Peer Groups

 

The San Mateo County Pride Center hosts a number of peer groups led by a combination of staff and community volunteers. These groups are social gatherings for community members to meet others who share their identities and experiences and are also a great way to make new connections with other LGBTQ+ folks in the Peninsula. Organized by age and specific identities, our peer groups reflect the diversity of our community.

What is a Peer Group?

A Peer Group is a space for members of a specific identity and/or community to come together, build friendships, and find social and emotional support in a private and affirming environment. Groups are run by community members and consist of a check-in and topic-based discussion or activity brought forward by different participants.

These are not therapy groups, meaning facilitators are not licensed therapists; instead, they are community members providing supportive spaces for their peers to find connection.

 

The Pride Center is currently offering the following groups:

Youth Groups

The QTBIPOC Group is a peer support group for LGBTQIA+ identified People of Color ages 14-25. This group is a safe and confidential space to share experiences and is dedicated to exploring, supporting, and educating ourselves and others on the intersectionality of being LGBTQ+ and of Color. This group is English speaking.

This group meets weekly on Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm on Zoom. To sign up, please fill out the intake form here: tinyurl.com/OutletIntakeForm

Questions? Contact outletprogram@acs-teens.org or 650-424-0852 ext. 107

The LGBTQIA+ Drop In Group is open to LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies ages 10-18 who are interested in connecting and building community through games, activities, and topic discussions.

This group meets on Tuesdays from 4:00pm – 5:30pm via Zoom. For more information or to sign up for this group, please email outletprogram@acs-teens.org

Groups for Folks 18+

This Gay Men’s Social Group is a space for Gay and Men Loving Men (MLM) to come and share their experiences and build connections.

This free, drop-in, peer-led social group meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm until 7:30pm. It is open to all Gay and Men Loving Men (MLM) ages 18+, with folks 50+ strongly encouraged to attend.

This group is currently meeting virtually and pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register to receive your unique link to join the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/SMCPC-gaymensgroup

For more information on programming for adults 50+, please contact Ellyn Bloomfield at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org.

In the Get APP-y Workshop, facilitator Arlene Aquino will provide support to folks ages 50+ who want to learn more about iPads, iPhones, Androids, laptops, apps etc.

This group meets on the third Monday of the month from 12:00pm until 1:00pm. Folks are invited to join by phone or on Zoom.

Please RSVP to Arlene (aaquino@peninsulafamilyservice.org) preferably by the second Friday of the month to receive call-in or Zoom instructions.

For more information on programming for adults 50+, please contact Ellyn Bloomfield at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org.

The San Mateo County Pride Center and Peninsula Family Service co-host the LGBTQ+ Book Club in partnership with San Mateo County Libraries.

This club is free and meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 4:30pm until 6:00pm. It’s open to everyone ages 18+, with folks 50+ strongly encouraged to attend!

This group is currently meeting virtually and pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register to receive your unique link to join the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-bookclub

For more information on programming for adults 50+, please contact Ellyn Bloomfield at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org.

The LGBTQ+ Parent Peer Support Group is a space for LGBTQ+ folks age 18+ who are parents of kid(s) 0-5 years old to support each other, share parenting wisdom, and build community. This group is open to anyone who is a parent or caregiver of young children, with all family formations and ways of being or becoming a parent welcome! 

This group will meet twice a month: 

  • First Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm 
  • Third Tuesdays from 10-11:30am (little ones welcome to join!) 

 

Pre-registration is required; please register in advance at: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-parentsgroup  

If you’re interested in joining this group but the above times don’t work for you, please contact Ainsley Blattel (they/them) at Ainsley.Blattel@SanMateoPride.org. We understand that scheduling is challenging as a parent of little ones and we want to do our best to make this group accessible to you. 

The Polyamory Peer Power group is a social and discussion group for polyamorous / open / RA / poly-friendly / poly-curious / etc. folks (18+).

This free, drop-in, peer-led social group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 7:00pm until 8:30pm. It is open to all polyam/open/etc. people ages 18+, with folks 50+ strongly encouraged to attend.

This group is currently meeting virtually and pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register to receive your unique link to join the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-polyampower

For more information on programming for adults 50+, please contact Ellyn Bloomfield at ebloomfield@peninsulafamilyservice.org.

The Queer Women’s Group is a place where ALL women identifying folks are welcome! Come to meet new people and build community together.

This free, drop-in, peer-led social group meets on the fourth Friday of every month from 6:00pm until 7:30pm. It is open to all Queer Women ages 18+.

This group is currently meeting virtually and pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register to receive your unique link to join the Zoom meeting: https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-queerwomxn

The Trans Peer Support Group is a free, safe space open to all Trans*/GNC/Non-binary community members to share experiences and build connections.

This free, drop-in, peer-led support group meets on the first Monday of the month from 6:00pm until 7:30pm. It is open to all trans folks ages 18+.

This group is currently meeting virtually and pre-registration is required. Please use this link to register to receive your unique link to join the Zoom meeting:
https://tinyurl.com/smcpc-transgroup1

Please check our calendar for dates and times.

For more information, or if you would like to start a group, please contact info@sanmateopride.org