OUR GENTE is the LGBTQ+ Services program of The Epicenter that exists to create safe environments and opportunities to affect positive change and growth for LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey County.
Our Gente programming includes peer social support and community building for LGBTQ+ youth, community and agency trainings, special events, and peer support for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth.
RAINBOW CONNECTIONS is a 5 year project that has local organizations working together to improve services & quality of life for LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey County on a school, community, & family level. The organizations currently partnered under this project are The Epicenter of Monterey County, Harmony at Home, Partners for Peace, Monterey County Behavioral Health, & Dragonfly Forward.
The Epicenter is an access point for free counseling offered by Monterey County Behavioral Health for LGBTQ+ youth. Mental health services and support are available both in-person and virtually to LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-24 in Monterey County. These services can be requested through the form at this link.
QTYC (Queer/Trans Youth Collective) is a youth leadership program that provides workplace experience in a non-profit environment as an introduction to LGBTQ+ social advocacy and activism. Youth leaders are responsible for creating and facilitating Our Gente programming and offer peer support to other LGBTQ+ youth in the community.
Q-TURN is Our Gente’s LGBTQ+ specific drop-in hours that happen every Wednesday from 12 PM to 5 PM at The Epicenter. Youth participants are welcomed to an accepting environment where they can build community with LGBTQ+ youth and their allies and develop networks of support with their peers.
OUR GENTE LGBTQ+ BEST PRACTICES TRAININGS are offered to local service providers, community groups, organizations, school faculty, and any other party interested in learning more about the LGBTQ+ community and the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face. 30 minute virtual “LGBTQ+ 101” presentations are offered free of charge.
For more information on Our Gente programming, please contact Angela at Angela@epicentermonterey.org.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
