Substance Abuse in the LGBTQQ+ Community

Written By: Dafne Luna, Outlet Program Coordinator The use of recreational drugs and alcohol in this community is incredibly widespread and, unfortunately, is sometimes encouraged as a cultural norm. For many queer and trans* youth, drinking is almost a rite of passage into Queer culture. There are very few places, meetups, and activities where large […]

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The Importance of Family Support of LGBTQQ+ Youth

Written By:  Dafne Luna, Outlet Program Coordinator and Group Facilitator     We live in this society where the second part of the December is intended to be spent in a happy coexistence with family, friends, and everyone else in the world.  However, this time of the year can be really hard for a lot […]

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LGBTQ History Month – A Review!

Complied by:  Outlet Program staff in partnership with Youth Space    In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, Outlet and the LGBTQ Youth Space have collaborated to celebrate and highlight important LGBTQ+ historical figures and their contributions to events that have positively impacted the LGBTQQ+ community worldwide. Why is LGBTQ History Month Important? It is a month […]

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Timeline: Key events in the history of U.S. gay rights

Image: LSE Library, Gay Pride Banners 1974   ** ACS is the home of the Outlet program, a prominent peninsula LGBTQQ community support organization.  We strive to bring awareness to the LGBTQQ community and the struggles faced by this population-help us celebrate PRIDE month by visiting our PRIDE page today! **     A timeline […]

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Salinas High Crowns its first Transgender Prom Queen

Image: Crowns for the Cause, Effie Horning Interview by: Roberto M. Robledo    In an interview with The Salinas Californian, the 18-year-old related her story of transition. It is a story of hardship, violence, hatred, love, joy, tears, laughter, pride and acceptance. •The Salinas Californian: When did you become Angie? Angie Esteban:“I kind of already […]

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Outlet Program hosts FREE movie night: “Gunn Hill Road”

image: Joakim Wahlander “Popcorn” By: Dafne Luna Outlet Program Coordinator Films are an amazing tool for creating community. Films allow people of diverse backgrounds to come together in one space and indulge in one shared experience.  Movie nights for Outlet are important for this reason.  We provide a safe and open space for LGBTQQ youth and their […]

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