Celebrating CoastPride: Holding the Line for LGBTQIA2S+ Rights

Posted June 30, 2025

In grantmaking, grassroots, guest post, non-profit, PVF News

Guest post by CoastPride

We are excited to shine a spotlight on CoastPride, an incredible organization committed to building a community where all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are celebrated for who they are.

Founded in 2019, CoastPride was born from the urgent need for LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit) visibility and support in rural, geographically isolated areas from Pacifica to Pescadero. With a focus on equity, intersectional inclusion and access to health services, CoastPride has become the first of its kind on the coast—serving as a space for connection, education, and a vital lifeline for LGBTQIA2S+ people facing hostility and erasure. Trans and queer folx offer joy, creativity, and a new way of seeing the world. Trans ways of being challenge the binary view that shapes our world, expanding possibilities and broadening our understanding.

Read their guest blog post below to learn more about their work in our communities.

At CoastPride, we are committed to building a community where all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are celebrated for who they are. Our work is rooted in creating safe spaces, building understanding, and empowering individuals to thrive. Here’s how we do it:

Youth Support & GSA Alliances: We partner with local schools to support Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), offering safe spaces, leadership development, and identity-affirming programming for LGBTQ+ youth.
Community Education: Through training and workshops, we engage schools, businesses, and community organizations in creating inclusive environments, reducing bias, and fostering understanding.
Mental Health and Support: At our CoastPride Community Center in Half Moon Bay, we offer weekly peer support groups for both adults and youth, provide one-on-one resource navigation, and maintain a library of LGBTQ+-focused materials. Additionally, we are proud recipients of an Allcove grant, which will fund the creation of an Allcove mental health center on the coast.
Pride Celebrations: Each June, we host the Coastside Pride Celebration, a joyful gathering that brought together over 1,000 people this year. It’s a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and resilience on the coast.

What sets CoastPride apart is our deeply local focus. We are led by and for the communities of the Coastside, reflecting the unique needs of the area. Many of our volunteers and board members are lifelong residents, deeply rooted in the community, and bring significant advocacy strengths. We are committed to providing bilingual services in English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for all, and we work closely with Latine and BIPOC partners to foster collaboration and build bridges across identities.

Even in the Bay Area, it’s easy to overlook the isolation and challenges LGBTQ+ people face in rural regions like the Coastside. Limited access to affirming services, invisibility, and stigma can take a heavy toll. At CoastPride, we know that access and support saves lives. Our work creates a space where youth can share experiences, adults can find support groups, families can get involved, and elders can reconnect with their community. Each year, we continue to grow, serving more people and strengthening our programs. As we expand our impact, we remain committed to the values of belonging, dignity, and joy. We are excited for the future and eager to build a more inclusive and just world for all.

PVF is proud to support CoastPride and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will continue to create.