Updated on 9/13/2021
The Center is proud to provide community with two types of COVID testing:
PCR COVID testing takes around 48-72 hours to receive your results with no appointment necessary
Rapid COVID testing takes around 15 minutes to receive results, and requires an appointment (please call (916) 442-0185 to schedule your Rapid COVID test with us).
Remember, when you arrive maintain social distance and wear your face mask! Register in advance to skip the lines here.
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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 COVID Delta Variant 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) the State and County Departments of Public Health.
With the recent FDA-Approval of the Pfizer Vaccine, and being widely available and accessible (for free in most cases) we’re encouraging everyone in the Sacramento community to get vaccinated. Vaccinations save lives, when you get vaccinated you’re less likely to:
Get sick from COVID and its variants
Experience severe symptoms or hospitalization if you are infected
Spread illness to loved ones and community members
The more vaccinated our community is, the safer we’ll all be, and the closer we’ll all be to returning to full sense of normalcy.
At the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020), the Center made the decision to cancel/postpone all in-person gatherings indefinitely, including our annual Sacramento Pride Festival and March. Read our full statement: click here.
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. 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 are available for support and referrals 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. 122 or Jose.vega@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!
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);
Stay home except for essential needs;
Practice social distancing, maintaining at least 6 feet between yourself and other people when you do go out;
Disinfect your phone and other commonly touched items.
If you have additional questions, concerns, or would like to recommend resources for this page, please email communications@saccenter.org
The Sacramento 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 our events, 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: COVID 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
Equality California
Equality California (EQCA) brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. For over 20 years, Equality California has led the Golden State’s fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice. Originally founded in 1999 as the California Alliance for Pride and Equality (CAPE), we became Equality California in 2003 then merged with Marriage Equality California in 2004 into what ultimately became the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.
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/
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
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:
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!