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 communitySign-up for our digital mailing list
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
Trevor Text → Text ‘START‘ to 678678
Lumina Alliance Crisis Hotline
Trans Lifeline
National Suicide Lifeline
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/
Santa Maria House of Pride &Equality (HOPE)
Email | Phone: 805-316-1356
Website: houseofprideandequality.org
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
Community Partners
These nonprofit organizations are LGBTQ+ affirming and working to make life better for everyone!
Lumina Alliance
51 Zaca Lane #100, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone:(805) 545-8888
Website: luminaalliance.org
Additional Resources
Local & Statewide
- California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network
- SLO Acceptance Project
- California State University LGBTQ+ resources
- Los Angeles LGBT Center
- California Department of Education guidance on AB1266
- FAIR Education Act information
- California Rural Legal Assistance
- Independent Living Resource Center
- Transitions Mental Health Association
- Restorative Partners
- Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
- R.A.C.E. Matters – SLO
- NAACP – SLO
- Community Action Partnership of SLO
- SLO County Behavioral Health Agency
Online Resources
- LGBTQ+ Housing Guide: How to Find a Welcoming Home
- American Addiction Centers:
- LGBTQ Youth Addiction
- LGBT Rehab Centers
- The Landscape of LGBTQ-Friendly Rehabs
- Drug Addiction and Abuse in the LGBT Community
- LGBTQ+ College Student Guide
- Allconnect LGBTQ Youth Online Resources
National
- Trevor Project
- National Center for Transgender Equality
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- GLSEN
- GLAAD
- National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
- The Safe Zone Project
- Lambda legal
- SAGE
- Family Acceptance Project
- ACLU
- Movement Advancement Project
- CenterLink
- GSA Network
- GLBT National Hotline
- National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Point of Pride
Online 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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
Contact Us
Phone: (805) 541-4252
Email:
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.