Ventura County has a lot to offer. It’s one of the most beautiful locations on the coast and new cultural opportunities are popping up all the time. It also has a burgeoning LGBTQ+ community. Even so, it can be hard to know where to plug in. You might hear things here and there about local events and groups, but it can be a challenge to find the right fit for you. In an effort to make it easier, we want to highlight some of the local resources and events for Ventura County’s LGBTQ+ community.
LGTBQ+ Resources in Ventura County & Their Meetups
- Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center: Of course, we can’t leave ourselves off the list! Our local team of therapists is here to help you get what you need to live your healthiest, fullest life. Maybe that’s individual counseling. Or maybe it’s regularly meeting with a support group of other LGBTQ+ individuals. Maybe it’s dropping in for one of our self-care yoga classes. We’re here to help, so please never hesitate to contact us.
- Diversity Collective: The Diversity Collective is a local nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education, and mental and physical health for the LGBTQ+ community. They run a number of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the county, including the AIDS Walk and Pride. They also offer free, rapid HIV testing at the Community Resource Center (2471 Portal Road in Ventura). The testing is completely confidential and anonymous. Call (805) 665-3193 to set up an appointment.
- Rainbow Umbrella (ages 13-23): Teens and young adults are invited to join Rainbow Umbrella for their fun, friendly Friday meetups. This weekly peer support group meets from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday at the Community Resource Center.
- Thrive (ages 21+): Every Thursday, young adults gather at the Community Resource Center. Get there are 6:00 p.m. to join in the Guided Meditation. (There is a $10 fee for the meditation.) Or come at 7:00 p.m. for the free community meeting.
- PFLAG Ventura: Another fantastic support for the local LGBTQ+ community, the Ventura chapter of PFLAG meets on the fourth every Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Resource Center.
- Coalition for Family Harmony: The Coalition offers free counseling sessions for LGBTQ+ adults and youths in both Spanish and English. They also offer a family support group for loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals. This group meets every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at 1030 Norte Ventura Road in Oxnard.
- Santa Paula West: This Pride Clinic is home to the area’s leading medical professionals for the LGBTQ+ community. They offer primary care, hormone replacement therapy, PEP/PrEP services, free rapid HIV testing, and counseling.
- One Step a la Vez: This Fillmore-based organization serves our youth. Their Project Pride LGBTQ+ Support Group meets every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m at 421 Sespe Ave in Fillmore.
Fun Upcoming LGBTQ+ Events in Ventura County
- August 2nd – Proud Art: The Diversity Collective hosts an LGBTQ+ mixer on the first Thursday of each month. In August, that event will be Proud Art, a celebration and showcase of artwork from LGTBQ+ and allied artists. Come to the Bell Arts Factory (432 N Ventura Ave # 101) at 6 p.m. to see the gorgeous art and meet new friends. Note: if you miss the mixer, the art will be on display at the Bell Arts Factory until August 15th.
- August 17-19 – Ventura County Pride: No list of LGTBQ+ events would be complete without Pride! The Diversity Collective hosts a full weekend of events from August 17-19. Everything kicks off on the 17th with a mixer on the Ventura Pier and the fun continues all the way through a Pride Brunch at the Pierpont Inn. (Don’t worry, there are plenty of parties at Paddy’s in between). You can get more info about Ventura County’s largest LGBTQ+ event here.
- September 22 – Conejo Valley Pride: Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the inaugural Pride event for Conejo Valley! The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on September 22 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Park (2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard).
- October 6 – Diversity Gala: Get ready to get dressed up! The Diversity Gala returns to the beautiful Heritage Square (715 S A St.) in Oxnard. At the Gala, individuals and organizations will be recognized for their support of the LGBTQ+ community. Get your ticket to be a part of the festivities, including having a chance to Taste the Ventura County Rainbow as you grab delicious bites from several local restaurants.
We hope to see you at some of these great LGBTQ+ events in Ventura County! We’re here to be a support for you. If you have any questions, want more info about any of the resources we’ve listed, or just want to talk, contact us!
