About
The San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission has launched the SpeakOUT Campaign to increase visibility and allyship for the LGBTQIA+ community in San Mateo County. The Campaign is designed to equip residents with tools to share their perspectives and ideas on how San Mateo County can continue the upward trajectory of inclusion and equity for all regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Did You Know...?
- San Mateo County has a Pride Center which is the first ever LGBTQ+ community center in San Mateo County and offers robust programs, events, and support services for LGBTQIA+ and allies in the county.
- Downtown Half Moon Bay is the location of CoastPride,offering a safe space online and at community events to gather the diversity of voices, raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, and address the needs of LGBTQ youth, families, and adults.
- The San Mateo County Office of Diversity and Equity sponsors a health equity initiative called the Pride Initiative and also organizes the largest family friendly and alcohol-free Pride Celebration in the Bay Area.
- The San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission, established in 2014, is the very first of its kind in the state of California.
- This County is home to numerous organizations and businesses that are proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies (see below).
- Every city and town in the county proclaims Pride Month in June by flying the Pride/Progress flag.
Grassroots Organizing Designed for YOU
Members of the San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission, speaking to folks throughout the county, have found that far too many people in San Mateo County are not aware of these important facts and resources! As a result, we have launched the SpeakOUT Campaign to help get continued support for these organizations and events by empowering YOU to SpeakOut.
To garner support, our elected and appointed officials need to be aware of the importance of the crucial services and initiatives that these organizations provide. We want those in positions of power to support and to develop equity-focused policies and initiatives as the LGBTQIA+ community in San Mateo County evolves. As part of the SpeakOUT Campaign, the LGBTQIA+ Commission will equip members of the community, and allies, to speak at meetings of the County Board of Supervisors, local City Councils, library boards, K-12 and community college boards, and associated advisory committees throughout San Mateo County. SpeakOut is recruiting community members like you to become speakers and advocates. We will provide training and guidance to help you better understand the process, gain confidence in your ability to influence the public agenda, and SpeakOUT.
Please reach out and someone from the LGBTQIA+ Commission will answer all of your questions – no commitment on your part.
Contact Information
Phone: (650) 363-4467
Email: tbeat@smcgov.org
Sign Up to Volunteer
Over a decade in the making, the Pride Center is the first ever LGBTQ+ community center in San Mateo County. Whether seeking behavioral health services or gathering in solidarity with others to share stories, build relationships, learn, grow, create, and heal together, LGBTQ+ individuals and communities throughout the Peninsula finally have a space to call their own!
CoastPride offers a safe space online and at community events to gather the diversity of our voices, raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, and address the needs of our LGBTQ youth, families, and adults. We work with existing local civic, governmental, for-profit and nonprofit organizations to enhance services so that they are inclusive of all who play, work, and live on the coastside.
San Mateo County Pride Initiative
The PRIDE Initiative is a health equity initiative under the San Mateo County Office of Diversity & Equity, a division of Behavioral Health Recovery Services. The PRIDE Initiative is fostering a welcoming environment for the LGBTQQI communities living and working in San Mateo County through an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. They organize the largest family-friendly and dry Pride event in the San Francisco Bay Area.
San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission
On June 3, 2014 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to establish California’s first county (or city) commission focused on the needs of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. The Board of Supervisors established the San Mateo County LGBTQIA+ Commission in order to improve the quality of life and well-being of LGBTQIA+ County residents.