With this year’s annual Pride issue, we’re taking a little time to focus on support systems for the LGBTQ-plus community—what exists and what needs to exist. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks to the Pacific Pride Foundation about a program it’s expanding into North County intended specifically to provide a sense of community that may be lacking for those who are a little older. The Lavender Elders program aims to be a space for connection and social opportunities for LGBTQ-plus individuals who may not have received it in their youth. New Times Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper looks at the Pride in Mental Health Act, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate by California Sen. Laphonza Butler, and the service gaps it could help bridge.
Connection, socialization: Pacific Pride Foundation’s Lavender Elders program is designed to bring older LGBTQ-plus folks together
By Taylor O’Connor
Overdue breakthrough: The Pride in Mental Health Act hopes to make accessible mental health care services for LGBTQ-plus youth the law
By Bulbul Rajagopal
Full Issue:
<a href=”https://www.santamariasun.com/santamaria/IssueArchives?issue=15709396Full Issue
This article appears in Jun 6-16, 2024.