leaders, advocates, and policymakers come together to help shape our legislative priorities for the coming year.
Each year, Fair Share creates space to highlight the most urgent issues facing our communities and to advocate for a “fair share” of resources to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ Californians. It is also a moment to reflect on this year’s legislative wins and losses and develop our collective policy agenda for 2026. We hope you will join us for this important conversation.
What to Expect
This year, Fair Share for Equality will take place over two virtual sessions, each covering different issue areas and discussions. We encourage participants to attend both sessions to get the full picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Together, we will:
- Hear from LGBTQ+ elected officials on the path forward
- Participate in five policy deep dives across key issue areas, including transgender healthcare, LGBTQ+ youth and schools, criminal justice, immigration, and housing
- Reflect on emerging threats, community needs, and lessons from the past year
- Identify priority budget and policy solutions for the year ahead
Day 1: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM PT
Day 2: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM PT
Both sessions will be held on Zoom. Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/equalitycalifornia/event/863851/
Tobacco Community Forum
Vallejo’s Drag Brunch @ Bambino’s Level Up in November
Sunday, November 23 · 10am – 1pm PDT. Doors at 9:30am
Bambino’s Vallejo – Pizza, Pasta + Full Bar
301 Georgia Street #suite 122 Vallejo, CA 94590
LEVEL UP and celebrate November CELEBRATIONS at Vallejo’s DRAG Brunch!
Are you ready for November 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! Event link.
Anyone else ready for the Holiday Season!? ✨❤️ Tickets for Adrienne’s Holiday Draguation are LIVE!
Adrienne’s Holiday Draguation—a festive and glamorous drag showcase—is coming to the Downtown Theatre in Fairfield, CA, on November 29th. Inspired by Adrienne LaCielo’s graduation from UC Irvine (Bachelor of Music, Business), the event rings in the Holiday season while celebrating LGBT+ artistry, theatre arts, and education. This unforgettable night brings together community and creativity, with proceeds benefiting local youth theatre arts programs and helping preserve vital cultural spaces, including the Downtown Theatre itself.
Visit my page for links or go to www.antonioxadrienne.com to find The Downtown Theatre’s official box office platform at this link!
You can select and reserve seats anywhere in the theatre, 📍pair those seats with a meet and greet, 🫂 OR get the FULL VIP package with Stage—Level seating 🤩 and the meet and greet experience included! Let’s ring in the Holidays together! 🎁❤️
#drag#bayarea#solano#707#draguation#draguation25#holidaydraguation
Join us in spreading love and joy this holiday season by providing gifts and food assistance to Vallejo families for the 2025 Annual Holiday Giving Event.
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Where: John F. Kennedy Library – Vallejo Room
505 Santa Clara St, Vallejo, CA 94590
How to Help:
- Sponsor a Family – Complete this form: https://forms.gle/u9Xz3WNzgkuxFfL4A
- Make a Donation – Donate online at https://www.fight-back.org/support-us
- Donation Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025
- For More Information:
Donna Hoffman
Phone: 707-648-5230
Email: dhoffman@fight-back.org
Thank you,
Johnny Davis
Senior Community Specialist
Nurturing Father Lead Facilitator
jdavis@fight-back.org
707-648-4818 Direct Line
707-319-4473 Cell
707-648-5230 Main Office
Vacaville LGBTQ+ Network
We are looking to find a few folx willing to help create a Vacaville LGBTQ+ Network that can create quarterly to monthly social events for the East County Queer Community!
Faith in Action programs in Fairfield and Vallejo!
Need to contact one of our staff? Would you like to drop by to check out a book from our Queer Library? Contact us this way.
If you find yourself in crisis during this time, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or our partners at these crisis numbers!
• Trevor Project Crisis Line: 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline Crisis Number: 1-877-565-8860
• Solano County Mobile Crisis Number: 707-806-0866
• Solano County Crisis Stabilization Service Number: 707-428-1131
Weekly Eblasts – Links below:
Do you get our weekly eBlasts on Wednesday afternoons? If not, or if you need to update your email, follow this link to register for our weekly eBlasts.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025:
Wednesday, September 24, 2025:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025:
My name is Kenyatta, and I am the founder of Learning Self-Love, a wellness-focused brand dedicated to empowering individuals through healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. I am reaching out to explore a potential collaboration with the Pride Center to support your mission through my published works and self-help tools.
I have authored several books and journals including a powerful coming out memoir and a series of self-love and affirmation journals that speak directly to individuals navigating identity, trauma recovery, self-worth, and emotional resilience. In addition, I’ve developed a 36-card Law of Attraction affirmation deck designed to uplift and motivate users of all ages and backgrounds.
These tools have already found success with mental health practitioners, educators, and personal development coaches. I believe they would be an excellent addition to your self-help curriculum or resource library particularly for the people you serve who are actively engaged in healing, empowerment, and transformation.
Warmly,
Kenyatta Edwards
Phone: 707-920-6016
Founder & CEOLearning Self-Love
Learning Self Love: A Guided Journey to Embrace, Heal, and Celebrate Yourself $9.99
Phoenix Rising: A New Journey To Self-Love: You Are Not Broken, You Are Becoming now $16.99
Pride, Pleasure and Liberation: Becoming Me, My Coming Out Story $15.95
Learning Self-Love Affirmation Cards Flip book $12.99
Learning Self 36 Deck of Alphabetical Powerful Affirmations Cards
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8MWjQc5
Dear friends,
It’s been an honor and my absolute pleasure to serve the Solano County LGBTQIA+ community through the Solano Pride Center! I’ve been fortunate to have been able to work with an amazing team of individuals who care and give their time and expertise willingly, and a dedicated staff that does deep healing work in the community through the grants, contracts, and donations that the center receives. I’m very proud of the collective impact we’ve been able to make through the many events that the pride center facilitates weekly, especially our annual pride festival, that was the biggest ever held in this county! I am grateful for all the support of those individuals and organizations. My heart is full of love and gratitude for my time with this community! I look forward to seeing much growth and being together for it!
I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Donna Harris our longtime secretary whose wife Sandy Stelter was our longtime treasurer, who basically built this organization from the ground up those two together were the backbone. They used to have garage sales just to be able to keep the lights on. We’ve had many volunteers over the years for whom without we would never have been able to do the things that the pride center is now able to do every day. Thank you all! I’d like to say goodbye to Donna as she retires off the board and celebrate her many years of service at one of the upcoming SPC gatherings.
Lovingly, Brigid
Solano Pride Center
The Board of the Solano Pride Center shares our sadness that the Mayor of the City of Vacaville continues to use his position to give cover for the discrimination many in our community experience there. Like we did for every city, our Executive Director sent proposed language to use in a proclamation that actually gives an account of our history of discrimination and need for civil rights protections from our elected leaders.
This year we sent the request early, and attempted to hear back when the proclamation would be shared, and have not had that time confirmed. In preparing the so-called “Proclamation,” the Mayor’s office produced a document to be signed by the Vice Mayor that was similar to those of previous years, but with no proclamation that June 2024 would be Pride Month in the City of Vacaville. We also noticed a change to the text, including the deletion of the phrase “celebrate and build”, which was changed to “while building,” without an actual declaration of Pride Month. The language is so vague that it could apply to any other community, without addressing the violence members of our community experiences every day. Every other city we have received Proclamations from have adapted the language we have offered, but has still included the historical portions because that was the point. The language the Mayor used further white washes the history of America as if our country wasn’t created with the legality of slave states and the second class citizenship of women.
Furthermore, our biggest frustrations have centered around the lack of notification of when the flag was to be raised, as we experienced in almost every other city of the county today. Because we were not notified of the time of the flag raising, our community was denied the opportunity to be in attendance and participate to mark the moment. We understand that the Pride Flag has been raised on the School Street site, and will remain except for a day to honor the Army on June 14th (veterans comprise a significant portion of our community). Though we sent our request to the whole City Council on April 17th, we have had to ask for responses rather than a friendly sharing of events. The lack of communication feels intentional.
The erasure of our community happens on a daily basis, and the policies coming out of the Mayor’s office continues to discriminate against our civil rights and treats us like second class citizens. We call upon the good people of Vacaville to remind their Mayor that his oath of office is to serve all of the city, and not just those of his particular religious tradition. Leading Vacaville together means including your LGBTQ+ family and protecting their civil rights.
Will McGarvey
Executive Director
On behalf of the Solano Pride Center’s Board of Directors, June 2024