The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity

OUR BEGINNINGS

We were founded in 2011 by David Trujillo and other community visionaries in response to the tragic loss of Seth Walsh, a young teen from Tehachapi. The Center was created to be a safe space where LGBTQ+ youth could feel valued. In November 2017, we became The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, embracing the full spectrum of the 2SLGBTQ+ community (2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi+, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex Asexual/Aromantic, +all other identities in our rainbow).

WHO WE ARE NOW 

The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has continued to serve as a safe space for authentic self-expression, community connection, support, and services for Kern County's 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies.

We provide community connection spaces, counseling services, and community education to youth, teens, young adults, and adults. Our staff works hard to create diverse, interesting, and responsive events and programs inspired by the feedback of our community! The Center is open 10-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 707 18th St. You can find our calendar posted monthly on our website or social media.

In November 2025, we consolidated our Administrative Annex and Community Center into a single new location! It has always been a dream of The Center to provide all of our events, workshops, counseling, and resources under one roof. Located near the heart of downtown we are excited to be part of the ‘East Chester Arts & Culture District’ that is taking shape. We are thrilled to announce that we have received a grant from The Arts Council of Kern that will partially fund a beautiful inclusive mural - reflective of our community - on our new building! We are committed to reflecting our community, becoming more accessible, and continuing to be a stable resource for all who need us.

MOVING FORWARD WITH PURPOSE 

The Center is a pivotal organization providing critical, competent, care to our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. A community who is marginalized and targeted by exclusive, harmful, and life-threatening policy, laws, and actions.

At this time, many organizations like ours are facing difficulty in a quickly changing and less supportive funding landscape. The Center is majority grant funded, with our largest multi-year grant sunsetting this year. Our administrative team and Board of Directors are diligently working to both acquire new grant funding, and extend current grants that support The Center’s operations, services, and community. However, we can no longer rely on grants alone, and we need your help!

OUR GOAL THIS YEAR

In addition to our Give Big Kern goal of $25,000, we are also seeking to raise $75,000 in the year ahead through donations from the wider community. Whether you make a one-time small contribution, are a corporate sponsor, or become a Rainbow Donor providing monthly contributions to support our programs, events, and resources -- You can make a difference for your community’s mental health and wellbeing by being a donor today! 

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT, SUPPORT THE CENTER TODAY!

We value all support provided to The Center by our community. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or financial contributions, every act of support helps us create a beacon of hope and healing for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Bakersfield & Kern County.

Foster a healthier, more supportive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents in Kern County.  Make your donation today, or sign up as a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Inspire friends, family, co-workers, or your workplace to support authentic self-expression, safety, and wellness for our community. Every contribution sustains our programs, events, services, and brings our new vision to life. Let's make a lasting impact for future generations!

OUR IMPACT MEASURED IN LIVED EXPERIENCE 

The Center provides personalized support to our community including counseling, self-esteem activities, community education and resources.

Community feedback confirms our positive impact:

• “If it wasn’t for these counseling sessions, I might not be alive right now.” - counseling client
• "Having The Center and the Annex under one roof makes everything easier.” - community member
• “Being a part of the Youth Council has helped me navigate through the steps that it takes to learn more about myself, and to help others through their own journeys. The Center is a place for endless support and guidance, while also bringing together a community of kids and adults that otherwise wouldn’t have an outlet.” - community member, age 16
• "Having a space where I am able to share my experiences with other people who understand and don't question them, is so refreshing."   - community member
• “This place is beautiful. I’ve made new friends, learned so many new things about myself & the world, all while growing into a more responsible human being. Thank you to all of the people who put effort into making this place a reality”  - community member

OUR IMPACT MEASURED IN NUMBERS 

     

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