Positive Images, the only LGBTQ+ community center in Sonoma County, has opened a new, larger facility in Santa Rosa. The expansion provides more space and resources at a time when safe community hubs are increasingly important for queer and transgender individuals.
The new location is double the size of the organization's previous home, allowing for a significant increase in services, including mental health counseling, bilingual programs, and dedicated support groups for all ages.
Key Takeaways
- Positive Images, Sonoma County's sole LGBTQ+ center, has relocated to a larger facility in Santa Rosa.
- The new space is twice the size of the former center, enabling the expansion of critical services.
- New and enhanced offerings include mental health counseling, bilingual programs, and a free community closet called the "Transformation Station."
- The opening is positioned as a vital source of support amid a national climate of increased hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community.
A New Chapter for Community Support
The new center for Positive Images marks a significant milestone for the long-standing nonprofit. Executive Director Chase Overholt described the opening as a pivotal moment for the local community, emphasizing the need for such a space.
"It feels like a moment, reminding our community you really deserve the space," Overholt stated. "At a time when things feel a bit dark, this is a bright light."
The organization, which has served Sonoma County since 1990, designed the new facility to be a welcoming and affirming environment. The increased square footage directly translates to a greater capacity to serve the needs of the region's diverse LGBTQ+ population.
"I love to just say, 'Hey, what brings you in today? Welcome. You found us,'" said Overholt, highlighting the center's open-door philosophy.
Expanded Services and Unique Resources
With the larger facility, Positive Images has broadened its range of programs. The goal is to provide comprehensive support that addresses various aspects of life for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The center now offers a more robust schedule of services tailored to different age groups and needs.
A History of Service
Positive Images was founded in 1990, initially as a response to the AIDS crisis. Over more than three decades, its mission has evolved to provide broad support, advocacy, and a safe space for the entire LGBTQ+ community in Sonoma County, making it a cornerstone institution for the region.
Core Programs Offered
The center's programming is structured to be accessible and inclusive. Key services now available at the new location include:
- Drop-In Services: A safe place for community members to connect, access resources, or simply relax.
- Weekly Support Groups: Structured groups catering to various age demographics, from youth to seniors.
- Bilingual Programs: Services and resources offered in both English and Spanish to better serve the entire community.
- Mental Health Counseling: Professional counseling services are available to address the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
One of the most distinctive features of the new center is a space dedicated to self-expression and exploration.
The Transformation Station
A unique addition to the facility is the "Transformation Station," a free community closet where individuals can explore their gender expression in a safe and supportive environment.
"This is our transformation station," Overholt explained. "They play around with gender expression, figure out what feels good, take it home." The closet contains a variety of clothing items, from dresses to overalls, all available at no cost.
This resource is particularly valuable for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals who may be experimenting with their identity and presentation for the first time.
A Safe Haven in a Challenging Climate
The opening of the expanded center comes at a time when LGBTQ+ communities, especially transgender people, face increasing political and social hostility across the United States. Leaders at Positive Images see the new facility as a direct response to this environment, offering a sanctuary of acceptance and validation.
"When the cultural zeitgeist says our voices don't matter, or we're wrong for simply existing, it's time to create spaces where we see you, hear you, and we value every piece of you as soon as you walk through the door," Overholt emphasized.
This sentiment is shared by other staff members who work directly with the community's youth.
"It's really good to offer youth a place where they can be free of what's going on in their lives or at home," said Crimson Diggs, a programs assistant. "Here we are going to call you by your correct pronouns."
Community Contributions and Local Impact
The center is also a hub for community engagement and support. During a recent visit, local author Maia Kobab donated books to the center's growing library, underscoring the importance of shared resources and representation.
Kobab, whose work has been central to discussions about LGBTQ+ literature, praised the center's role as a refuge for young people.
"Having a safe space out of school where people can show up after school and read books, it's really important," Kobab said.
The library, like the Transformation Station, provides another avenue for self-discovery and connection. For over 30 years, Positive Images has adapted to meet the evolving needs of its community, and this new, larger home represents its latest and most ambitious step in fulfilling that mission.