We Envision A Kern County Where Diversity In All Its Forms Is Celebrated! |
In 2011, The Center was founded in Kern County, propelled by the vision and passion of community leader and philanthropist David Trujillo. David, who once found solace and community at the Los Angeles Center as a young man coming out, was deeply moved by the tragic suicide of Tehachapi teen Seth Walsh in 2010. This event underscored the urgent need for supportive resources for Bakersfield’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, igniting David's commitment to action. He championed the cause with a clear message: 2SLGBTQIA+ youths must understand they are valued and loved, affirming there is nothing wrong with who they are or whom they love.
Expanding upon David’s legacy, our new vision extends to a future where every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual in Kern County exists in an environment that not only empowers and includes but also actively supports them. We envision a community where diversity in all its forms is celebrated, and every individual, regardless of their gender identity, is respected and valued. Central to our mission is ensuring that all individuals have access to comprehensive medical, behavioral, and mental healthcare, irrespective of their financial situation. |
We’re on a mission to enhance the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Kern County through dedicated advocacy, community education, health, and wellness. We're committed to breaking down barriers to access and need, bridging cultural and generational gaps, and creating spaces for connection across identities. By providing community education that enlightens, advocacy that strengthens, health services that heal, and wellness programs that nurture, we aim to empower 2SLGBTQIA+ community members to express their identities fully and live their lives authentically. We pledge to be a beacon of respect, inclusion, and empowerment, working tirelessly to ensure that every 2SLGBTQIA+ person in Kern County has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilled, and respected life.
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Looking back on our journey since we first opened our doors in 2011, The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has grown and evolved over 13 remarkable years. Our transformation began in earnest at our sixth anniversary in 2017 when we embraced a new name that mirrors the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community we serve. This change was a significant step towards inclusivity, ensuring that individuals across all sexual orientations and gender identities in Kern County felt represented and supported by our work. Moving beyond our origins in Bakersfield, we expanded our reach to become a resource for all of Kern County, reinforcing our commitment to serve a broader community.
Now, in 2024, under the leadership of Jesus Gonzalez, The Center is embarking on another phase of evolution. Jesus is guiding us through an organizational restructuring aimed at better meeting the ever-changing needs of our community. This strategy enhances our ability to be more adaptive, expand our services, and make a deeper impact, securing The Center’s place as a beacon of empowerment, advocacy, and support. |
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© The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity 2018
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