Social and Support Groups for many sub groups within our community.
| What should our next Queering Faith group topic be? |
| The QR code: Queer Recovery The QR Code is a 12-step LGBTQ+ group for those in recovery for any addictions. The group now meets every Sunday evening, with the next meeting will be Sunday, December 28th at 7 pm. The group will meet in person at the Solano Pride Center’s Lobby on the 1st and 3rd Sunday evenings at 7 pm. Come to the south doors near our offices and knock to be let in. Hosted by Ray McIntosh (ray@solanopride.org) or Crystal Hubbard (crystal@solanopride.org) with shared leadership from other members of the group. Anonymity will be protected. Here’s an article on the number of folx recreating sober nightlight options. |
| The Gender Expansive Circle will meet again on Fridays, January 2nd at 5:30 pm at a nearby pizza restaurant for a Social Night. Next meets January 16th. GEC meets on the first and third Friday’s of each month unless noted.This group is for Trans, Intersex, Non-binary, Gender non-conforming and those questioning their gender identity or expression. The group will be led by Kacen Cosmos and Cristina Zaldana! Questions can be directed to Cristina Zaldana at cristina@solanopride.org. |
| Continuing at a new time on Thursday, January 8th, 2025 at 1:00 to 2:30pm. LGBTQ+ Drama Therapy Group. A free, supportive environment for self-expression and building community. If you are interested in joining a group at another time, reach out to Erik Thurman, the group’s leader. What is Drama Therapy? Drama Therapy is a chance to connect with others and explore emotions, identity, and social interactions through the use of theatrical techniques. Who can participate? This group is designed for the LGBTQ+ community. It is open to actors and non-actors alike. No prior theater experience is required. When and where is the group? We will meet at the Solano Pride Center conference room at 1234 Empire Street in Fairfield, now on Thursday afternoons beginning Jan. 8th at 1 pm. How can I get more information? Please reach out to Erik at erik@solanopride.org |
| Grief has no set boundaries. Grief comes in many different avenues such as losing a spouse, parents, a sibling, your pet, the loss of a friend or a friendship, even the loss of a job can cause us to grieve. This new group will begin Friday, January 9th from 10 – 11:30 am on zoom. The ne The way in which we cope with the loss is the way in which we begin to heal and move forward with our lives no matter the depth of pain and sorrow we are in. One way and there are many depending on how one copes with the loss is to talk about what we are feeling, what we are going through and share those feelings and thoughts with others who may be experiencing the same just as you are. The grief counseling session is an avenue for people to continue their healing process. More info, including the zoom link, at Kacen@solanopride.org or Tim Meyers at tjm1756@yahoo.com. |
| The HIV Positive Support Group will continue as a zoom group on the 3rd Thursdays of the month, but now from 5:30 to 7 pm. The next group meeting is Thursday, January 15th. Contact cristina@solanopride.org for more information. This is the first meeting, so plan on attending to share what you’d like to see in future meetings! Facilitated by Cristina Zaldana. Future dates below. |
| We are also adding another Social opportunity for our whole Intergenerational community this Winter and Spring on the first Thursday nights of the month! Our next gathering will be Arts & Crafts Night on Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 pm! Including Crochet! “Queer Crochet Klatch—All levels from beginner to advanced. Learn new techniques, show off your handiwork! Bring hook and yarn if you have them. Materials to be provided for those who do not.” with Wayne Goodman! If you’d like to share an art project, please contact us. Just bring any games you’d like to play or share. Senior Holiday arts being scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19th, when we will do Tye Dye after Sr. Lunch during the day. If you’d like to share an art or craft project on January 8th, please contact us at cristina@solanopride.org. The next Gayme Night gathering will be on Thursday, Feb. 5th at 7:00 pm! Movie Night March 5th! |
| New Dungeons & Dragons Group will continue online. Hey Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers! Please email Stephan@solanopride.org to be added to our DND communications and planning. Dungeon Mistress Izzy will contact you about meet ups and or reservist waiting list if our group gets too large! Next Online game together will be Saturday, Jan. 10th at 2 pm. Thank you! |
| LGBTQ2S+ Men’s & Masc Social & Support Group on the 3rd Wednesdays – New time and place! January 21st from 6:00 to 7:30 pm – we will meet at Hot Stone Korean Kitchen for dinner and conversation. Let Will or Milton know where you’d like to meet there. This group is for all those who identify as male/masc, and is trans inclusive, led by Will McGarvey & Milton Heath Solórzano. Contact us by email for more info at will@solanopride.org or miltonheath@solanopride.org. |
| Pan-Pagan/Magickal Support Group is normally the 4th Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm, and will next meet in person at 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 28th for a social night at the Center’s Lobby, please knock on the the south doors. This group is for those with any form of neo-pagan, polytheistic, or non-abrahamic practice, to explore the intersections of queerness and pagan spirituality. Led by members of SPC Staff. Bring something from your altar to share about. Let’s talk about Solstice! Email will@solanopride.org for more info! |
Other groups are being prepared, including: Women’s Group and a Bi/Pan/Omni support group. Contact will@solanopride.org if you are interested in helping facilitate any of these groups.
Online D&D Therapy Groups
This summer we are offering two Dungeons & Dragons Therapy Groups. Embark on epic adventures while building real-world confidence, social skills, collaborative problem solving tools, and emotional resilience. This group will be led by EMERGE associate therapist amber rutledge, AMFT, an experienced game master. Each session will blend creativity, fun, and therapeutic growth in a safe and inclusive space amongst peers. Whether your teen is a seasoned D&D player or brand new to the game, all players who are interested in exploring therapy options based in imagination and table-top role playing games are welcome.
• 10th-12 graders, Weds, 4-5:30pm, starts June 18th
• 7th-9th graders, Mons, 5-6:30pm, starts June 16th
For more info, contact amber rutledge, AMFT at amberr@emergegroup.cc
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.
HIV Prevention Awareness
| 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 |
Other groups are being prepared, including: Women’s Group and a Bi/Pan/Omni support group. Contact will@solanopride.org if you are interested in helping facilitate any of these groups.
Dear Solano Pride Center,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Lindsey, and I’m the Project Management Intern/Advisor with Sober Livers, a peer-led community for people living with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), including those in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD).
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know firsthand how discrimination, stigma, and trauma can increase the risk of substance use—and how hard it can be to find recovery spaces that feel safe, inclusive, and affirming.
Alcohol use disorder affects our community at disproportionate rates, with studies showing that up to 30% of LGBTQ+ adults report binge drinking, nearly twice the national average. For many, this can lead to serious liver complications.
That’s why I’m proud to help lead this outreach. I believe in the power of sharing lived experience to reduce stigma, build connection, and offer hope to others walking a similar path.
Through our HOPE Community, Sober Livers offers virtual peer support, expert-led education, and resources that meet people where they are—whether they’re newly diagnosed, post-transplant, or exploring sobriety.
We’ve attached a printable flyer for display and an e-flyer to share electronically. If your organization is planning an event, support group, or community outreach activity where these resources could be useful, we would be glad to provide additional materials or collaborate further.
In solidarity,
Lindsey Moore (she, her)
Project Management Intern
Sober Livers www.soberlivers.org
#soberlivers. 919-622-2730
“Keep Going”
My name is Jon Potter and I’m a Patient (Liver Disease) Advocate volunteering with Sober Livers’, an organization promoting liver health & support. Did you know the LGBTQ community has a higher occurrence of Alcohol Use Disorder & Liver Disease? Here are some facts –
- Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are at higher risk of alcohol misuse and addiction.
- People who self-identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are approximately 2 times as likely to have an addiction than straight peers, and transgender individuals are close to 4 times as likely.
- In 2020, 24 percent of lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults aged 18 to 25 years had alcohol use disorder in the past year.
- Up to 25% of the general LGBTQ+ community has moderate alcohol dependency, compared to 5-10% of the general population.
Here’s a link further describing the health disparities for the LGBTQ community as provided by the NIH –
Further, our Trans Community is at much higher risk of liver disease. Here’s a link provided by the Keck Institute –
Cirrhosis affects twice as many transgender adults as cisgender adults
Sober Livers’ HOPE Community! (Healing Ourselves with Peers and Education)
At Sober Livers, we offer two types of virtual gatherings to support our community. Our Open Discussion Meetings provide a safe, judgment-free space for people with ALD, transplant recipients, and care partners to share experiences, challenges, and encouragement with others who truly understand. Our Education Sessions, held monthly, feature trusted experts in hepatology, mental health, addiction medicine, and more—offering practical information, tools, and insight to help navigate life with ALD and transplant with greater confidence and connection.
Private Facebook Group
In between our monthly meetings, our participants have access to a private Facebook group where conversations started in our zoom meetings can be continued and expanded. Participants are encouraged to engage in lively conversation about a variety of topics and provide non-medical support to one another.
https://soberlivers.org/join-our-hope-community
I’ve also attached two fliers to post in your spaces for those looking to find support around liver support, education, and community. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Thank you!
Jon Potter
Patient (Liver Disease) Advocate
HIV Prevention Awareness
Want to learn more about SOGIE? Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression?
Here’s the handbook!
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/sexual_violence/docs/sogie_handbook.pdf
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
To see all of the other programs, 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/