About the Gala Pride & Diversity Center

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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.

SLO Pride Youth Program
The SLO Pride 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

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.

Letters From The Gala Pride & Diversity Center

Letter From The Board - October 14, 2024

Dear Community,

It is with open and vulnerable hearts that we reach out to share a disturbing discovery our Board of Directors made last week regarding the disgraceful and illegal behavior of the Gala Pride & Diversity Center’s former Executive Director, Dustin Colyer-Worth.

In June 2024, Mr. Colyer-Worth moved from a full-time role as Executive Director to a part-time role, as the organization worked to transition him out completely at the end of the year. Between June and September, we encountered persistent challenges in gaining access to essential systems, processes, and banking information, which hindered our ability to maintain oversight. Due to these ongoing issues, the Board decided on September 22, 2024, to fully cut ties with Mr. Colyer-Worth. On October 2, 2024, the Board begun to uncover evidence that Mr. Colyer-Worth had diverted organizational funds into his personal accounts.

Beyond being appalled by such behavior, we are deeply saddened to discover that a trusted leader of our organization would betray our LGBTQ+ community and attempt to profit from your generosity to our mission. We are committed to addressing this betrayal with transparency and integrity. We are working closely with legal counsel and local authorities to conduct a full investigation, including a forensic audit, to determine the full extent of this financial misconduct. We are also implementing stricter financial and operational oversight measures to ensure that such actions can never happen again.

We want to thank you for being a supporter of this organization. We know that this news may impact your trust in us, and we are committed to rebuilding that trust. To help rebuild our connection with the community, we will be hosting a Q&A session in the coming weeks where we encourage you to share your questions, thoughts, and concerns. We will announce details on our website and social media, and we welcome your participation.

The critical support and resources we provide—whether through advocacy, support groups, or family-friendly events—will remain a steadfast priority. As an organization, we feel appalled at the risk of harm that these services were put under. Despite this setback, we are more determined than ever to honor our mission of empowering people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions throughout the Central Coast.

Thank you for standing by us. This betrayal has been horrifying to uncover, and we are grateful for your understanding as we navigate this difficult time. We pledge to keep you informed throughout this process, and to bear witness to your grief as you process alongside us. Together we will rebuild and reaffirm our commitment to the community.

In Humble Gratitude,

The Gala Pride & Diversity Center Board of Directors

Download the GPDC Letter From The Board 10.14.2024

Letter from the President - September 30, 2024

Beloved Community,

My name is Julia. I am a mother of two, a wife, a queer woman, and I’ve been part of this community for 35 years. I grew up in Morro Bay, worked at several local schools, and even spent two years as a foster parent. I care deeply about this community, which is why I volunteered to join the Board of The Gala Pride & Diversity Center in January 2023.

Today, I am reaching out to you with an urgent plea. The Gala Pride & Diversity Center is facing a critical financial situation that threatens our ability to continue the essential work we do for the San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara County communities. We are at a crossroads, and without immediate support, we risk losing the lifeline that this center provides to so many.

You may know The Pride & Diversity Center for our incredible Pride celebrations, family-friendly events, and vibrant community gatherings. But beyond the festivities, there is vital, life-saving work happening quietly behind the scenes. Our two staff members—yes, just two—Serrin and Jbird, are tirelessly dedicated to serving the most vulnerable among us. They provide support to unhoused individuals, those escaping domestic violence, and community members facing

workplace discrimination. They train volunteers to lead support groups, advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals in hospitals and government agencies, and create connections that strengthen the fabric of our community.

But we cannot continue this work alone. We need your help now more than ever. In California alone, an estimated 1.6 million adults identify as LGBTQ+. We are your coworkers your neighbors, your family members, and your friends. We are part of the very fabric of this community. And right now, that fabric is fraying.

If you can make a financial contribution, please do so today. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to take an active role, consider joining our fundraising committee. If you know someone who might be empathetic to our situation, please share our story with them. And if you have any questions or need more information, I’m here to talk.

I love this community, and I want to make it better for everyone. But we can only do that with your support.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

In Gratitude,

Julia Thompson | President, Board of Directors

Download the GPDC Letter From The Board 09.30.2024

Introducing:

The Gala Pride and Diversity Center Staff

Director of Programming

Serrin Ruggles

They/Them

California-born and -raised, Serrin is a non-binary, bisexual, polyamorous firebrand who, when faced with picking their gender and sexual identity, decided to go with “yes.” They grew up in San Luis Obispo, though a piece of their heart is still in Santa Cruz, where they earned a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Their professional background is laboratory science, but they’ve been moonlighting as a volunteer and event organizer with the Gala Pride & Diversity Center and other local LGBTQ+ groups since 2016. They are a passionate educator and have developed and taught a wide range of LGBTQ+, kinky, and sex-positive classes for groups seeking either personal or professional development.

Serrin is committed to an intersectional understanding of the needs of LGBTQ+ communities and inclusive dialogue in advocacy efforts. They are particularly interested in the rich (and often forgotten) LGBTQ+ histories across different cultures, eras, and communities. They are dedicated to furthering the cause of education, outreach, and support, and they look forward to being a positive, supportive member of the local LGBTQ+ community.

Director of Operations

JBird

Any Pronouns

The incomparable JBird! With extensive experience managing every aspect of a stage, they are a fixture in the community. Few in number are those who, whether doing drag or burlesque, live theater or special events, have not crossed paths with them.

Youth Director

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.

Youth Director

Janae Sargent

She/They

Janae (she/they) is a queer advocate, journalist and athlete who has been a part of Gala Pride and Diversity Center Youth Programs for six years. Janae grew up in rural Northern California and didn’t know what queerness was or that queer love was okay and to be celebrated until they graduated and left their hometown. Outside of her role at the Pride Center, Janae is an anti-sexual assault advocate, working in policy change at the national and state levels, after several years working with youth through direct service and education at Lumina Alliance in SLO.

Outside of work, Janae is often enjoying a night in with their senior pup Blair, or enjoying the outdoors on a trail run, bike ride, or open water swim, or drawing (and reading) comics. Janae feels honored to be able to create and share spaces with the incredible youth at the Pride Center and is reminded of the power of queer joy in every group they attend.

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.

Julia Thompson

President

She/Her

Appointed: January 2023

Julia is a queer mother of 2 really funny kids who grew up on the Central Coast. She lives with her adorable enby partner, kids, and a cat with bunny legs and no tail in a very messy but happy house. She graduated from Cal State Northridge with a BA in Deaf Studies and a minor in Queer Studies. After working as an American Sign Language Interpreter locally for 5 years, Covid-19 steered Julia is a very different path. She now works for the non-profit CASA, advocating for foster youth in the court system. Julia leads the program serving teens and young adults, and has a passion for working through the unique challenges of this age range. 

Julia cares deeply about recentering intersectional experiences as an ongoing action, rather than a "one and done" plan. She values education reform, providing opportunities for expression and growth, and lifting the voices of those she serves, not speaking over them. 

Alyssa Atkinson

Vice-President, Tranz Central Coast Vice-Chair

They/Them

Appointed: July 2023

Alyssa (They/Them) grew up on the East Coast and spent most of their young adult life in Miami, Florida. They moved to San Luis Obispo with their partner in early 2019, after deciding that Florida politics were becoming a bit too hostile.

After experiencing covid lockdown and "digital" Pride, Alyssa started volunteering for the Pride Planning Committee in 2022, and took on a Co-Chair role for Pride in the Park for 2023 and Trans Pride in 2024. They are currently the Vice Chair of Trans Central Coast where they advocate for Trangender Rights, help coordinate Trans Day of Remembrance, Trans Day of Visibility, and lend support to the various weekly support groups. Alyssa joined the Board in 2023 in hopes of continuing their Pride Volunteer work and to help the gender nonconforming and transgender community collaborate with Gala.

Alyssa works professionally as an Architectural Designer, specializing in Affordable Housing and Public Safety architecture. They have worked on several low income housing projects locally with HASLO and they helped design the cutting edge San Jose Fire Training Center in the Bay Area.

Their hobbies include gardening, reading with the SLO Queers Book Club, water-color painting, travelling, game nights and hosting dinner parties. Alyssa, their wife and their two dogs have planted roots in SLO and plan on making this area their long-term home.

Jenna Wallravin

Secretary, Marketing Committee Chair

She/Her

Appointed: September 2024

Jenna, a Central Coast Native, grew up in Atascadero and has called San Luis Obispo home for the past 15 years. In April 2024, she joined the Gala Pride & Diversity Center's Marketing Committee for Pride 2024, eager to give back to her community. The Gala Center plays a critical role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community in San Luis Obispo County, and Jenna is passionate about ensuring it thrives for years to come.

With 16 years of experience in leadership, operations, and marketing, Jenna brings a strategic mindset to her work with the The Gala Center. Her focus is on strengthening the operational foundation and helping the organization market its events, resources, and fundraising campaigns to their fullest potential. By doing so, she aims to help The Gala Center grow and secure the necessary funding to continue its mission.

For Jenna, the Central Coast isn’t just home—it’s where she grew up, made lifelong memories, and built deep ties with family and friends. In her free time, she enjoys good food, wine tasting, golfing, and spending time outdoors with her partner. You can often find them soaking in the hot tubs, hosting BBQs with loved ones, or spending time on their family ranch in Pozo, CA.

Monthly Board Meetings

Our monthly board meetings are open to the public and take place on the third Thursday of each month via Zoom. If you would like to attend or be added to the agenda, please reach out to our Secretary, Jenna Wallravin, by using the contact form below. Jenna will provide access to the Zoom invite and answer any questions you may have about joining the meeting.

 

Join our Monthly Board Meeting

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Val Jones

Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

They/Them

Appointed: July 2023

Val Jones (they/them) was born in San Francisco and raised everywhere, including SLO. Non-binary and pansexual, they are old enough to remember the absolute terror that anyone might think one was LGBTQ+ and the very real dangers this could engender while growing up in the 60s and 70s.

Val earned several degrees over the decades, and tutored college kids and learning-disabled students. Val worked in comics and special education as a writer, designer, artist, and publisher. A lifelong political activist, Val has dedicated their later years fully to the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups, especially focused on helping our youth have a safe, nurturing childhood. They are devoted to furthering understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community by whatever means necessary.

Daniel Gomez

Officer at Large, Fundraising Committee Vice-Chair, Pride Committee Chair

Appointed: August 2024

 

Eliška Martinez

Governance Committee Chair, Governmental Affairs Committee Vice-Chair

She/Her

Appointed: August 2024

Eliška is a passionate advocate for inclusion and community building. Originally from Denver with Czech roots, she has made San Luis Obispo her home while pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly. As a queer woman, Eliška embraces her journey with gender and sexual identity, striving to uplift and create visibility for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Her role as a board member for the Gala Pride and Diversity Center reflects her deep commitment to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for all LGBTQ+ individuals.

Eliška’s outlook on life is grounded in peace, creativity, and connection. She believes that life’s purpose is not something fixed but rather a personal journey, with each individual shaping their own meaning. A lover of reading and collecting postcards, she enjoys exploring the world through literature and the meaningful connections formed with others. In her free time, you’ll often find her hiking or spending time with her two beloved cats, Void and Slinky.

 

Allyson (Cali) Bolotin

Events Committee Chair

They/Them/She/Her

Appointed: August 2024

Cali was born and raised on the California Central Coast and moved to San Luis Obispo in 2020 with their wife. They are proudly polyamorous, queer, and unsubscribe from the traditional concept of gender, embracing a fluid identity that aligns with their commitment to living authentically. Cali is an entrepreneur, artist, activist, cat mom, the occasional teacher, and an eternal student. They have a deep passion for community involvement, volunteering with various local organizations, and hosting events that create safe, welcoming spaces for connection and growth.

Cali joined the board to advocate for inclusivity, build community, promote queer education and awareness, and provide support for the LGBTQ+ community. They are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of identity or background, has access to the resources, support, and spaces they need to thrive. With a focus on fostering meaningful connections and championing diversity, Cali is dedicated to creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

 

Tim Malone

Pride Committee Vice-Chair

He/Him

Appointed: August 2024

Tim, a Central Coast native from Nipomo, grew up in the area before taking time away to explore different paths and ultimately discover his true calling. A former bass guitarist in various local bands, Tim has a diverse background, including years working in hospitals, the trades, and more. He later became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, driven by his commitment to helping others.

Coming out later in life, Tim recalls a time when the Central Coast lacked supportive organizations or safe spaces for LGBTQ+2S individuals. This personal experience fuels his passion for ensuring that others, especially young people, have welcoming spaces where they can authentically express themselves.

In 2024, Tim joined the Pride committee and played an active role in the year’s Pride celebrations, handling setup, teardown, and security. His dedication to creating inclusive spaces brought him immense joy and fulfillment, as he helped ensure that every community member felt safe, seen, and heard.

 

Kimberli Andridge

She/Her/They/Them

Appointed: January 2023

Kimberli spent their childhood and early adult years living all over the United States, settling in SLO in 2014. A Psychologist by training, she has devoted their career to community advocacy, activism, and providing affirming mental health services to LGBTQIA+ clients. Kimberli is passionate about looking at diversity, equity, and inclusion from an intersectional framework  and is actively involved in various local and national committees, including serving on SLO Behavioral Health DEI committee, co-chairing the LGBTQIA+ subcommittee of the SLO County Suicide Prevention Council, and co-chairing the Gender Affirming Treatment Team at Cal Poly Campus Health and Wellbeing. Kimberli is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to serve the local community via the GPDC Board of Directors!

On a personal note, Kim is a queer, genderfluid, polyamorous, kinky community member who spends their spare time playing board games, gardening, attending concerts, watching horror films, and meaningfully connecting with their chosen family and kiddo!

Willow Kawamoto

She/Her/Maybe Yours

Appointed: January 2023

Willow is an Asian Pre-Op Transgender Lesbian, Neurodivergent Gen Xer and very proud of it. Born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Rockville, MD. She has spent most of her life pre-transition being an ally to the LGTBQ community in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland areas. She moved to California over ten years ago landing in Orange County and then has been living and working in Morro Bay. 

She is an ardent supporter and activist for Asian visibility and Transgender rights. She works as a volunteer with the organization FreeMomHugs to ensure that every person knows that they are loved and supported and hugged. When she is not working, she is a culinary expert with Central Coast Foodies demonstrating that a good meal can be done within budget and still be healthy. She is a writer, a musician, a chef. The decision to join GALA was not an easy one, but one that will come with the opportunity to be a voice for several communities that do not have a voice, to be a vote for the communities that does not have one, and to be a face that needs to represent what it means to be everything and everyone. 

Personal Belief: "I do not believe in Faking it till I Make it because I am a Hack. I refuse to fake anything. Hacks know a little about everything and because of that they look for the details that most people overlook and turn that into an opportunity. Because where there is an opportunity, there is Hope."

Personal Quotes: "Hack it till you can Back it", "Be Kind", "Buckle up, Let's Fly", and finally, "I bid you an open feast."

Aja Milne

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.

Ryan McCalman

 

Appointed: September 2024

Fr Ian Delinger

He/Him/His

Appointed: January 2023

The Rev Ian Delinger (goes by Father Ian - he/him/his) is the Rector (senior priest) at St Stephen's Episcopal Church in San Luis Obispo. A native of the Central Coast, Fr Ian also grew up in western Nebraska, traveling to-and-from California for most of his childhood. After college, he worked in the Silicon Valley for almost a decade before heading to Cambridge, UK for seminary. Fr Ian was ordained into the Church of England and served in and just outside of Manchester for 11 years before moving back to the Central Coast. Fr Ian enjoys the food and drink culture of the Central Coast, and he produces a monthly radio segment on KCBX called "Playing With Food". 

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 

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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.