Updated on 1/8/2021
The Center is proud to provide community with FREE COVID-19 Testing Mondays and Tuesdays from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m on the side of 1015 20th Street. No appointment is necessary. Please socially distance and wear your face masks! Results will be emailed between 48-72 hours directly from provider. Register in advance to skip the lines here.
Check out groups meeting safely during COVID-19 at saccenter.org/weekly-schedule.
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For more than 40 years the Center has supported the health and wellness of the most marginalized. We understand there is increasing concern amid the Coronavirus outbreak and we want to assure you that the health and safety of our clients, staff, and community are of paramount importance. We are closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State and County Departments of Public Health.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the Center made the decision to cancel/postpone all in-person gatherings indefinitely, including our annual Sacramento Pride Festival and March. To read our full statement please click here.
While our physical space is closed, we want to assure you that we are still here to support you. We are very proud of our dedicated team who has diligently worked to operationalize remote service delivery, virtual activities, and a handful of in-person services.
- Community Resource Navigation remains available for seniors, people experiencing homelessness, those living with HIV, and others in need, Information and referrals are available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. by calling (916) 442-0185 or marcy.basila@saccenter.org.
- Sexual health and HIV/STI testing information is available by calling (916) 442-0185 ext. 109 or metztli.castro@saccenter.org. While social distancing 6-feet away from one another is recommended, free condom and lube packs are available outside the entry of the Center or you can order them for home delivery from our free P3 mail order program.
- Q-Spot Youth Center staff will be available for support and referrals 5-days a week 12-6 p.m. at (916) 287-7171 or jesse.archer@saccenter.org. They also offer emergency drive-through/pick-up services. We’ve also launched a new online queer youth platform on Discord. For more information please email youth@saccenter.org.
- Our shelter, transitional living home, and host homes will remain open and continue to provide 24-hour care to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness with remote case management.
- Crime Victim Emergency Services including shelter, counseling, or legal resources are available at (916) 287-7171 or jesse.archer@saccenter.org.
- Bilingual Services in Spanish and Transgender Support are available by calling (916) 442-0185 ext. 114 or christina.arias@saccenter.org
- Our Peer Support Groups have been meeting online via the Zoom video conferencing platform. For our most up dated schedule please visit https://saccenter.org/weekly-schedule
The virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) when an infected person coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets from that person land in the mouth or nose or are possibly inhaled into the lungs of another person. It may also be possible that a person can get the virus by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but experts don’t believe this is the main way the virus spreads and not enough is known about how long the virus can live on surfaces.
The public health community is unified in the understanding that there are a number of basic precautions we can all take to prevent illness. These include:
- If you are sick, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing or are experiencing shortness of breath, please stay home and contact your medical provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can contact the Center for a list of LGBTQ-affirming medical providers in the region.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol based hand gel that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth when you cough with your elbow, and don’t touch your face, eyes, or mouth (event at home).
Though these actions have been difficult decisions, we’re inspired by so many in our community who have offered to help and shared information. We will continue to assess the health risks and guidance from public health authorities with the goal of restarting all programs as soon as it is safe to do so. We are committed to keeping your Center and the LGBTQ+ community safe and healthy and will continue to keep you informed. Thank you for your patience and please take care of yourselves and each other. We look forward to connecting again very soon!
If you have additional questions, concerns, or would like to recommend resources for this page, please email communications@saccenter.org
You probably already know the basics, but:
- Wash your hands, for at least twenty seconds (you can use this handy lyrics generator as a guide);
- Avoid touching your face;
- Stay home except for essential needs;
- Practice social distancing, maintaining at least 6 feet between yourself and other people when you do go out; and
- Disinfect your phone and other commonly touched items.
The Sacamento LGBT Community Center is committed to supporting the health and wellness of the most marginalized and we intend to continue that work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people depend on us each week for support and we cannot let them down. Our community has always been resilient in difficult times and while we may change the way we do business as we rise to the challenge of this pandemic to serve our community, we will never close our doors and walk away.
Through all of this, many of you are asking how you can make the deepest impact on our community in this time of need. The short answer right now is if you can donate, please do. We cannot do this without you.
We are especially mindful of the social isolation many of our clients are experiencing and are doing everything we can to stay connected. For events beyond April, including the Pride Awards fundraising gala and Sacramento Pride, we are closely monitoring the directives of the CDC, Public Health Departments, and the City of Sacramento to ensure the health and wellness of all potential guests as our number one priority.
Please help now if you can. We are a strong and resilient community when we work together. I will keep you informed on Center services and you can visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram feeds for regular updates.
International, federal, state, and local officials are providing updates on coronavirus response daily. You can stay up to date on the latest science-based news and recommendations by using the following links.
- National LGBTQ Cancer Network: Coronavirus 2019 Information
- California’s one-stop website for COVID-19 resources including unemployment and paid sick leave
- CDPH: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- DHCS COVID‑19 Response
- CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
- Follow the Office of the Governor of California on Twitter and Facebook for daily livestream coverage and updates on the state’s response to COVID-19
- Contact your local public health offices to updates on any specific precautions or responses taking place in your community
- Reduce your risk of serious lung disease caused by corona virus by quitting smoking and vaping
The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health. Founded in 2007, the Network provides coordinated leadership about LGBTQ health policy in a proactive, responsive manner that promotes health and well-being as part of the movement for LGBTQ equality, and ensures that there is a distinct LGBTQ voice in health policy decision-making venues.
How COVID-19 impacts LGBTQ people.
Visit the California Health and Human Services Network for more resources here.
Are you working from home?
Many businesses and nonprofits are making the decision to allow, or require, staff to work from home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. There are a number of resources available to help teams to communicate and function smoothly and keep work on track as much as possible, while you adapt to these changes.
Webcams:
- 94 Different Animal Webcams from around the world: https://explore.org/livecams
- Penguins!: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams/penguin-cam/
- Sea Otters: https://t.co/TJtzzLb2wJ
- Jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium: https://youtu.be/2gHKDHmgVlU
- San Diego Zoo Webcams (Baboons, penguins, pandas, koalas, apes, polar bears, giraffes, owls, elephants, condors and tigers): https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
- Georgia Aquarium (Jellyfish, penguins, belugas, sea lions, sea otters, puffins): https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ocean-voyager/
- zooborns.com
- Kitten Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNvpypnY3IU
- Wild bears fishing in Alaska: https://youtu.be/3T45Dn_RYpc
Virtual Tours:
- 12 virtual tours of famous museums: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXe_dMfHSw
- Take a tour of Yellowstone National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
- Take a tour of Yosemite: https://www.virtualyosemite.org/
- Tour Great Wall of China: https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
- Check out the surface of Mars! https://accessmars.withgoogle.com/#
- Museum of Natural History: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
- A virtual roller coaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz_c6WTyxwo
- Virtual tour of four National Parks in the U.S: https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/virtual-national-parks-tours
- Virtually ‘Ride’ Disney Attractions: https://www.simplemost.com/virtually-ride-disney-attractions/
- Google Arts and Culture app: Faces of Frida, an interactive exhibition of over 800 paintings and artifacts
Podcasts:
- Making Gay History: Listen here.
- The Queer Witch: Listen here.
Good books:
- New York public library has made all books free! https://www.nypl.org/about/remote-resources
- Go to your local public libraries website and get an online library card. This will give you access to lots of online books and magazines.
- bell hooks’ All About Love. Link: http://wtf.tw/ref/hooks.pdf
- Many classic books are available for free here: https://www.gutenberg.org/
Music we’re loving/Online Concerts:
- Hundreds of tiny desk concerts: https://www.npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts/
- Indigo Girls Live Concert, Q & A: Watch here.
- Erykah Badu Live Streamed Quarantine Concert Series on her instagram account for $1
Crafting/Trying New Skills:
- How to knit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY7kQ3dvXeI
- Drawing 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TntR8sb-UMc
- How to build a house of cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXe_dMfHSw
- Live Art Classes-1 pm on weekdays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30DCOgTGn_o
- Brit + Co: Free Crafting Classes with code “SELFCARE”: https://classes.brit.co/learn/
- Learn basic sewing skills–pdf files on how to do almost anything https://www.sewing.org/
- Learn how to do origami! Here’s a PDF of an entire origami book: https://csea.fyc-vidin.org/materials/Origami-near%20300%20project.pdf
- Learn how to make cheese at home: Home Cheesemaking – USDA NIFA
- Learn how to can food: Canning 101: How to Can Food for Beginners (a Complete …
- Learn how to compost and start yourself a great garden: https://archive.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/greenscapes/web/pdf/compost-guide.pdf
- Learn about astronomy and cosmology!
Simple Recipes:
- Quick Chili Mac https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-chili-mac/
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey Syrup https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-pancakes-with-cinnamon-honey-syrup/
- Very Vanilla French Toast https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/very-vanilla-french-toast/
- Quick Pork Chili https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-pork-chili/
- Cream Cheese and Chives Omelet https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cream-cheese-chive-omelet/
- Homemade Guacamole https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-guacamole/
- Easy Cake Mix Bars https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easy-cake-mix-bars/
- Online Cooking Classes!: https://www.177milkstreet.com/school/classes/online-classes
- 13 Super Easy Meals Teens Can Make Themselves https://www.marthastewart.com/1505773/13-super-easy-meals-teens-can-make-themselves
Health and Wellness:
- Cardio Dance Class: https://www.trill.fit/
- Guided Meditations: https://www.getahelmet.co/offerings
- EVERYBODY Gym: Group Wellness -$5 live web-based classes from a radically inclusive, body positive space, to move, strengthen, and heal — everybodylosangeles.com
- Blog: Let’s Queer Things Up by Sam Dylan Finch. Created by a queer and trans author, this blog provides resources for learning more perspectives, tools, and tricks to tackle your mental health and self-care routines. https://letsqueerthingsup.com/
- Youtube Channel: The ASMR Prince. ASMR Channel specifically fro queer, trans, questioning people, and trauma survivors. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVcOPETWNEIvOThSTf-ohnQ
- How to manage stress and addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic
Cute & Fun things online:
- Watch Netflix with your friends: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/netflix-party/oocalimimngaihdkbihfgmpkcpnmlaoa?hl=en
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/arts/dance/queer-flamenco-viva-manuel-linan.html?action=click&module=Features&pgtype=Homepage
- Blair Braverman & Quince Mountain: Two dog-sledders chronicle their lives–Lots of cute dog content, and experiences being trans, feminist and navigating the outdoors culture. https://twitter.com/BlairBraverman?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Bon Appetit’s Youtube channel shows you how to make classic foods at home: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpMy0Fg74eXXkvxJrtEn3w
- Extreme Make-Up Tutorials by Vogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z-Zn00n6lA
- Check out #PRIDEATHOME to see videos from others navigating being out and stuck at home–find supportive messages, community and more!
- Shannon Minter–last Halloween he found a puppy and a kitten in the same day, they bonded and are growing up together. The next week a second puppy arrived. Follow the very cute stories: https://twitter.com/shannonminter5?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Community Discussion:
Brave Trails Virtual Camp: Free Virtual camp on instagram live including live classes, and conversation, presented by Brave Trails @bravetrails. 3/15/20-3/29/2020
- Q Chat Space (https://www.qchatspace.org/) (structured, facilitated conversations (10 weekly))
- Trevor Space https://www.trevorspace.org/ (for youth, social networking site)
- The Lounge (Gender Spectrum – for non-cis youth): https://genderspectrum.org/lounge/ (has “channels” for youth, parents, and professionals; social networking)
- AVEN (for ace folks – not just youth): https://www.asexuality.org/ (forum)
Resources to encourage pride in our LGBTQ+ identities:
Glitterary Magazine: https://glitterarymagazine.org/
- InQluded: https://inqluded.org/
- Outwords: https://theoutwordsarchive.org/
- Project Contrast: https://projectcontrast.org/
Other creative ideas:
- Chalk messages of encouragement on the sidewalk
- Kindness rocks (https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/)
- Journaling
- Scrapbooking
- Organizing all those photos you’ve been meaning to!
- Donate to the In the Spirit of Stonewall: Disaster Relief Fund for QTPOC
- Disaster Relief Fund for QTPOC Application (English)
- Disaster Relief Fund for QTPOC Application (Spanish)
- Relief Funds For Undocumented Workers in California (Legal Aid at Work)
- Slow the spread of COVID-19 and cover your nose and mouth
- COVID-19 Community Lead Advocacy Program