Thanks to all of you who made Suisun City Pride the success it was! Largest Pride in Solano County in history. | |
Dear Will,
We had at least 1,000 people at the first ever Suisun City Pride. We couldn't contain our joy at such a fabulous day together with our LGBRTQ+ family, we even took a Family Picture! We had over 70 vendors on hand, amazing performances from all of our Drag Queens and Kings, spoken word and poetry, and the most amazing dancers from many groups.
| |
It was a family friendly event, where you could tell the kids loved the face painting at Assemblywoman Lori Wilson's booth, games, free books from the Solano Library, music, fun and food! It was amazing that Suisun City cosponsored the event, and we felt safe and secure because of it! What an amazing day together!
| |
Mychal Threets share about the importance of mental health, and inspired us to share our Library Joy and be the friends we each need. There was free HIV testing, and information from so many health and wellness booths like that of our sponsors Planned Parenthood, Sutter Health, Bloom Physical Therapy, and the Mobile Crisis Unit.
| |
Our local and regional Drag performers were off the hook! Bella Aldama hosted the event, and joined in dancing with Ben Flicker. Suzette Venetti, Ryder Knightly, and Amelia Need More (our own talented Intern Reya Fong) all wowed us with their performances, and Adrienne LaCielo came back from their college in SoCal for the weekend to both sing, dance and lip-sync performances of the day
| |
Many remarked that this was our best Pride ever, as the feeling of community, belonging, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ Family was palpable. We gave our super volunteer Mayette Otero our first ever Hetero Hero Award for all of their great service at our Senior Lunch group. The Bliss Urban dancers had kids up on the stage, and the Hawaiian and Tahitian Dance companies were mesmerizing. The dozens of volunteers that helped set up and tear down were amazing, and the Suisun Clean Team came in and made the park spotless. The Board shared their thanks at the end of the day. It was quite an emotional and amazing day. Many thanks to all of our Pride board, staff and volunteers who helped plan this year's pride, but especially Aaron Sencil who carried the vision and helped us all become organized enough to see the success happen before our eyes.
| |
As soon as Monday, we were reminded
why Pride started as a riot.
| |
Monday morning, as the first work day of the month, saw some of us in Vallejo, Benicia and Fairfield for the Flag Raisings that had been scheduled and the supportive words offered to the many groups that serve the LGBTQ+ community in the county. And, just as we received Pride Proclamations in some cities the week before, we were blessed to have the cities of Rio Vista, Fairfield and the County Board of Supervisors offer us their Pride Proclamations to our staff and Board members, reminding us of those we have lost in our history of
| |
resistance and perseverance through persecution. The Proclamations themselves share our history of discrimination, our recent wins with the legalization of marriage equality, our own 26 year history of serving the county, and also the Pulse Club nightmare we will commemorate this Friday night in
| |
Vallejo. We have had to be resilient, given how our community has been targeted over the years. Yet here we are, continuing to thrive despite the haters, the prejudice, and more than 42 of our Trans Siblings already dead this year because of this purposeful targeting of them for religious or political purposes. The hate has to end. That's what the Proclamations are all about.
|
 |  | While we were busy running around the county for the city and county Pride events, we were continuing to ask the city of Vacaville to treat us as equal human beings. We started early this year, in February and March, asking the city for their updated flag and proclamation policies they passed last year. Sadly, they sent us a version from 2017 that didn't include the latest changes, so we sent our proposed Pride Proclamation on April 17th, hoping that with my new leadership they may take the opportunity to reset their relationship with our community. Still, the Mayor's office was silent so we had to ask Councilmember Jeanette Wylie and Vice Mayor Greg Ritchie to shepherd the request through the Mayor's office. When we were attempting to confirm when the Proclamation would be offered by the city at one of their City Council meetings, we learned that the so-called "Proclamation" the Mayor's office prepared was adapted from the previous year's version, but lacked an actual proclamation of June as "LGBTQ Pride Month" as they have listed it in the past. We then realized that they had already put up their Pride flag without responding to our request to be there for the Flag Raising, and still hadn't shared when the proclamation was to be presented.
| |
Then we learned that the Mayor had refused to sign it, delegating the task to Vice Mayor Greg Ritchie. That's when we realized that the Mayor was up to his old games again. But we won't play his games. We expect every elected officer in our county's cities to serve all of their citizens, not just the straight ones, and not just the religious ones. So the Board met last Monday night and put out the following statement in response to the Mayor's continued religious discrimination against our community:
| |
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
| |
Distressingly, the Mayor continues to misrepresent our request, and has somehow taken to describing our LGBTQ+ Center as a religious organization, as if that somehow allows him to treat us as just one more position in a debate. (see the article in the BAR for my response to his frivolous accusations.)
I come away from this experience as frustrated as many of you. I also have a new sense that a major part of our work is as a Civil Rights Organization working to protect the civil and human rights of those in our community. We will no longer accept any political party using us a wedge issue in their attempt to gain more political power, especially such Christian Nationalists.
Let us make Pride in the Park the biggest Pride yet in Vacaville, and please consider signing the Vacaville People's Forum online Petition/Proclamation (see below) that they will share with them next Tuesday, June 11th at 6 pm at the Vacaville City Council. Hope to see you there.
| |
Will McGarvey
he/they
Executive Director
Solano Pride Center
will@solanopride.org
707.200.7916 office
|
|
|
Vacaville People's Forum creates online Proclamation Petition folx that live in or near Vacaville are encouraged to sign.
** TO SIGN, TYPE YOUR NAME BELOW IN THE COMMENTS OF THE ORIGINAL POST ON VPF PAGE **
By declining to issue a Pride Month Proclamation that celebrates and affirms the LGBTQIA+ community, or acknowledges the history of violence and continued discrimination they endure, our mayor has clearly shown that he has no interest in representing the estimated 8,000 to 9,000 residents in Vacaville who identify as LGBTQIA+.
In contrast, the Vacaville People’s Forum is proud to stand as allies with the LGBTQIA+ community and we are looking forward to celebrating Pride Month on Sunday, June 23, at Andrews Park. We also invite Vacaville residents to join us in signing a Vacaville People’s Forum Declaration that recognizes June as Pride Month.
If you live in Vacaville and agree with this declaration (attached as a photo), please “sign” it by writing your name in the comments section by June 20. You may also sign in person during Pride in the Park, noon-3 p.m. June 23, in Andrews Park.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=779257520979161&set=a.426525082919075
| |
|
More pride events, including this one Thursday evening at the Benicia Library on Aging with Pride!
Thursday, June 6th at 6 pm
at the Benicia Public Library, 150 E. L. Street, Benicia, in the Dona Benicia Room.
Would you like to learn tools on how to better understand, support and connect with your LGBTQ+ family members and community? In this special Speaker Series, presenters from Solano Pride Center will guide guests through an easy-to-follow explanation of the following topics:
* LGBTQ+ Definitions & Terms
* Guide to Being a Positive Ally
* Transgender 101: A personal story
* Safe Space Q&A: “Ask us anything!”
Attendees will receive a free yard Pride flag and an enamel shirt pin to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community during the month of June: Pride month!
Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Hosted by Carquinez Village in partnership with Solano Pride Center.
https://www.facebook.com/CarquinezVillage/posts/pfbid0gkuPssUAoquhTDS9zwVstZgepZg9FUux1wYykeorGBiRA8QE67hMVvfcEe6XWuRGl
| |
|
The Gender Expansive Circle will begin meeting again on Friday, June 7th at 5:30 pm.
This group is for Trans, 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 Kacen Cosmos at kacen@solanopride.org.
| |
|
Pulse Night Club Vigil
Fri, June 7th at 6-8 pm
Vallejo Naval & History Museum
734 Marin St. Vallejo
Hosted by the Solano Serenity Center, cosponsored by the Museum.
All are invited. See the Facebook page for the official notice soon.
(image from the Flag raising at the Vallejo Museum)
| |
|
Rust Water Brewery is hosting a Pride Trivia Night in Downtown Fairfield next Friday night, June 14th!
Trivia begins at 6 pm. Raffle drawing at 9 pm.
Rust Water Brewery
800 Texas Street,
Fairfield, CA
Contact Cristina@solanopride.org for any more info needed.
| |
|
This week, Trystan will be attending a training, so there won't be Youth or Young Adult programming at the center this week.
Middle and High School teens can still interact on the Discord Channel! Check in with other LGBTQ+ youth on Thursday afternoons from 4-6 pm, or any time (https://discord.com/invite/ceyYhDtvne) Check in with Trystan at trystan@solanopride.org or 707.200.1228
for more specifics.
| |
|
Senior Programs!
Our next first Friday will be June 7th, and our Senior Lunch will resume at the Conference Room at the Center.
The next week we return to our regularly scheduled zoom meeting on June 14th. Let us know you can attend by contacting Marlette West at marlette@solanopride.org.
Many thanks to these partners, without whom our Senior Groups would not be able to have the same support and experience!
| |
|
Marlette's Corner:
Hi everyone,
Well, summer decided to descend with a bang! I hope all of you are staying cool, out of the sun, and hydrated. Please brush up on symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. See the chart to the left:
If you are moving around, whether inside or outside, carry your phone with you if you become distressed. Call 911 if you need assistance. Here is a link for Solano County cooling centers:
https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/oes/cooling_centers.asp
This Friday's lunch will be from Beach Hut Deli. The topic may be a sharing about Sunday's Pride event. I hear it was amazing!
Love to you all, Marlette
| |
|
We rely on every donation to the Solano Pride Center to not only keep our doors open, but to serve you and those you love. Please consider how you can help support your LGBTQ+ Center today! Please mail checks to the address below, or send donations via PayPal at PayPal.me/SolanoPride.
Ever ask yourself, “I really want to help, but I don’t know what to do?”
Did you know that Solano Pride Center provides outreach and support for LGBTQIA+ Seniors 60+ years and over? One of our most popular and helpful outreach efforts are our bi-weekly luncheons. These luncheons not only provide nourishment for the body, but nourishment for the heart and mind. In addition to a healthy meal, Solano Pride Center offers senior-oriented presentations and workshops.
A monthly donation of $200.00 will provide a luncheon for up to 16 seniors at our Fairfield site. Donations can be made via Paypal, cash, or check. Solano Pride Center is a 501 c (3) non-profit.Donat
| |
|
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 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 information.
| |
|
Black Embrace: A Podcast Supporting Black Families Navigating LGBTQIA+ Challenges
By Charlotte Richardson, DSW-C, LCSW and SPC Board Member
This podcast is dedicated to discussing the hard issues at the intersection of Black Family and LGBTQIA+ Youth. Historically the Black Community and LGBTQIA+ issues have been a point of disagreement and Black Family relationship breakdown. This podcast seeks to heal the wounds of family breakdown, create positive communication within Black Families with LGBTQIA+ Youth, and overall improve relationships and connection with Black Families and Community.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/charlotte-richardson4
| |
|
In observance of LGBT Pride the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum will exhibit DORIS FISH: EGO AS ARTFORM during the month of June.
This show is the exhibit’s second mounting. It premiered last year at the GLBT History Museum in San Francisco and proved so popular that it was extended twice and ran for eleven months. In June 2023 Christie’s Auction Company site listed DORIS FISH: EGO AS ARTFORM as one of “10 LGBTQ+ Exhibitions to See This Summer.”
In the 1980s Doris Fish and her gender bending troupe, Sluts a-GoGo, were San Francisco’s reigning drag queens. Doris was larger than life; so were her talent, her ego, and her ambition. She co-produced and starred in the camp underground classic Vegas in Space, “An outer space, adventure musical comedy dealing with the glamorous irrational behavior on an all-female pleasure planet in the 23rd century, set in the 60s.”
Before coming to San Francisco, Doris trained as a visual artist in her native Sydney, Australia. DORIS FISH: EGO AS ARTFORM features her paintings, silk screens, drawings, and a glamourous table she created from objects found behind a shuttered furniture store. Whether on canvas, on screen, or on stage, Doris believed bigger was better and more was never enough. Doris’ art and drag are filled with glamour. Her paintings use a mix of make-up and paint. On stage Doris painted her teeth, so they’d appear white, “Face it, if I could paint my eyeballs, I would.”
Opening reception Saturday, June 1, 10:00AM following the Pride flag raising. Exhibit ends June 30. DORIS FISH: EGO AS ARTFORM is included in the general admission to the museum.
Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
734 Marin St.
Vallejo, CA 954590
Exhibition Hours Admission
Tues to Fri: 12:00 to 4:00 PM Adults: $5
Sat: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Seniors & Students: $3.00
Closed Sun & Mon Children under 12: Free
| |
SPC will have a table there, so drop by to learn more about all of our services! | |
|
Cristina's Corner:
One of Solano Pride Center's missions is to combat the stereotypes and stigma that can consume the LGBTQIA+ community. I feel we did just that on our PRIDE event on June 2 in Suisun City! If you missed it you missed a great celebration.
This was the very first PRIDE event in Suisun City!
- The community showed up in full force.
- This included our many volunteers!
- We could not have done it without them!
You will, however, have the opportunity to celebrate PRIDE with us again at our PRIDE in the Park event.
June 23rd!
ANDREWS PARK
614 MONTE VISTA Ave, Vacaville, CA!
10am Interfaith Service
Festivities run from noon to 3pm
LET'S DO IT AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME WITH YOU!
Cristina Zaldana
HIV Prevention Manager
| |
|
Calling all volunteers! If you want to be a volunteer at Pride in the Park on June 23rd, please let us know!
We haven't yet set a time to train more volunteers for PITP. If you are interested in volunteering, just for that day, or on a more regular basis at the Cent, please email cristina@solanopride.org with your request to attend. If you know you want to attend, email her soon so we can get the paperwork to you for the background check by the 20th. 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!
| |
|
Set the Date! AIDSWALK San Francisco 2024!
AIDSWALK is a walkathon fundraiser that raises money and awareness to combat the Aids epidemic. The events also bring communities together to support people affected by HIV/AIDS and advocate for LGBTQIA+ healthcare.
You do not need to be present to fundraise!
Virtual walkers who can not attend in person can still register and fundraise and can watch a live broadcast of the event on ABC7 KGO-TV.
Ways to participate and Support:
1.Help raise funding for the cause and Solano Pride Center by joining our Solano Pride Team and posting on your social media outlets. Please contact: cristina@solanopride.org
Once again, you do not need to be present to fundraise!
2. Or you can.....come march in solidarity with
Solano Pride Center on July 21 in Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco CA!
Please contact: cristina@solanopride.org for more information
| |
|
We rely on every donation to the Solano Pride Center to not only keep our doors open, but to serve you and those you love. Please consider how you can help support your LGBTQ+ Center today! Please mail checks to the address below, or send donations via PayPal at PayPal.me/SolanoPride.
Ever ask yourself, “I really want to help, but I don’t know what to do?”
Did you know that Solano Pride Center provides outreach and support for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults 12-24 years? One of our most popular and helpful outreach efforts are our May Pride Prom, which we will be having on Sunday, May 26th at our Center's conference room. These experiences are among the most important for many young people as they struggle with coming out, finding their voices, and becoming happy adults
A one-time donation of $100.00 or $200.00 will provide decorations, pizza, help us pay for the DJ, or other costs. Donations can be made via Paypal, cash, or check.
Donate
Solano Pride Center is a 501 c (3) non-profit.
| Commemorate National PTSD Month: |
Commemorating PTSD Awareness Month
Help Raise PTSD Awareness
There are currently about 12 million people in the United States with PTSD.
Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. June is PTSD Awareness Month. Help us spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life.
For more information visit:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/awareness/index.asp#:~:text=June%20is%20PTSD%20Awareness%20Month
|
| | | |
