The Gala Pride and Diversity Center

supports and empowers people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions in order to strengthen and unite our Central Coast community

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Resources

The Gala Pride & Diversity Center of the Central Coast

Gala Pride and Divesity Center reflects the rich social life of the LGBTQ+ community in San Luis Obispo County. Through our MISSION of education, support, recreation, advocacy, and partnerships, we are featuring SLO County area organizations, businesses, and more… supporting our community.

Phone Support

Trevor Project

Lumina Alliance Crisis Hotline

Queer Local Organizations

We are grateful for all the LGBTQ+ support in our area!

Tranz Central Coast

1060 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Email Phone: 805-242-3821

Website: tranzcentralcoast.org/ 

5 Cities Hope

P.O. box 494 Oceano, CA 93475

Email

Website: fivecitieshope.com 

Santa Maria House of Pride &Equality (HOPE)

 

Email Phone: 805-316-1356

Website: houseofprideandequality.org

SLO Queerdos

 

Email  | Phone: 415-583-5079

Website: sloqueerdos.com

 

The Queer Crowd

P.O Box 16044 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Email

Website: thequeercrowd.com

 

Cal Poly Pride Center

Bldg 65, Room 217 

Email

Website: culture.calpoly.edu/PrideCenter

 

Pacific Pride Foundation

123 S College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454

        Phone: (805) 963-3636

        Website: pacificpridefoundation.org

 

 

Q Cares

1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 756-6178

        Phone: (805) 963-3636

        Website: queercares.com

 

Cuesta Pride

Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Website: Cuesta Pride Website 

Central Coast Kink Community

Email

Website: Group Page

Community Partners

These nonprofit organizations are LGBTQ+ affirming and working to make life better for everyone!

Central Coast Hotline

Phone: 800-783-0607

Website: t-mha.org

Lumina Alliance

51 Zaca Lane #100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone:(805) 545-8888

Website: luminaalliance.org

CAPSLO 

1030 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Phone: (805) 544-4355

Website: capslo.org

 

Access Support Network

1320 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Website: asn.org

Central Coast Coalition for Inclusive Schools

Website: centralcoastinclusiveschools.org

Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success

Email 

Website: ccc-uss.org

Additional Resources

Accepting New Patients

Trans, Queer, & BIPOC-focused therapy practice is now accepting new patients in San Luis Obispo, as well as training new therapists: reach out in the Contact Form here to get started!

+ Monthly Support Meetings

+ Community Members Serviced Monthly

+ Business Partners

Support Groups

We are proud to host and sponsor many support groups in the local area! Click the button on the right for a full list of support groups available to you!

Support Groups

Therapist-Led Trans* Support Group

Times: Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6pm-7pm

Description: Any person identifying as trans* or genderqueer is welcome to join our monthly therapist-led group. The group therapist will facilitate group goals (which might include increasing safety; self-acceptance; relationship skills; sexual fulfillment; emotional regulation; validation of trauma and its effects; and skills to continue living authentically and integrated). Covid precautions are taken. Please only come to group if you are fully vaccinated and free of all Covid symptoms (a screening will be conducted before entering the group room). All attendees must be masked before entering the building. Please email [email protected] for more information!

“Q” Youth (Grades 6th-12th)

Times: Every Thursday from 6:00-8:00 pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center

Description: Q Youth is a weekly group for LGBTQ+ youth from grades 6-12 with a different activity each week!

Drop-ins welcome! For more information, contact us at [email protected]!

 

Trans* Teen Peer Support Group

Times: Every Tuesday of the month 7pm-9pm 

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center 

Description: We are a safe place for trans* and gender non-conforming people, as well as those questioning. The group is restricted to those between 6th and 12th grade. This is a facilitated emotional support group.  It is a safe place to be heard, to share your story, and to hear stories that may sound surprisingly like your own. Members enjoy doing art projects.

Website Link

Trans* Tuesday

 

Times: Every other Tuesday from 7:00-9:00 pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center / Zoom

Description: We are a peer-led support group for members of the community who are transgender, questioning, genderqueer, asexual, crossdressers, families with transgender members, and allies.

The group ranges in age from high school to senior citizens with a wide range of life experiences.  We discuss topics using “I” statements from those life experiences. All are welcome! Contact [email protected] for the Zoom link!

Website Link

 

Gala Pride and Diversity Center - Senior Advocacy

Times: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 4:30-6:30 pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center / Zoom

Description: This group is focused on advocating for LGBT seniors through promoting inclusive environments that are both aware and affirming. It also is focused on developing a community that supports intergenerational activities among LGBT individuals. Gala Pride and Diversity Center is currently seeking additional facilitators for the Senior Social. Send a note HERE if interested.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89436651882?pwd=SVF6UU9jUGFpeXk1QTFIQnVEMHU2UT09

Meeting ID: 894 3665 1882 | Passcode: GayIsGood | One tap mobile +16699006833,,89436651882#,,,,*876711839#

 

SLO ACCEPTance Project

The SLO ACCEPTance Project was created to train mental health professionals to provide queer and trans-affirming services for San Luis Obispo County community members. The following mental health professionals participated in a 9-month intensive training program to develop their cultural competency & humility.

We do not officially endorse any of the following professionals as affirming clinicians but do recognize their participation in the SLO ACCEPTance Project. We encourage you to talk to a few therapists, ask questions, and ask how they provide queer and trans-affirming therapy to see if it might be a good fit. Visit the website by visiting the link below.

WEBSITE LINK

Central Coast Polyamory Potluck

Times: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 6:30pm-8:30pm

Location: Zoom

Description: This is a social and networking group for people on the Central Coast who are curious about polyamory/ethical non-monogamy, identify as polyamorous, and everything in between. Navigating new relationship structures can be challenging, so this is meant to be an open-minded and supportive community for you to meet other relationship pioneers!

Contact [email protected] for more details!

SLO Lez B Friends

Times: Every 3rd Friday of the month 6:30pm-9pm 

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center

Description: San Luis Obispo county lesbians (trans and nonbinary folks welcome) meet for social good times. This is a group-run social event, and attendees are encouraged to suggest whatever they would like to do. If you prefer to get an email and participate in group discussion, please sign up here.

 

BDSM 101 Class

Times: 3rd Friday of each month 6:00-8:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Description: The Central Coast Kink Community presents this fundamental overview of kink, consent, rules, and information to help practitioners be successful and safe. 18+

Contact [email protected] for more details!

Queer and Kinky Munch

Times: Every 4th Saturday of the month 10am-12pm 

Location: Skipper’s Brew

Description: The Central Coast Kink Community Group holds several events each month around the county.  This social gathering around food, hosted by Gala Pride and Diversity Center and CCKC,  brings those at the intersection of Queer and Kinky together. 18+

Rainbow Dungeons and Dragons (5E)

Times: Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month 5:30pm-7pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center 

Description: Intersectional LGBTQ-friendly Dungeons & Dragons group for tabletop roleplaying fun. 

Create a character to adventure with in a fantasy setting along with a group of other players. Battle monsters, work with your party members, solve mysteries and riddles, collect gold and valuables,

and make your mark on the world for good or for evil or for something in between. 

Game is beginner friendly with lots of assistance for new players learning the game system.

Specs: D&D 5E, homebrew planet and setting, story and character building heavy.

Please contact the GM HERE for more information and introduction to the group.

Stand Out Parent Support Group

For more information about meetings send a note to [email protected]

 

Description: Stand Out is a California Central Coast peer group, providing a safe and confidential space, without judgment. We supply support and information for parents and families of LGBTQ+ identified youth, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. We believe in meeting people where they are at and will help you navigate your journey of acceptance. This support group is meeting at the same time as our Trans Youth support group. That way parents can drop their kids off at the Gala Pride and Diversity Center and then meet with other parents to discuss common issues. The group is open to the parents of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning children.

 

Website Link

LGBTQ+ AA/Sunday Evening Rap Group

Times: Every Sunday from 7:00-8:00 pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center / Zoom

Description: Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of folks from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership.

Contact [email protected] for the Zoom link!

Free-For-All Movies

Times: Every 2nd Friday of the month from 6:30-9:00 pm

Location: Zoom

Description:  Free-For-All shows an eclectic selection of movies, with different themes, moods, topics, every 2nd Friday.  All welcome. Let’s get to know each other by watching good movies together. 

Free, coffee and popcorn, potluck snacks.

Nosh and chat at 6:30, film at 7pm. Contact [email protected] for more information

FED Eating Disorder Group

Times: Every 1st Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 pm

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center / Zoom

Description: FED stands for F*ck Eating Disorders.  We are a pro-recovery group and offer space for those who need peer support, at all stages of ED recovery. We understand that recovery is not linear, and judgment-free support is crucial. Come join us to listen, share, and be part of a community building each other up. Contact [email protected] to learn more!

Walt Whitman Gay Men’s Book Club

Times: Every 2nd Monday of the month from 7:00-9:00 pm 

Location: Gala Pride and Diversity Center / Zoom

Description: This club meets for a discussion of books. They read and study books chosen by the group which relates to their lives as gay men. All are welcome! Contact [email protected] to get the Zoom link!

 

Hatler Memorial Library

About the Library

The Hatler Memorial Library contains fiction and non-fiction LGBTQ+ books and videos. There are currently over 3000 titles on our shelves.

To check any materials out of the library, a library card is required. Members of Gala Pride and Diversity Canter will receive a library card as part of their membership. Non-members may purchase a library card for $5.00.

Due to Covid-19 the hours of operations have been suspended until further notice. 

 

 

William Tomasini Scholarship

William Tomasini

William Tomasini

Former President

Established in early 2014, The William Tomasini Scholarship honors business and community leader and former Gala Pride and Diversity Center President William Tomasini.

The scholarship is designed to help empower promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential, despite the many obstacles ahead, and to make a significant and positive impact on their community.

Students who have demonstrated leadership, with a strong record of academic excellence, volunteerism and achievement, and like William, bring beauty into their LGBTQ community, will be considered for this scholarship.

If you wish to contribute to this scholarship fund, please CLICK HERE. 

If you are a youth looking to apply please download the application HERE. *Note: Applications are not currently being accepted.

If you have any questions please contact us with the subject “Tomasini Scholarship”

Events & Groups Calendar

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

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Contact Us

Phone: (805) 541-4252

Email:

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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.