LGBTQ Merced was founded in 2023 with the purpose of uniting and building up a divided queer community. We provide free, monthly social events, health and wellness referrals, and LGBTQ+ cultural sensitivity training delivered by LGBTQ+ identified health professionals. We can also help change name and gender. Use our contact page to get in touch with us.
Our members and founders are collectively responsible for the creation of Merced’s existing queer traditions, including the Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance, GLSEN Merced, the Merced Pride Center, the transgender support and resource group at the MAC (formerly Genderpeers), LGBTQ+ group art exhibitions at the MAC in 2019 and 2021, and more.
Join us as we create a open, democratic, radically inclusive and transparent LGBTQ+ organization, dedicated to uniting the queer community of Merced and making the politics of queer justice accessible to everyone.
We welcome membership and participation from all community members committed to these values. We envision a connected queer Merced, united in ambitious and progressive goals that benefit the entire community.
Upcoming Events
Free LGBTQ+ Pizza Party
My trans teen and I attended the LGBTQ free pizza party in Merced every month for about six months while we lived nearby and we had such a wonderful experience. My teenager looked forward to each meeting to be able to spend time with other teenagers like himself, where he was accepted and was able to find community. I appreciated the meet ups so much and the opportunity for community that when we moved away to a place where there weren’t similar opportunities I created a group myself to mirror the one in Merced. Thank you for providing such a needed opportunity to connect with others, we really enjoyed and appreciated it.
– Event participant
As an artist and curator, Eli Sachse creates opportunities through art, community, and connection by celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and creating an awareness that trans people have been a part of every culture throughout history. His exhibits touched hearts and opened minds, sparking conversations that educated and
Colton Dennis
uplifted the LGBTQIA+ community.
Executive Director, Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Thanks so much for your presentation to my school administration students. You definitely provided important information and shared resources that current and future school administrators and teachers need to have regarding efforts to meet the needs of K-12 LGBTQ students so they feel safe and comfortable at school and receive the same opportunities to succeed and achieve their career goals. Eli, your presentation was obviously well prepared and well-received. To both of you, thanks for leading a robust and productive conversation after the presentation. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Dr. John Borba
California State University, Stanislaus
Latest News
- LGBTQ+ people who want to quit smoking can get paid $200 to participate in a research study
- Statement in Solidarity with Palestine
- Name and Gender Change: It’s Easy in Merced County
- LGBTQ Merced Successes for FY 23/24
- Landmark Protections For Trans and Non-Binary Teens Passed in California
Some of Our Partners and Sponsors
