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, December 10, 2025
Dear Friends,
Today is International Human Rights Day. As a people whose rights and presence in society is often met with resistance, this day should be one of our Secular Holidays. Brian Webb at HomoCulture writes about the day this way:
“Human Rights Day 2025 arrives on December 10, and it feels heavier this year. The world is watching freedoms shrink while whole communities fight just to stay visible. This annual moment is meant to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and remind us that dignity is not a luxury, but a universal expectation. Yet many LGBTQ+ people still live in places where basic rights are fragile or ignored. Human Rights Day 2025 gives us a chance to understand why these values matter, especially now.
Human rights often get mentioned in political arguments without anyone stopping to explain what they actually mean. At their core, they protect every person’s life, safety, privacy, identity, and ability to participate fully in society. These protections exist because global leaders recognized that freedom cannot depend on popularity or majority approval. Today’s global experts, including Amnesty International, are reporting back that we are living through a human rights crisis, with rising conflicts, censorship, and discrimination. These challenges affect LGBTQ+ people early and intensely, making the defense of rights even more urgent.”
Read more at: https://thehomoculture.com/human-rights-day-2025-lgbtq-rights/
Natalie Bellow at the Human Rights Research Center writes this in their article “LGBTQ+ Rights in 2025: Progress and Pushback”:
”As many members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrated Pride Month in June, LGBTQ+ individuals around the world still face significant challenges in their fight for equity. We often hear about countries in the Global South or Far East with harsh laws, such as Nigeria, where same-sex marriage is criminalized, or parts of the Middle East, where gender identities outside the male-female binary are not recognized. However, recent developments in Western countries also warrant concern. This article will discuss several new policy changes implemented by the Trump administration that have limited the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and the UK Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the legal definition of a person’s sex, along with similar trends in European countries governed by conservative or far-right parties.”
Read more at: https://www.humanrightsresearch.org/post/lgbtq-rights-in-2025-progress-and-pushback
Women Who Shaped the Universal Declaration
Eleanor Roosevelt’s leading role as Chairperson of the drafting committee of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been well documented. But other women also played essential parts in shaping the document. Some of them, and their contributions to the inclusion of women’s rights in the Universal Declaration, are featured here. (Source: Women and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Rebecca Adami, Routledge, 2018).
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
First lady of the United States of America from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt was appointed, in 1946, as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly by United States President Harry S. Truman. She served as the first Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and played an instrumental role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At a time of increasing East- West tensions, Eleanor Roosevelt used her enormous prestige and credibility with both superpowers to steer the drafting process toward its successful completion. In 1968, she was posthumously awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize.
Read more at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day/women-who-shaped-the-universal-declaration
Of course, there has long been suspicions that Eleanor was a part of our Famm. Read more at: https://www.nps.gov/rori/learn/news/first-friend-the-love-affair-of-lorena-hickok-and-eleanor-roosevelt.htm
Please RSVP by Friday at noon at spc@solanopride.org to get the address and so we know how many people to plan for!
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. If you need more resources, please look below on this homepage for where you can get food or help.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Solano AIDS Coalition – World AIDS Day Walk! Sunday, December 7th at 2 pm! Dress in Red!!!!
Join walkers from the Vallejo Ferry building (495 Mare Island Way) to the Vallejo Naval Museum (744 Marin St.). Program at the Museum.
World AIDS Day reminds us to unite in awareness, fight stigma, support prevention, and honor lives affected worldwide.
Dear Friends,
Our friend Jacob Solbux is creating something new on Sunday, Dec. 7th at the Rellik Tavern in Benicia! There’s always room for a buffet lunch and drag show! Don’t miss it, as they’ve put a lot of energy in creating something new for us all.
Whether you’re a seasoned drag show aficionado or someone who’s just curious about the scene, this event promises to deliver laughter and unforgettable moments. So grab your friends, come hungry for good food, amazing drinks and great entertainment, and let the glittery magic unfold! Don’t miss out on what could very well become your new favorite Sunday tradition! Buy your presale now for only $15 below. Bottomless mimosa specials and the best Bloody Marys in Solano County!!!
Also, if you haven’t checked out the Vanity series one Monday night a month at Cedar’s Corner (801 Texas Street, Fairfield), you’ve been missing out!
Annual Ugly Sweater Party and Champagne Brunch at Baxters!
Join us at Baxters Restaurant & Bar for our annual Holiday Ugly Sweater party!! This year, we will be hosting a champagne & mimosa day party! Champagne, mimosas, light appetizers and limited brunch menu will be available for purchase.
Please consider spending your afternoon with us, celebrate the holiday season with your community, and support this amazing Benicia business while you are at it !! We are looking forward to spending time with ya’ll. FB Event link.
This month the Vanity 3 event is Monday, December 15th.
Come check out their great menu, and grab a late bite along with some amazing Drag by the Crew! We will have a raffle for to help raise funds for Solano Pride Center, this basket will be items from the cigar shop that is owned by the owner of Cedars! $3 of each ticket goes to Solano and $2 of each goes back to The Magnifique Effect to ensure the continuation of events!
Vallejo’s Drag Brunch @ Bambino’s Holiday Edition in December
Sunday, December 21st · 10am – 1pm PDT. Doors at 9:30am at Bambino’s Vallejo – Pizza, Pasta + Full Bar, 301 Georgia Street (street entrance) in Vallejo!
Come join Vallejo’s DRAG Brunch. ‘Tis the Season to celebrate December CELEBRATIONS at Vallejo’s DRAG Brunch! Are you ready for December 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.
Townhouse Winter Party! (Day before Xmas Eve)
Ready to heat up your winter with a night you won’t forget? Join us at Townhouse Cocktail Lounge for our Winter Food Drive Bash! Not only can you make a difference by donating food—including pet food—but you’ll also enjoy an incredible lineup of karaoke, surprise drag pop-up performances, fun games, and prize giveaways.
Fuel up on delicious eats from Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant (available for purchase @donramonamf from 7pm – 11pm, then hit the dance floor with electrifying beats from 11pm until close. This is your chance to party with purpose—bring your friends, bring some donations, and let’s show our community some love!
Mark your calendar now—you don’t want to miss this unforgettable night! Who’s ready to sing, dance, give back, and win big? Let us know if we’ll see you there!
VGN Holiday Potluck Sat, Dec 27th.
Join your community as Monty and Frankie host us for a Holiday Potluck.
As usual, bring a favorite dish to share, a drink to wash it down with and a friend or three. We’re all about growing our LGBTQ+ community in Vallejo and Solano County. As this will be both an outdoor and an indoor event, we are asking that you please be vaccinated and boosted or wear a mask. FB Event Link.
The Hidden Fantasea: Holislay Drag Show starts at 5PM on December 28th at the Redwood Empire Whiskey Bar (1195 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo’s Mare Island) so don’t miss it!
Vallejo! Can’t wait to meet you at Hidden Fantasea: Holislay Drag Show hosted by the dazzling @thearielfantasea and featuring @magnifique.cvltt, @amelianeed, @mister_peanutking. Don’t miss out on Solano County’s latest Drag Show in the fabulous tasting room at Redwood Empire!
Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1976647888043?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thanks to all of those who gave on Give Out Day!
We appreciate all of the help those who were able to give on #GiveOutDay this year!
We appreciate all you do to help us serve our community, giving, volunteering, and making a difference in the world.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Dear Friends,
As we watch our social safety net being dismantled, it is heartening that there is as much resistance attempting to save it, especially in the courts where it matters. In the meantime, we are a community that cares for those inside and outside of our community, so if you’d like to help those most in need, you can share some of your own abundance with those who are being squeezed the most by our own Government’s failures and rejection of their role. You can bring the items above with food expiration and sell by dates according to the image above to our Lobby Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. If you need other dates and times, email or text one of the staff and we will see when we can meet you here!
Continuing Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 6 to 6:50 pm in the Conference Room before Gayme Night! LGBTQ+ Drama Therapy Group
What Should I Expect at Drama Therapy?
1. A welcoming and playful environment
2. Games and improvisation activities that promote laughter, connection, and growth
3. A supportive group that lets you bring your full, authentic self
Do I Need Any Theater Experience?
No. The group is designed for non-actors and actors alike. Everyone is welcome! The group is absolutely free, and you are always welcome. For more information, contact Erik at erik@solanopride.org.
Solano AIDS Coalition – World AIDS Day Walk!
Sunday, December 7th at 2 pm!
Join walkers from the Vallejo Ferry building (495 Mare Island Way) to the Vallejo Naval Museum (744 Marin St.).
Program at the Museum. World AIDS Day reminds us to unite in awareness, fight stigma, support prevention, and honor lives affected worldwide.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025,
Staff, Board and friends at Donna J. Harri’s Celebration of Life Nov 15, 2025.
I watched the Apple TV documentary and show “Come and See Me in the Good Light” the other night – it’s a story about the life, loves and cancer of Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley, including the last spoken word poetry event Andrea shared before her death. It is a powerful piece about their relationship, hopes, dreams, and fight for life, while Andrea & Megan are being brutally honest with expressing what they are feeling on the journey. As you can tell, I highly recommend seeing it. Grab a tissue or two.
I can only imagine the conversations that are happening between Donna J. Harris and our own Sandy Stetler (former Board and Executive Director of SPC) in heaven or whatever afterlife they are experiencing together. We know how much Donna missed Sandy, and how ready she was to be with her again. So many people knew our Donna from so many walks of life, that it was quite the celebration with so many stories about her time as a registered nurse, para-educator, ASL instructor, Board Member, and Star Trek aficionado.
We had a great conversation with our Trans Panel “Meet the Folx” at Community Congregational Church UCC in Benicia. It was another time to be reminded how diverse the Trans – or any community – can be. (Here’s the Link!).
Solano County Office of Education is hosting a Winter Warmth & Wellness Drive.
Help Keep Solano Students Warm This Winter
ACCEPTING DONATIONS UNTIL DECEMBER 1, 2025
Solano County Office of Education and the Faith and Education Collaborative invite the community to participate in their 2025 Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive, supporting students and families throughout Solano County who are in need of winter essentials. Donations will be collected through December 1, 2025.
The Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive provides a meaningful opportunity for individuals, schools, businesses, and community organizations to come together and ensure every child and family has access to warm clothing and basic necessities as colder months approach. Items collected will be distributed to Solano County students and families experiencing unstable housing or hardships.
WHAT TO DONATE:
Both organizations request only new items (no used items please) for donations, including:
coats, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, pajamas, umbrellas, and personal hygiene kits.
Monetary contributions are also welcome and can be donated through PayPal.
SCOE would like to thank the numerous organizations partnering together to make the Winter Warm and Wellness Drive possible.
DROP OFF LOCATIONS:
- Benicia Ballet located at 390 Military E, Benicia
- Solano Community College EOPS, located at 4000 Suisun Valley Road, building 400, 2nd Floor, Room 429, Fairfield
- Solano County Office of Education Main Office located at 5100 Business Center Dr, Fairfield
- Benicia Police Department located at 200 E L St, Benicia
- Benicia Chamber of Commerce located at 601 First St STE 100, Benicia
- Victor Community Support Services located at 801 Empire St, Fairfield
- Solano County Probation Department, Located at 475 Union Ave, Fairfield
- Fairfield-Suisun Adult School located at 900 Travis Blvd, Fairfield
- Golden Hills Community School located at 2460 Clay Bank Rd, Fairfield
For more information about donations, contact Candace Jenkins at cjenkins@solanocoe.net or (707)399-4863. More info here…
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, December 20th 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
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.
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 9-12th graders 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, January 28th at 9 am to trystan@solanopride.org!
Donna’s Memorial was amazing. You can still send cards to her family.
What a wonderful funeral/celebration of life for Donna was held Saturday, November 15th at 1:00pm. 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
Solano Pride Community!
I hope this finds you well. We are chest deep in the cold and flu season. Also it has been dark, cold and damp. Please take good and kind care of yourselves.
This time of year is hard on humans, and we in our community are reminded that we may not have our family or spiritual community due to discrimination.
This is why places like Solano Pride exist. We have social and mental health support (6 months free). This is also why we have a holiday party to celebrate our community.
(Please see the flyer for this Saturday’s potluck above…)
Come and celebrate with people who accept you as you are.
I wish you all as peaceful a holiday season as possible.
Your Board President in service
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.
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!
Somewhere Beyond the Sean
by TJ Klune
Hope is the thing with feathers. And hope is the thing with fire.
DELUXE EDITION—Featuring gorgeous golden yellow sprayed edges! Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the hugely anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, one of the best-loved and best-selling fantasy novels of the past decade.
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there.
Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.
But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.
And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.
Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it. Most Anticipated from Goodreads, Paste, Polygon, BookBub, and more.
To read more, visit: https://torpublishinggroup.com/somewhere-beyond-the-sea/?isbn=9781250881205&format=hardback
American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era
by Nico Lang
We were invited to an exclusive book signing event to celebrate its debut.
October 25, 2024 | BY DREW HIRSCHINGER
On October 8, GWLA was invited to Skylight Books in Los Angeles to the launch of Nico Lang’s new book, American Teenager, which documents the lives of eight trans and nonbinary teenagers across the US. Our founder, Casey Weitzman, and one of our therapists, Drew Hirschinger, were excited to attend the event and have the opportunity to hear Nico’s inspiration for the book as well as the experiences of three of the book’s main subjects.
I had an incredible experience attending the launch of Nico Lang’s book, American Teenager. Nico (they/them) discussed their motivation for writing the book, which was to share stories of trans teenagers as teenagers, in opposition to the often popular narrative of trans youth as figures of inspiration or agents of change. Hearing Nico share their experience of living with the families portrayed in the book touched on an essential part of supporting trans youth – learning about their whole life, from the exciting to the mundane.
Additionally, Nico had three of the book’s subjects participate in a panel moderated by Zeke Smith, who did a great job of balancing the seriousness of the reality of being a trans person while also incorporating the joyous aspects of life. I was on the verge of tears hearing two of the mothers speak about their experience raising trans children and trying to protect them from a world that is often unaccepting, verging on violent. There are countless stories of trans and queer youth being rejected by their families, and hearing two mothers share their deep devotion to their children was beautiful.
“This book is a gift to all the trans youth and parents of trans children who may feel alone in their journey. There are truly loving and committed parents out in the world who are fighting against the hate not just for their own children, but for all of us.”
Personally, my mother always made sure I knew that I was loved and accepted no matter what, and yet I still struggled with the possibility of coming out and having her feel like I had let her down in some way. I grew up knowing that my personal world might be accepting, but the larger world remains deeply terrifying. In that regard, this book is a gift to all the trans youth and parents of trans children who may feel alone in their journey. There are truly loving and committed parents out in the world who are fighting against the hate not just for their own children, but for all of us. I am so grateful to have met Nico and the panel participants and to hear about their lived experiences. The event was truly a celebration of the diversity of experiences that trans teenagers have and why their futures are worth fighting for.
Here are some thoughts from our Founder & President Casey Weitzman:
“I was so happy to be involved and to have gone. I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised and touched by such a special panel and book signing for Nico Lang. My heart felt full, as I was able to experience two mom’s deep love for their transgender children. One mom, Molly, lives in Texas and is an Evangelist, Catholic and LGBTQ+ Advocate. She was joined by her daughter Ruby, and you could feel the love between them both. It was special to witness their loving bond. I felt inspired as someone who assists families navigate coming out journeys, especially when the result is one of loving and acceptance.”
Thank you Nico Lang & team for inviting us to your special book signing. American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era is available now for purchase at select local bookstores. Find more information on Nico and follow their latest work here. (see this review online here.).
Side note: Our staff has been reading and discussing this book together, and highly recommend it.
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
We have a recording!
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.’
We had a great conversation with our Trans Panel “Meet the Folx” at Community Congregational Church UCC in Benicia.
It was another time to be reminded how diverse the Trans – or any community – can be. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COmNVmm4sqA).
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?
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
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 Thursday, December 4th 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, January 28th at 9 am to trystan@solanopride.org!
Registration form inside this link:
https://www.solanopride.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/JanCastroFlier.pdf
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!
Dear LGBTQI community organizers,
We all know that LGBTQI communities and organizations are under great threat right now in our country and we want to let you know how our group, the Billys, continues to foster community in these difficult times.
We’re writing your organization to ask that you share what the Billys are about -whether you pass on our flyer through email, your publication, word of mouth or community bulletin boards and calendars. (see attached flyer).
The mission of the Billys is to foster community, intimacy, & personal exploration among gay, bi, queer and gay-identified trans men through shared values and heart-centered brotherhood. We have weekly online heart circles, potlucks and several in-person gatherings each year. Participants come from all over California, the US and the world.
We are an all volunteer non-profit founded in 1988. The Billys formed initially to support men living with HIV/AIDS in rural North Coastal California. https://www.thebillys.org/the-billys/
See the flyer to lean about our next gathering Myth Weaving – December 30-January at historic Saratoga Springs Retreat near Clear Lake Ca. We’ve been meeting there since 1993.
Questions? Contact us at events@thebillys.org Thanks for your consideration!
Joe Balestreri, for the Billy Foundation
The Solano AIDS Coalition is gearing up to commemorate the lives of millions of individuals who have tragically lost their lives throughout the HIV pandemic. This solemn occasion will be marked by a “WALK for the Cure” event, scheduled to take place on December 7th at 2 pm from the Ferry Building in Vallejo, CA. To the vallejo naval museum 734 Marin street . The entire community is cordially invited to join us in this important walk, as we come together to honor the memories of those we have lost and to demonstrate our collective commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease.
Vanity 3 comes to Cedar’s Corner Dec. 15th!
Vallejo’s Drag Brunch @ Bambino’s Holiday Edition in December
Sunday, December 21st · 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.
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
Up Next at Compton’s…
Collette LeGrande solo show!
| Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 4:00-6:00 PM835 Larkin St., SF, CA 94109 (The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot venue)Tickets: $25 |
| Join Tenderloin transgender icon Collette LeGrande for the first public reading of her one-woman show, Collette LeGrande, since its 2022 debut. Presented at 835 Larkin Street—the home of the hit immersive play The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, which LeGrande co-wrote—this special event brings her extraordinary life story back to the stage. |
| Then in January 2026, The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot returns for weekly performances! |
| Beginning January 16, 2026, regular Friday and Saturday shows resume at 835 Larkin St., continuing the story that’s captivated thousands of audience members from across the Bay and beyond. Expect the same intimate, high-energy performances—and a few new surprises along the way. Tickets are on-sale for performance through March! |
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, 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