LGBTQ Connection

LGBTQ Connection runs LGBTQ+ community centers in Napa and Santa Rosa, building a healthier, more inclusive North Bay with youth leadership at its core. It began in March 2010 as Q*Youth, a monthly group at the VOICES Youth Center in Napa started at the urging of one young person, and today serves LGBTQ+ youth, adults, elders and families across Napa and Sonoma counties in English and Spanish.

Young people ages 14 to 24 find friends at Youth Socials, themed gatherings on art, mental health, healthy relationships, history and social justice held in Napa, American Canyon and Santa Rosa. Youth Leadership Teams meet weekly for five months in Napa, Santa Rosa, Calistoga or Sonoma to plan events and advocacy projects. The LGBT Adult Peer Support Group meets twice a month, with one-on-one wellness calls and visits for older adults. Anyone can book 1:1 Support for coming out, questions about terminology or help starting hormones, and no-cost, LGBTQ-friendly counseling is available in Napa County, including the Queer Trans AFFIRM Project offered with Mentis.

LGBTQ Connection also works on campuses, supporting GSAs, holding office hours and presenting in classrooms, and trains agencies, schools and businesses through its LGBTQ Best Practices curriculum, co-created with youth. Its OASIS Youth Program Model, refined through the California Reducing Disparities Project, is shared as a model for suburban and rural communities.

Supporters can give through On The Move, attend Pride benefits, and follow local events on the North Bay events calendar. LGBTQ Connection is a program of On The Move.