The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity

The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is Kern County's community center for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families. Founded in 2011 by community leader David Trujillo after the loss of Tehachapi teen Seth Walsh, The Center works to make sure LGBTQ+ young people know they are valued and loved, and to connect every community member with affirming health, wellness and support.

From its downtown Bakersfield home on 18th Street, The Center offers mental health counseling with licensed therapists and trained interns, and Community Health Workers who help people find affirming care and wellness resources. Youth and young adults can join the Teen Community Space in person or online, game nights and virtual hangouts, while adult programs include the Pride Pages Book Club, Parenting Socials, 50+ Socials, and workshops on self-discovery and resiliency and for trans, gender expansive and gender nonconforming community members. Clothing swaps, craft days and social events are open to all ages.

Peer support meets at The Center too: a weekly LGBTQ+ and ally-friendly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and a monthly PFLAG meeting for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ kids. The Center also trains healthcare providers and allies through workshops, panels and symposiums on culturally competent care.

Community members can check the monthly calendar for open hours, schedule a counseling appointment, or join the Pride Year-Round Development Team, host a fundraiser or give during Give Big Kern.