"No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us."

Marsha p. Johnson | American gay liberation activist

Mission

The SCV LGBTQ Center is dedicated to stimulating community growth in the Santa Clarita Valley through inclusive and intersectional events, welcoming spaces, and valuable educational resources, aimed at supporting and empowering the LGBTQIA2S+ population.

Organize Inclusive and Intersectional Events:

Host a diverse range of events and activities that cater to various identities within the LGBTQIA2S+ community, ensuring that all members feel represented and included.

Create Welcoming Spaces:

Create and sustain safe, accessible, and welcoming physical and virtual spaces where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals can gather, connect, and find support.

offer Educational Resources:

Develop and distribute comprehensive educational materials and programs that address the needs and concerns of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, promoting awareness and understanding within and beyond the community.

Support and Empower the LGBTQIA2S+ Community:

Implement initiatives and services that directly support the well-being and empowerment of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, including mental health resources, advocacy efforts, and community-building activities.

We envision a stronger, healthier, loving, and more equitable home for queer folk to live authentically.

History

The SCV LGBTQ Center was founded in April 2020, during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea sprouted from the minds of Finley (son) and Dawn (mother), who recognized a significant gap in structured resources and community for LGBTQ individuals in Santa Clarita, CA. With Finley being a native of Santa Clarita and Dawn having resided there for over 20 years, they were uniquely positioned to address this need. Their vision quickly gained traction, attracting passionate supporters and the backing of organizations such as Queer SCV and PFLAG of SCV.

As Dawn took on the role of president of PFLAG SCV, the SCV LGBTQ Center began recruiting dedicated members and allies from the local LGBTQ community. Early contributors included Jay, Kelly, Katherine, Beckett, and Gabby, who joined Finley in the mission to establish a permanent location for the SCV LGBTQ Center in Santa Clarita. Together, they worked to create a welcoming and supportive resource hub and community center.

In 2019, Kelly & Amanda Romnarine co-founded Queer SCV, igniting a grassroots movement that revolutionized the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Clarita. Their commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality led to the creation of events and spaces aimed at combating social isolation for the LGBTQIA2+ community. Through dedication and passion, they paved the way for others to join their cause.

In May 2024, a significant milestone was achieved when the SCV LGBTQ Center merged with Queer SCV, uniting their efforts into a single, cohesive organization. This merger marked a new chapter in our journey, strengthening our ability to serve the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Santa Clarita with greater impact and reach.

Our Team

President

Bryce (He/Him) has lived in SCV for 26 years and holds a master's degree in History with a focus on LGBTQ history. During his six years in academia, he developed a love for the Gilded and Progressive Era and a passion for researching and writing history. His studies now concentrate on LGBTQ history and 20th-century civil rights movements, with expertise in California LGBTQ history, military LGBTQ history, and broader LGBTQ history across various eras. Bryce aims to bring this rich history to the center, providing the community with an opportunity to experience and learn about significant, yet often overlooked, LGBTQ historical figures and movements. He is excited to contribute his passion and knowledge to the center.

Vice-President

Nick (He/Him), a Midwest native, has been a California resident since 2010 and has called Santa Clarita home since 2013. Professionally, he has dedicated over 20 years to people development and mentorship while serving in various leadership and business operations roles, currently positioned as Senior Director of Store Operations at Hot Topic, Inc. Before joining the SCV LGBTQ Center, he volunteered with the Creative Futures Mentorship Program, supporting their mission to unearth and empower the next generation of creative leaders from disenfranchised or system-impacted communities. Nick envisions a stronger, happier, and prouder future for Santa Clarita by unifying its diverse community.

Treasurer

Katherine (She/Her) is a Certified Public Accountant and has had her own practice in Santa Clarita since 2016.
She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 1995. Katherine has lived in Santa Clarita since 1993 and raised her two children here. And she is a proud grandmother.
She has worked with the parent-teacher organizations at her children’s schools, coached soccer for two years, and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She is currently serving as a Governing Board Member of the Saugus Union School District.
She is excited to have this opportunity to work with this group of brave visionary young people. Growing up in a small town she witnessed the agony of being gay in a small town. Every person should be able to be who they are!