Youth Programming! Now, All Over the County!
Future Youth Groups in cities around the county!
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.
This Friday, our Prism aged teens are meeting at Skreamz, at 1795 Pennsylvania Ave, in Fairfield to go through the Spook Alley, Haunted House together. Let trystan@solanopride.org know you are coming. Scholarships available by letting Trystan know.
Rio Vista Teen Pride meets the 4th Fridays of each month from 3:30-5:30 pm at Rio Vista CARE in Rio Vista! There’s always Pizza!
Led by Judy Serafini and Zaida Mungaray.
All Hallows Eve is nigh! And all Bay Area youth are encouraged to attend Halloween Prom at the legendary all ages venue, 924 Gilman, on Friday Oct 31!
Musical performances will include San Francisco rockers The DisRespectors, Bay Area Goth legends Ashes Fallen, in addition to special appearances by various member of the Drag community.
This event is ALL AGES, drug and alcohol free, with $10 fee for admission.
Please spread the word to local LGBTQ youth as this event will be both spooky, fun and SAFE
Gilman Street
The DisRespectors
https://linktr.ee/thedisrespectors
Ashes Fallen
https://ashesfallenmusic.bandcamp.com
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!
| Hey Will, We’re excited to announce an incredible opportunity for student leaders across the country – applications are now open for the 2025-2026 GLSEN National Student Council (NSC)! The NSC is a place for LGBTQ+ high school students to cultivate their leadership potential, amplify their voices, and actively contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable environments for all students. |
| Who can apply: Open to LGBTQ+ and ally high school students in grades 9–12 Application deadline: November 09, 2025 Learn more: glsen.org/nsc We strongly encourage all interested students to consider applying — whether you’ve held leadership roles before or are just starting your journey. This is a fantastic chance to grow, lead, and make your voice heard. If you have any questions or need help with your application, feel free to reach out to students@glsen.org. APPLY HERE |
Born This Way is sponsoring a free, one-hour writing workshop open to young people ages 15–24, the Channel Kindness Storytellers Club Writing Workshop on Thursday, September 25, at 8 PM ET.
RSVP at channelkindness.org/the-storytellers-club!
Five years ago, we released CHANNEL KINDNESS: Stories of Kindness and Community, a collection of stories written by young people about kindness, resilience, and community. Thanks to you, the book became a New York Times Bestseller and more importantly, it continues to inspire countless readers by uplifting the power of youth voices.
Learn More About CHANNEL KINDNESS: Stories of Kindness and Community
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to revisit these stories and explore new ones written by young people from around the world.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Our next Channel Kindness Storytellers Club Writing Workshop is happening on Thursday, September 25, at 8 PM ET. RSVP today at channelkindness.org/the-storytellers-club! This free, one-hour writing workshop is open to young people ages 15–24. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just curious about sharing your voice, it’s a welcoming space to reflect, connect, and create together.When you participate, you’ll have the chance to submit your story to Channel Kindness and, if selected, earn a $50 appreciation payment. Your story could be the next one to spark kindness and connection in someone’s life.Together with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), we’ll celebrate the 5th anniversary of CHANNEL KINDNESS: Stories of Kindness and Community, through prompts on self-care and self-love, learning to tell your personal story, and exploring the power of young people’s voices. Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), is the nation’s leading nonprofit providing free, peer support services to anyone struggling with an eating disorder, because healing is possible, and no one should face recovery alone. You can learn more about their work at anad.org.
RSVP for the Channel Kindness Storytellers Club
We’re so proud of what Channel Kindness has grown into over the past five years and we’re even more excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for being part of this community of storytellers and changemakers.
In Kindness,Team Born This Way Foundation
More from our Partners at the Dixon Library!
Dixon Library always has fun youth after school events at the Library!
You can always reach out to Ricky Gjertsen at rdgjertsen@solanocounty.gov for more information.
Hope you all are having an awesome August! 🙌
For the month of September, we have several snazzy events taking place.
On Wednesday, September 10th we will have Teen Meet & Greet with DUSD Superintendent Brett Barley from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
On Saturday, September 20th we will have Teen Chalk on the Sidewalk from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Last but not least, we will have Nintendo Switch Gamedays from September 2nd to December 9th every Tuesday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Attached are the flyers for each event in both English and Spanish. Take care and have a fantastic Friday! 😄
Sincerely,
Ricky Gjertsen (He/Him)
Library Associate – Teen Services
Dixon Library
230 N 1st Street
Dixon, CA 95620-3028
Direct: 707-784-1836
Email: rdgjertsen@solanocounty.gov
PFLAG Youth Camps Link: https://pflag.org/resource/camps-for-youth/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=b2e0b9bc-c3a3-4f74-81fe-340a603112fe
Trans Camp: Because every body deserves to spend time in nature.
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for ASPYRE 2025, our annual LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership Camp! We’d love your help spreading the word to young people in your community who might benefit from this empowering and transformative experience.
This year, ASPYRE will take place at the beautiful Camp Rockfish and Retreat Center in Hoke County, NC. Over the course of four days and three nights, youth will participate in a dynamic mix of workshops, team-building activities, and outdoor fun. Rooted in social justice and community care, ASPYRE empowers participants to explore themes of leadership, education, activism, and mindfulness—while forming strong bonds with their peers.
This year’s workshops will include; sex-ed, drag history, QPR training for teens, disability justice and more!
Camp Details:
Dates: October 9–12, 2025
Arrival: Thursday, October 9th, 5–8 PM
Departure: Sunday, October 12th, by 3 PM
Location: Camp Rockfish, 226 Camp Rockfish Road, Parkton, NC 28371
Registration Costs:
• Individual: $150
• Sibling Pair: $250
• Limited partial scholarships available
We welcome LGBTQ+ youth from across the region to apply. Please share this opportunity widely with your networks, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. I’ve linked printable materials to help promote the camp.
Registration link: https://aspyre-2025.cheddarup.com
Thank you for continuing to uplift queer and trans youth—we can’t wait to gather in community this fall!
With gratitude,
Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn D. Love (She/They)
Program Manager
| We’re excited to share a series of national opportunities launching this November 2025 through Maven Youth, designed to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across the country. These free, virtual programs center youth leadership and offer creative, activist, and community-building experiences — making them an excellent resource for the youth you serve. We would love your support in sharing these opportunities with your youth, youth leaders, and volunteers so they can take part in shaping the future of queer youth leadership on a national scale.Below is an overview of the upcoming programs and National Leadership Opportunities: |
| National Program Enrollment |
| Video Game Competition: Are you passionate about video games—whether as a player, writer, or artist? This 5-month program invites LGBTQ+ youth to learn game design, collaborate in teams, and develop an original video game that will be showcased nationally. Participants will receive mentorship, gain real creative and technical skills, and compete for a chance to win $10,000. No experience needed — all levels welcome! 2 hours per week (flexible schedule) Open to high school & college-aged youth Held entirely on Zoom A safe and affirming space to learn and create with other LGBT+ Youth and allies Apply here: https://www.mavenyouth.org/games-for-change |
| Build a Queer Youth Mobile App: Enough is Enough. We’re taking queer youth activism into the digital age! Maven Youth is developing a national mobile app designed to give LGBTQ+ youth digital tools to organize for change, both locally and nationally.We’re forming a Youth Leadership Committee to shape this innovative platform, and we’re looking for coders, designers, artists, and activists to join us.Build a digital tool to support GSAs, queer networking, and collective actionNo experience required — just creativity and passionBe part of something groundbreaking, built by queer youth, for queer youth (ALL Ages – Adults are welcome to support youth) Learn more and apply: Enough is Enough National Committee |
| Leadership Opportunities |
| Maven Youth is seeking national committee members to help bring several youth-driven programs to life. All ages are welcome to participate in supporting the development of these national initiatives, with the understanding that youth voice and leadership come first. Adult volunteers are invited to serve in a supportive and mentorship role, helping youth committee members shape and launch these impactful national programs. |
| Hall Pass – Social Media Influencers & LGBT+ Youth ActivistStep into the national spotlight and help launch a groundbreaking YouTube and TikTok channel created by and for queer youth. This program will support GSAs and LGBTQ+ student groups nationwide by providing tips, tools, and legal insights to strengthen activism in schools. You’ll work with other passionate youth to develop content, build your leadership skills, and amplify youth voices on a national platform.Knights of Stonewall – National LGBT+ Youth D&D Love storytelling, roleplaying, or building imaginative worlds? Join our national Dungeons & Dragons cohort designed to support LGBTQ+ youth in creating safe and affirming spaces through collaborative storytelling. You’ll be part of a team that builds inclusive adventures, fosters belonging, and creates a national queer D&D community where everyone can be their authentic selves.Online GAYming Spaces Help us build safe queer spaces across online gaming platforms like Fortnite, Rec Room, Minecraft, and more. As part of this initiative, you’ll collaborate with other youth to host weekly online gaming events, strengthen community ties, and make online spaces more inclusive for LGBTQ+ players. Whether you’re a gamer, organizer, or community-builder, your role will help shape how queer youth connect in digital worlds.National LGBT+ Youth Esports TournamentAre you passionate about competitive gaming and LGBTQ+ representation in esports? Join a team of youth leaders planning the 2026 National LGBTQ+ Esports Tournament — an event created by and for queer youth. This is your chance to help design a national gaming competition that celebrates identity, community, and competitive spirit, bringing queer gamers together from across the country. Apply Here for any of the above national committees. |
| How You Can SupportWe invite you to:Share this information with your youth, youth leaders, and alumni — via email, flyers, or announcements at your meetings. Encourage LGBTQ+ youth in your programs to apply and get involved. Direct them to www.mavenyouth.org for more information and applications.Programs launch in November 2025, so now is the perfect time to get the word out.If you have any questions or would like promotional materials (flyers, blurbs, or images) to make sharing easier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Thank you for your continued work supporting LGBTQ+ youth — and for helping us connect them with these exciting national opportunities.With Pride,Maven Youth Team |
| Maven Youth wwww.mavenyouth.org |
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
GRGRF just completed its 4th year of the We Rise Scholarship Program! You can find information on the scholarship program and its impact thus far HERE. We are preparing for our 2026 We Rise Scholarship program and would like to gather your insights on how to expand our reach for prospective students and career changers. To make it easier to gather your thoughts, we’ve put together a brief survey HERE. We would welcome any feedback you have. If you’d like to connect via phone, there is an opportunity to leave contact information for someone to reach out.
BR
Peter Kuebler
GRGRF Board Member and Sponsorship Committee Chair
peter@grassrootsgayrights.org • 415-425-3413
The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation has raised and granted more than $4.2 million to promote a happy, healthy, and connected Bay Area LGBTQ community since 1989.
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/