Our Vision:
To be an inclusive environment based in equality and parity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQQI) communities of San Mateo County.
The PRIDE Initiative is committed to foster a welcoming environment for the LGBTQQI communities living and working in San Mateo County through an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. We are made up of individuals who are concerned about the well-being of the LGBTQQI communities in San Mateo County. PRIDE Initiative is led by Behavioral Health & Recovery Services staff and funded through the Mental Health Services Act.
PRIDE Meetings
The PRIDE initiative meets the first Wednesday of the month. Summer meetings: August 1, September 5 from 3:30-5:00pm at 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Room 201, San Mateo. Contact the Co-Chairs for more information.
2nd Annual San Mateo County PRIDE Event
“Bridging Communities“
Saturday, June 14th. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
San Mateo Central Park
Download the flyer for more information or visit www.facebook.com/SMCPrideEvent/info.
Current Activities
- Outreach efforts to engage LGBTQQI communities
- Increase networking opportunities amongst providers
- Workshops and educational events
- Produce educational materials
- Strategies to assess and address gaps in care
Past Events
- San Francisco Pride Parade contingent
- Film Screening of the documentary “Daddy and Papa” with Johny Symmons
- Clinical Considerations when Working with Transgender Populations Presentation
- Youth Fishbowls
PRIDE Initiative Resources
- Clinical Considerations When Working with Transgender Populations (JoAnne Keatley,UCSF)
- 2001 San Mateo County Rainbow Community Assessment Final Report
- PRIDE Brochure
Other Resources
- Peninsula Equality Network (PEN): This organization advocates for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and individuals of the San Francisco Peninsula and promotes the building of strong business and personal relationships through bi-weekly Leads Exchange Groups, monthly PEN mixers, and regular social events.
- Outlet: LGBTQQ youth organization which provides bilingual Spanish language services. (650) 965-2020 x22, 711 Church St., Mountain View.
Upcoming Outlet events: The Grown Folks. A space for LGBTQQ young adults 18-24. Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday 6pm at 711 Church St., Mountain View. - ItGetsBetterProject.com is a place where young people who are gay, lesbian, bi, or trans can see with their own eyes how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where LGBT adults can share the stories of their lives, and straight allies can add their names in solidarity and help spread our message of hope.
- LGBTQ Youth: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR, The Trevor Project
For more information regarding the PRIDE Initiative and ways to get involved please contact Susan Takalo at stakalo@shfb.org or (650) 610-0800, extension 412, or Shannon Casey at shannon@ourfamily.org or (650) 798-7861.
The PRIDE Initiative is funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).
