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

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the QTBIPOC Group hosted by our partners at Outlet!

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.

Starting May 5th, 2021, this group will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 4-5:30pm on Zoom. To sign up, please fill out the intake form here: tinyurl.com/QTBIPOC-group

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+

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

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+.

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

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.

***JUST ANNOUNCED (05/04/21)***

The Grown Folks peer support group has been transformed into… OutRight Community!

Starting Wednesday, May 12th, OutRight Community is a free, drop-in support group that meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00pm until 7:30pm.

This group is open to all LGBTQ+ folks ages 18-30, and is a safe and confidential spaces to find community and support. This group is geared toward young adults who are out of high school, in college, or are transitioning into work and gaining more independence. This group is English speaking.

To sign up for this group, please pre-register at tinyurl.com/SMCPC-OutRight. Once you register, you will receive a unique access link to join the group. No intake screening is required.

Please reach out to Ainsley (They/Them) at Ainsley.Blattel@sanmateopride.org if you have questions or need support.

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+.

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

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