I have some exciting news that I’m really happy to share with you: I’ve joined the Alameda Pride Board!

For many years, being part of and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community has been an important part of both my personal life and my work as a healing arts practitioner. As an LGBTQIA+ person myself, I know how meaningful it can be to have spaces where you feel safe, welcomed, seen, and genuinely cared for. Through my practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with many queer, trans, and non-binary people and creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are. After more than 23 years of doing this work, I’ve come to understand even more deeply that healing and wellbeing don’t happen in isolation—we need connection, community, belonging, and people who have our backs.

Joining Alameda Pride feels like a natural next step for me. I’ve lived and worked in Alameda for many years, and I want to become more actively involved in caring for and strengthening our local LGBTQIA+ community. I’m especially passionate about uplifting LGBTQIA+ community members, creating opportunities for connection and belonging, and supporting our local queer-owned and LGBTQIA+-affirming small businesses. There are so many wonderful people, artists, healers, entrepreneurs, families, and small businesses in our community, and I’d love to help create more opportunities for us to see one another, support one another, and thrive together.

Pride in the Park — October 10th!

One of the big events coming up is Alameda Pride in the Park on Saturday, October 10th, from 12–6 PM at Chochenyo Park. It’s a free, all-ages, family-friendly celebration with entertainment, food trucks, a Kidz Zone, games, and—of course—lots of fabulous local vendors!

And this is where I’d especially love to spread the word to my fellow queer-owned and queer-allied small business owners:

Vendor opportunities are currently available!

If you have a queer-owned business, LGBTQIA+-affirming business, creative project, organization, healing practice, or other offering that you'd love to share with our community, I encourage you to consider applying for a vendor booth at Pride in the Park. This is such a wonderful opportunity to get your work in front of the Alameda community while being part of a day centered around connection, visibility, celebration, and support for LGBTQIA+ people and our allies.

Learn more and apply to be a vendor for Pride in the Park

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth

Another part of Alameda Pride that I’m particularly excited to support is QTAC — the Queer Teen Alameda Center.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or supportive adult of a queer or trans young person in grades 6–12, I want you to know that there is a local space specifically created for LGBTQ+ youth. QTAC provides a confidential, supportive environmentwhere teens can connect with other young people, socialize, participate in activities, make art, play games, and simply have a place where they can be themselves. Programming takes place Fridays during the school year from 6–9 PM.

I think this kind of space matters enormously. Having access to community, supportive adults, and other young people who understand something of what you're experiencing can make such a difference. Alameda Pride and QTAC are helping create that space right here in our community.

Learn more about QTAC

Come Out on the Island!

And if you’re looking for a way to meet more of your local LGBTQIA+ community, Out on the Island (OOTI) is another wonderful Alameda Pride program. OOTI is a monthly community gathering held on the first Friday of each month, with locations and activities changing from month to month. It’s a chance to get out, meet people, socialize, and build those connections that make a community feel like community.

For example, the upcoming October gathering will be Friday, October 2nd at Park Station, 1200 Park Street, beginning at 6 PM.

See upcoming Alameda Pride events

Why This Matters to Me

I believe that Pride is more than one month, one event, or one parade. It’s about showing up for one another throughout the year. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be themselves, supporting our young people, celebrating our differences, lifting up local businesses and community members, and making sure that LGBTQIA+ people know they have a place here.

I’m really honored to have the opportunity to contribute my time, heart, experience, and energy to Alameda Pride—and I’m excited about what we can continue creating together.

If you’re part of the Alameda LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, a local business owner, a parent of a queer or trans young person, or simply someone who wants to get more connected, I hope you’ll come join us. There is room for all of us here. 💗🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️