More than safe and welcome… but thriving.
Thanks to stigma, shame, and – in some cases – family rejection, LGBTQ+ people face a number of disparities. Statistics on LGBTQ+ people are frightening. Consider the following research by the Centers for Disease Control, Center for American Progress, California Department of Public Health, and Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion:
- 75 percent report emotional difficulties directly related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Up to 40 percent of the youth homeless population identify as LGBTQ+
- 58 percent of homeless LGBTQ+ youth report being sexually victimized while on the streets
- 26 percent of LGBTQ+ students report missing a class in the last month while 30 percent report missing an entire day because they felt unsafe
- Due to increased pressures at home and school, LGBTQ+ youth are less likely to attend college
- A 26 percent increase in new HIV infections since 2012 among young gay men age 13-24 who have sex with men
- Two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual peers; 50 percent if trans-identified youth
- LGBTQ+ people list primary care doctors that are LGBTQ+ affirming as the most difficult medical professionals to find and, as a result, are not accessing care and using emergency rooms for primary care
- Less likely to have health insurance at a rate of one LGBTQ+ insured person for every two insured heterosexuals
- More likely to delay obtaining needed medical care or prescriptions
- Three times more likely to experience alcoholism, substance abuse and/or use tobacco products
Presented here are the results of a two-year study conducted by the Equality California Institute and Mental Health America of Northern California, in conjunction with 19 statewide members of the California LGBT HHS Network, that examine the efficacy of and access to mental health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning Californians.
The results form the report, First Do No Harm: Reducing Disparities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Populations in California have provided a framework and recommendations for government, foundation, and social service partners to begin exploring how to effect real change.
View Equality California’s media release on the report’s release.
Download a copy of First Do No Harm.
The Center’s Here For You.
Input from community stakeholders and evidence-based data has molded the Center’s menu of programs for over 30 years. As the landscape for LGBTQ+ people and their families has evolved, so have the Center’s offerings.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is a dedication to always be a place where LGBTQ+ people are safe, welcome, and needed, working in unison to create a better tomorrow for the region’s LGBTQ+ people.
View the Center’s program accomplishments.
Current programs include the following, which include links to more detailed information on each focus area:
Mental Health
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means supporting your health and wellness. If you are dealing with any issue that feels beyond your control, including depression, anxiety, victimization, homelessness, stress or relationship issues, we are here to listen without judgment and empower you with the coping strategies and culturally affirming mental health services and resources that provide relief. All services are free and include:
- Community Resource Navigation
- Drop-in Respite
- Community Support Groups
- 12-Step Addiction Recovery Group
- Free Individualized Counseling
Learn more here.
Sexual Health
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means supporting you health and wellness. Knowing your status and understanding prevention strategies that work are the keys to protecting yourself, your partner, and your community.
- HIV/STI Testing
- PrEP Navigation
- Partner Services
- Free Barriers
- Sexual Health Education
- Living with HIV Support
- Provider education & Advocacy
Learn more here.
Youth
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means empowering all LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24, with help they need to reach their full potential. All services are free to youth.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center’s youth programs offer an array of services for LGBTQ youth, their family, friends, and allies. Our goal is to provide youth housing, workshops, social enrichment, and leadership opportunities that lead to improved economic and social justice, mental and physical health, and self-sufficiency.
- Drop-In Center
- Support Groups
- Individualized counseling and legal services
- Homeless Youth Services
- Advocacy and Resources
- Youth Centered Events
Learn more here.
Housing Services
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means supporting the health and wellness of transitional aged youth (18-24 years old) experiencing homelessness with safe and affirming housing options. All services are free to youth but may have eligibility requirements.
- Q-Spot Drop-In Center
- Short-Term Transitional Emergency Placement Programs (STEP)
- Transitional Living Program (TLP)
- Host Homes
Learn more here.
Transgender Services
Creating a region where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people thrive means being an advocate for equity and social justice within and external to the LGBTQ community. The identities of LGBTQ people are intersectional and breaking down systems of oppression that harm the most marginalized amongst us, benefits all of us.
- Community Resource Navigation
- Drop-In Respite
- Free counseling
- Support Grounds
- Housing
- Free Legal Assistance
- Community Events
- Sexual Health Services
- Community Events
- Sexual Health Services
Learn more here.
Latinas Sin Fronteras/Bilingual Outreach Services
Creating a region where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people thrive means ensuring that all our community members have access to affirming services and support regardless of their native language of immigration status.
- Community Resource Navigation
- Drop-In Respite
- Free Individualized Counseling
- Support Groups
- Legal and Immigration Assistance
- Community Events
- Free sexual health education, HIV testing, and PrEP navigation
Learn more here.
Crime Victims Services/Survivor Assistance
Creating a region where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people thrive means being an advocate for equity and social justice within and external to the LGBTQ community. We support community members who have been victims of discrimination, harassment, violence, trafficking, hate crimes, or other physical, emotional, or financial abuse at the hands of law enforcement, at home, in school, in healthcare settings, at work, or anywhere in our community.
- Reporting Assistance
- Legal Aid
- Mental Health Support
- Emergency Shelter
- Q-Spot Youth Center
- Youth Transitional Housing
- Additional Services Available
Learn more here.
Creating a region where LGBTQ+ people thrive means being an advocate for equity and social justice within and external to the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging that our identities as LGBTQ+ people are intersectional and breaking down systems of oppression that harm the most marginalized amongst us, benefits us all. We work to increase visibility, understanding, and access to services for LGBTQ+ people throughout the Sacramento region.
Public Policy & Community Organizing
Speaking out and unifying the community on behalf of LGBTQ+ people is a core component of the Center’s mission. The Center achieves this mission via the following:
- Policy Positions & Education
- Social Action
- Alliances & Task Forces
Learn more here.
Queer Voices
Queer Voices is a panel that consists of LGBTQ+ identified youth and adults as well as ally parents who support someone who is queer. Speakers share their stories of coming out, love, acceptance, and their lived experiences as a queer individual. These stories will be showcased in educational, artistic, and support spaces throughout Sacramento. No acting experience is required, and you will get a $30 stipend for participating.
Learn more here.
Outreach and Training Institute
Creating a region where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people thrive means being an advocate for equity and social justice within and external to the LGBTQ community. The identities of LGBTQ people are intersectional and breaking down systems of oppression that harm the most marginalized amongst us, benefits all of us. We work to increase visibility, understanding, and access to services for LGBTQ people throughout Sacramento region through outreach, education, and training.
Learn more here.
- Mama’s Makin’ Bacon Drag Brunch, an outrageous, entertaining brunch like no other.
- Q-Prom, an authentic prom experience for LGBTQ+ and allied youth.
- Sacramento Pride Awards, a celebration of our community’s unsung heroes that make a difference every day.
- Sacramento Pride, the region’s annual Pride celebration and parade.