About Us
Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Collective Coalition, where we champion resilience, embrace diversity, and prioritize harm reduction in the face of unique challenges related to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use in our vibrant community.
Our journey began with a group of passionate individuals who, in 2018, united under a shared vision—to create a safer, more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ individuals, with a strong emphasis on harm reduction and support.
Our Mission & Vision
Our core mission is
to support LGBTQ+ individuals by addressing the unique challenges of substance use.
We promote resilience, inclusivity, and harm reduction, creating a safer community.
Our vision is
empowering LGBTQ+ lives through harm reduction, inclusivity, and resilience, creating a world where every individual thrives.
Our Values
Inclusivity
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Empathy
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Resilience
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Harm Reduction
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Diversity
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Collaboration
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Inclusivity ★ Empathy ★ Resilience ★ Harm Reduction ★ Diversity ★ Collaboration ★
Inclusivity
We celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and commit to fostering an environment where every individual feels welcome, respected, and supported.
Harm Reduction
Our commitment to harm reduction is unwavering. We prioritize evidence-based strategies that meet individuals where they are at, promoting healthier choices and behaviors.
Empathy
We approach our work with compassion and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals may face related to substance use.
Diversity
We celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and recognize that each person's experience is unique. We honor and respect these differences.
Resilience
We believe in the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and lead healthier lives.
Collaboration
We understand that meaningful change requires collective effort. We actively collaborate with partners, community organizations, and individuals to create a safer and more inclusive world.
Our History
Explore the journey of the LGBTQ+ Collective Coalition as it evolves, adapts, and continues to make a lasting impact in the LGBTQ+ community.
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In December 2018, we embarked on our mission as a youth coalition, dedicated to supporting the younger LGBTQ+ generation.
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In February 2019, acknowledging the wider reach of our mission, we transitioned our focus to young adults, initiating our journey with funding from Tobacco Prevention resources and dedicating our efforts to championing Smoke-free Outdoor Dining in the City of San Diego while establishing a supportive coalition.
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In October 2021, we experienced a change in staff and welcomed a newly recruited coalition. This transition marked a pivotal moment in our journey, propelling us toward fresh opportunities and challenges.
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In May 2022, securing additional funding from San Diego County marked a transformative moment as we expanded our work to address Alcohol and Other Drugs, prompting a mission statement revision that emphasized raising awareness of the sober curiosity movement and underlined the significance of meeting people where they are at in harm reduction work through diverse approaches.
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To mark the closure of the summer season, the Collective launched its first ever Silent Disco! An event to encourage connection and fun in an LGBTQ+ space.
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On June 30th, we launched our first Sober Pride with the theme, Pride Within. A space for folks to celebrate without the pressures of substances.
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September 2023 saw the launch of the Collective's very own podcast "Queering Up Harm Reduction!" Hosted by Meesh and Sunny, the duo explores personal stories, intersectionality, and strategies prioritizing harm reduction in the LGBTQIA+ community.
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In May 2023, we reached a significant milestone with increased grants from tobacco prevention and San Diego County, expanding our funding base. This facilitated the removal of the young adult demographic restriction, enabling us to support all LGBTQ+ San Diegans and hire additional staff, paid interns, and collaborate with community groups in our collective mission to create a safer, more inclusive community.
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In February 2024, the Collective launched its first workshop series "Space and Grace" hosted by our Community Organizer Grace!
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The Collective launched their first Zine Fest with the theme, Queer Health and Abundance.
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Sapphic Spaces launches!
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The Collective launched our first Advisory Board!
“There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it’s now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it’s simply the way things are..”
-Tammy Baldwin.