LGBTQ Connection is seeking a passionate community organizer. Specifically, one who is experienced in nonprofit youth program development and evaluation, that thrives in start-up, and excels at developing people and programs to accomplish goals in the context of a regional, grass-roots, rural/suburban, LGBTQ community organization.

Our very own Celeste Chase, a Junior at Valley Oak High School, has been nominated as Youth Volunteer of the Year by LGBTQ Connection. As a leader and an advocate of transgender rights, she has played an instrumental role in not only developing the trans youth community in Napa, but she has also challenged staff to bring a stronger organizational support so that our trans community can have the resources they need to be happy and healthy.

We have an important opportunity for you to help inform understanding of the biggest needs that our diverse LGBTQ communities face across the Bay Area. We want to make sure North Bay voices, like ours, are included! Similar to our own local effort in 2012, Horizons Foundation, the SF Bay Area LGBT community foundation, is leading a community needs assessment that will result in updated local data about our communities and ultimately drive resources and action. These data will be used by the foundation to set grantmaking priorities, and to be a resource for other community organizations and funding.  LGBTQ Connection is helping to get the word out.

Under a wide, trellised panel of dark wood, between two bunches of grapes, the words “WELCOME TO NAPA” greet those driving into the city. Below those words are the logos of more than a dozen community groups: the toothed wheel of the Rotary club, the blue-and-gold circle-L of the Lions, twin green silhouettes on the Girl Scouts seal.

Now, two signs at the city limits carry one more plaque—for a group whose leader scarcely hoped for such visibility less than a decade ago.

"Dinner Over the Rainbow" invites the LGBTQ community and friends of all ages to build connections across generations in Santa Rosa. Together, we can build community with full stomachs, good vibes, and open hearts. Genaro, our youth leadership team member, says "I want them to feel supported and feel like they have family." Be part of ours and RSVP!

To encourage local giving during this holiday season, 43 local nonprofits are featured in a full color catalog both online and mailed to homes across Napa County. We are proud to announce that LGBTQ Connection is one of the fabulous local organizations featured this year!

This documentary follows homeless LGBTQI youth in Washington D.C. A a group of young, black gay & trans teens form a gang to protect one another when no one else will. These youth strive to make a better life for themselves, especially when they have an opportunity to participate in a fashion program. Prepare to be inspired and amazed. 

This Thursday, October 20, 2016 is #SpiritDay, where millions go purple in a stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBTQ youth. It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big impact for a struggling youth to know that they have you on their side.

Eliseo Rivas has the CanDo spirit - and everybody knows it. In the words of LGBTQ Director Ian Stanley, “Eliseo is on fire to make our community better.”

On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, Napa Valley Bistro will contribute 15% of your full bill to LGBTQ Connection if you mention you are there for the dine and donate! Spread the word: what a fantastic way to spend a night OUT and in support of vulnerable youth and seniors!

Local youth still struggle with their families in terms of acceptance of their LGBTQ identities and LGBTQ Connection wants to do more to help. In an effort to harness the incredible support and generosity of our community to support these youth, we are building a list of those who would like to be contacted when urgent needs arise that would support an LGBTQ young person at risk of homelessness or in crisis.

We are proud to once again be part of the all-volunteer committee of folks and organizations that put together Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2016. Please help us share the schedule and invitation widely.