The Rainbow Community Center in Concord will have a grand opening party to celebrate its new location Saturday, September 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at 2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301.
In an email announcement, Kiku Johnson, the center's executive director, noted the free, family-friendly event will include a ribbon cutting to officially open to the public, signups for the center's programs, and guided tours of the space.
There will also be an awards ceremony and community member tributes for volunteer of the year, ally of the year, and RCC champion of the year.
RCC offers a variety of programming such as social and support groups for youth, adults and seniors that will all be returning in-person following the center's physical closure due to the COVID pandemic.
Johnson added that there will be games and other activities, such as face painting, on the lawn.
"We are so excited to be opening to the public once more in Concord in a brand new space, and to be able to celebrate this occasion," Johnson stated in an email to the Bay Area Reporter. "After three long, isolating and difficult years for all — especially the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies — the ability to come in person and join together in community can be truly lifesaving. We look forward to seeing more and more folks in person — especially for events, our social and support groups for youth, adults and seniors, and our STI/HIV testing and support services."
For more information about RCC, click here.
Pride events in Redding, Stockton
California cities continue to celebrate Pride, and two events are coming up in Redding and Stockton.
In Redding, about four hours north of San Francisco, the NorCal Outreach Project will hold its Pride celebration Saturday, September 24, with a free festival from noon to 5 p.m. That's followed by dancing from 5 to 8 p.m., and then a drag show. The festival takes place at the Sundial Bridge event area, on the north side (Turtle Bay Exploration Park).
For more information, click here.
The San Joaquin Pride Center in the Central Valley city of Stockton will get into the Pride spirit as well, holding a festival Sunday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stockton Ballroom, 9650 Thornton Road. There is a $5 suggested donation and parking is $5, according to a flyer.
The family-friendly event includes live entertainment, food, and more.
For more information, go to the center's Facebook page.
Lambda Legal SF event
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund will hold its San Francisco Soirée Wednesday, September 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the W San Francisco Hotel, 181 Third Street.
The in-person gathering will celebrate Lambda Legal's mission of advancing the civil rights of LGBTQ people and those living with HIV, the organization's event page stated.
The party will feature a cocktail reception, guest speakers, and an update on Lambda Legal's litigation and public policy work.
Individual tickets are $275 and available
Barony breast cancer benefit
The Barony, an East Bay-based charitable organization, will hold its annual Pretty in Pink drag brunch fundraiser for breast cancer Sunday, October 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Tommy T's Comedy Club, 5104 Hopyard Road, in Pleasanton.
The show is produced by Divas Entertainment in collaboration with the Barony and comedian Shea Suga, a news release stated. There will be performances by Viva Commotion, Princess Monet Sparkles, Cemora Valentino-Devine, Alex U. Inn, and Loveli Davis.
Doors open at 2 and the show starts at 3. Admission is $25 or $35 for VIP. There is a two-item minimum per person, which can be any combination of food and drink, the release stated.
Proceeds will benefit Hers Breast Cancer Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased here.
BART's outdoor music series
As part of its "welcome back" to riders returning to in-person work, BART is sponsoring a free outdoor music series. A news release noted that the series is also hoping to reinforce the role that public transit plays in fueling the Bay Area's economy and culture.
Patrón Latin Rhythms will be performing at the El Cerrito del Norte Station Wednesday, September 28. On Friday, October 7, in conjunction with Litquake, Momotombo SF will be performing at the Glen Park Station. Both events run from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The bands will play acoustic sets in the plaza areas near or on BART property. Attendees may bring chairs to enjoy the shows, the release stated. The October 7 performance will feature readings by finalists from BART Lines, the agency's first short story contest, in partnership with Litquake.
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