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“THE GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER SUPPORT AND EMPOWER PEOPLE OF ALL SEXUAL ORIENTATIONS, GENDER IDENTITIES, AND EXPRESSIONS TO STRENGTHEN AND UNITE OUR CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY.”
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT OF The Gala Pride and Diversity Center (GPDC)
In working with and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, Indigenous identities, and similarly identified (LGBTQ+) communities in San Luis Obispo County, The Gala Pride and Diversity Center (GPDC) commits to proactively working in solidarity against white supremacy, settler-colonialism, xenophobia, ableism, capitalist exploitation, religious bigotry, and all forms of cisheteropatriarchy.
TO READ OUR FULL DEI STATEMENT, SELECT YOUR PREFERRED LANGUAGE BUTTON FROM THE SELECTION BELOW:
The Gala Pride & Diversity Center, located in San Luis Obispo, is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions across California’s Central Coast. Since our early days before formal incorporation in 1997, we have been a vital hub for LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and community-building.
Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to be themselves. We offer a variety of services including social support groups, advocacy, resources, and referrals, all designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals thrive. We are proud to foster an environment of equity and inclusion that strengthens the fabric of our local community.
Tranz Central Coast
Tranz Central Coast is a critical initiative of The Gala Pride & Diversity Center, focusing on advocacy and support for the transgender community. The program offers resources such as peer-support groups and educational workshops to empower transgender individuals and foster understanding and inclusivity across the Central Coast.
Youth Program
The Youth Program is another vital part of our center, designed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth in the area. Through peer support, social activities, and advocacy training, we provide a safe and affirming environment for young people to explore their identities, connect with others, and develop the confidence to be their true selves. This program ensures that LGBTQ+ youth have access to the resources and support systems they need to thrive.
Central Coast Pride
Central Coast Pride, the events program of The Gala Pride & Diversity Center, hosts vibrant, inclusive events year-round, including the annual Central Coast Pride celebration in June. This month-long celebration includes advocacy workshops, community gatherings, performances, and culminates in a weekend of festivities, creating a space for people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether you’re looking for community, advocacy, or resources, the Gala Pride & Diversity Center is here for you. Join us in fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and united Central Coast.
For more information on how to get involved, donate, or participate in our programs, please contact us below or stop by the center for a cup of tea and a fabulous chat!
CORE Values
Our core values serve as the foundation of our mission, guiding us toward a more inclusive and empowered community. These pillars keep us connected, focused, and driven in our movement for equality and justice.
Authentic Boldness
We celebrate uniqueness, bravery, and creativity. Each individual brings a sense of purpose, talent, and passion for building a better world. Our strength lies in resilience and the courage to authentically exist, unapologetically bold in our pursuit of rightful recognition and respect.
Community Empowerment
We believe in the transformative power of collective action. By working together, fostering open dialogue, and nurturing supportive environments, we empower our community. Through PRIDE, we uplift each other, harnessing the strength of our combined efforts to create lasting change.
Intersectional Justice
Diversity is our community’s greatest asset, yet we recognize the deep inequalities faced by those at the intersection of marginalized identities. We are committed to fighting all forms of oppression, expanding access, and fostering equity and inclusion in ways that are both meaningful and sustainable.
+ Monthly Support Meetings
+ Community Members Serviced Monthly
+ Business Partners
Introducing:
The Gala Pride and Diversity Center Staff
Program Manager
Linnea Valdivia
They/She
Linnea is a mission-driven creative administrator and cultural strategist working at the intersection of art, advocacy, and community. Stepping into the new Program Manager role at The Gala Pride & Diversity Center, she is excited to collaborate with the community to build sustainable, community-serving programs for the LGBTQ+ community.
Linnea came to this work in San Luis Obispo after joining Tranz Central Coast as a board member in 2022, where they were inspired and uplifted by the people and community they found at TCC and beyond.
Before stepping into the nonprofit world, Linnea spent over a decade as a dramaturg, playwright, and producer—collaborating with institutions like Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Playwrights Realm, The Lark, and National Queer Theatre (where she served as the inaugural Literary Manager). She’s excited to bring that same creative energy and commitment to uplifting queer voices into her work at Gala.
At the heart of everything Linnea does is a deep belief in the power of community—and in how the stories we tell about ourselves can profoundly shape the world we live in. Whether leading a fundraiser, developing programs, or brainstorming over coffee, she’s always thinking about how to reimagine what’s possible.
When she’s not at Gala, you can usually find her riding bikes with her husband and kids at Laguna Lake, reading plays at Linnaea’s Café (no relation!), or baking something sweet.
Center Coordinator
Valerie Seibert
She/Her
Valerie is a transgender woman born in New Jersey and has been living on the Central Coast for the last 15 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University San Jose in Anthropology, specifically cultural anthropology, with a focus on gender and queer studies. Valerie is passionate about protecting the rights of all marginalized people and is excited to work with the Gala Pride and Diversity Center to make a positive change for the queer community of San Luis Obispo. In her free time, Valerie enjoys playing soccer, skateboarding, going to the movies with her partner Eliza and playing board games with friends.
Youth Committee Chair
Margaret Johnson
She/Her/Hers
Margaret (she/her/hers) is a queer writer, artist, and musician who was born and raised in SLO at a time when a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth was almost impossible to find. For many years, she has worked directly with youth and families as a social worker and has overseen numerous programs. Margaret provides consultation and training in trauma-informed behavior management to organizations and schools all over the country and manages an extensive DEI initiative called “Belonging in Action” as part of that work. She is deeply committed to social justice and fostering a sense of belonging for members of historically marginalized communities.
Margaret and her spouse Les have been together for over 20 years. They enjoy live music (the louder the better!), traveling, having fun with family (bio and chosen), spending time at the ocean, and creating things. They have two silly cats and the best chihuahua in the world. Margaret truly values her role at the Gala Pride & Diversity Center and is reminded every day of the very real importance of our services.
The Gala Pride & Diversity Center
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
The mission of the Board of Directors at the Gala Pride & Diversity Center is to champion the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a welcoming, safe, and affirming environment for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The Board works collaboratively to oversee the organization’s strategic direction, ensure financial sustainability, and mobilize resources for programs that empower, educate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Through community engagement, fundraising, and activism, the Board strives to enhance the well-being of all LGBTQ+ people while fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging in San Luis Obispo County.
The Gala Pride & Diversity Center’s Board of Directors is elected annually during the fourth quarter, bringing fresh perspectives and skills to advance our mission. Board members are elected to serve two-year terms, with executive board members serving one-year terms. These terms allow for continuity in leadership while welcoming new voices dedicated to supporting our community.
If you are passionate about our work and interested in joining the board, please watch for upcoming announcements on how to get involved. We encourage everyone in our community to consider participating in this important process to help shape the future of The Gala Pride & Diversity Center.
Monthly Board Meetings
Our monthly board meetings are open to the public and take place on the third Monday of each month in person and via Zoom. If you would like to attend or be added to the agenda, please reach out to our Secretary, Jack DePuy, by using the contact form below. Jack will provide access to the Zoom invite and answer any questions you may have about joining the meeting.
Contact Us
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Aja Milne
President
She/Her
Appointed: January 2023
Aja has been a SLO county resident for more than 30 years. She attended Atascadero high school, Cuesta College, and graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in history and a teaching credential.
Aja is a single mom, coparenting 3 incredible kids in San Luis Obispo. She has worked in public service for 20 years with California State Parks.
Aja’s boundless love for her queer community and kids fuels her passion for activism. At varying times she has eagerly taken on roles as Vice President of the board, vice chair of the events committee and co-chair of the inaugural Drag and Burlesque show. Serving the community is her pride and joy.
Trevor Norcross
Vice President
He/Him
Appointed: October 2025
Trevor was raised on the Central Coast in Arroyo Grande before finishing college in San Francisco and then enjoying a successful career in Human Resources while living in various cities across the country. He moved back to Arroyo Grande in 2014 with his wife Hilary and daughter Lily for a job opportunity. I’d hoped to give Lily a bit of the experiences I had growing up on the Central Coast.
Trevor’s amazing transgender daughter was able to tell us who she has always been right before starting high school in 2022. With Lily participating in sports she was targeted by the local anti-trans crowd at school board meetings. The family has been fierce advocates at school board meetings across the county and at the state level ever since.
With The Gala Center being a life saving support for their daughter and other kids, the family knew it was important to give back. With his career supporting companies going through transition/change he wants to help continue to get Gala back to its glory as an irreplaceable resource for the queer community.
In his free time, he enjoys time with family and friends. He also enjoys swimming, biking, and time on the lake. The family also has a loving dog (Yoshi) and curious cat (Link).
Kent Spiers
Treasurer, Finance Committee Vice-Chair
He/Him
Appointed: May 2025
Dr. Spiers was born in British Columbia, Canada, and living on California’s Central Coast marks his 17th move. He has lived in nearly every region of Canada and in Anchorage, Alaska—experiences that have shaped his deep appreciation for place, culture, and community. A first-generation queer scholar and educator, Dr. Spiers is dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights, community-led research, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Calgary, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Lakehead University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Dr. Spiers came out at a young age while growing up in a rural and remote community, an experience that fuels his lifelong commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. He currently serves as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator and a lecturer at Cal Poly. He is proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and works to advance equity through education, advocacy, and visibility.
In his spare time, he volunteers as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and is a devoted father and husband. He and his family love exploring the Central Coast and are continually awestruck by its beauty, culture, and community
Jack DePuy
Secretary
They/he/él
Appointed: October 2025
Jack is the co-chair of the ecosocialism working group of San Luis Obispo Democratic Socialists of America. Jack also serves on the executive committee of the Santa Lucia Sierra Club chapter. He has a masters degree in marine biodiversity and conservation and loves teaching seaweed foraging classes at Estero Bluffs. Jack enjoys making and looking at art, spending time with their partners, and karaoke. Originally from Olympia, Washington, Jack grew up raising guide puppies with Guide Dogs for the Blind and was the Vice President of the first Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network chapter at their high school- they've been involved in community organizing and activism ever since. When not volunteering, painting, or petting strangers' dogs, Jack works at Cuesta Community College.
Julia Thompson
She/Her
Appointed: January 2023
Julia is a dedicated advocate, mom, and lifelong learner. Originally from California's Central Coast, she cares deeply about supporting and improving our community.
Julia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies with a minor in Queer Studies from California State University, Northridge. For five years, she served as an American Sign Language interpreter, fostering communication and connection within her community. When the Covid-19 pandemic redirected her career, Julia found a new calling with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), where she now advocates for foster youth navigating the court system. She leads the program serving teens and young adults, bringing passion and focus to addressing the unique challenges of this age group.
In addition to her work with CASA, Julia serves on the Board of Directors for the Gala Pride and Diversity Center, where she furthers her commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
Julia prioritizes intersectional experiences as an ongoing, active commitment, emphasizing meaningful education reform, opportunities for personal growth, and amplifying the voices of those she serves.
Dr. Denise Taylor
She/Her
Appointed: May 2026
Transgender health care provider since 2000
Founding member of Trans Central Coast Steering Committee in San Luis Obispo, the trusted resource for trans related advocacy, support and educational opportunities.
Corporate Information
Transparency is paramount to our education & community growth practices. In our continuing efforts to keep our organization open to public, we want our community to have access to our organizational information, bylaws, board policies and agreements, and financial documentation.
Organization
Board of Director Policies
Financial Transparency
Letters From The Gala Pride & Diversity Center
Pink Pony Club Dance Party
Staffing Update
Letter from the President
Letter from the Board - Embezzlement Discovery
Letter from the President - Fundraising
The Gala Pride & Diversity Center welcomes all individuals regardless of ethnicity, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation and age. Stop by the Center for a cup of tea and a fabulous chat!
1060 Palm Street | San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | 805-541-4252
Provisional statement: The Gala Pride and Diversity Center is located on the land of the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini – Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region. We are aware that this land was taken from indigenous peoples violently, unceded - without agreement, consideration, or compensation. We are committed to including local indigenous history in our training and we set the intention of relationship with and support of local indigenous peoples. Additionally, we acknowledge our responsibility to protect the natural environment.