a chapter of the LGBT Community Network
Our Story
LGBTQ Merced was established in 2023 in order to create a central place for queer folks in Merced County and the surrounding areas to find community and resources. We hold numerous monthly events that are free and open to the public, including crafting, a silent book club, and pizza parties. We also help people change their name and gender legally, and provide customized health and mental health referrals for LGBTQ+ people seeking compassionate care in the valley.
Queer politics in Merced have been contentious and disconnected for too long. We believe that by creating and promoting ethical and transparent systems of democratic, queer leadership, our community can come together to create incredible events, initiatives, and a sense of belonging for all queer residents of the Central Valley, from Los Banos to Mariposa, and from Turlock to Madera.
Our Values
- Elevating and empowering LGBTQ+ leaders
- Radical transparency, inclusion and diversity
- Democratic processes and values
- Collaboration, and partnership
- Community development through the ethical, equitable and sustainable use of natural, economic, social, and human resources
- Valuing the expertise and experience of the local community through promoting civic involvement and participation
- Scientific data and evidence-based practices
Meet our team!
Alexander Thorsman is a nonbinary individual and a Merced County native. Their goals include being more actively involved in mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Their interests include reading, writing, swimming, and nature, with a deep love and affection for animals. In 2024 and 2025, they facilitated our Boardgame meetup at Red Sky Comics in Merced.
Ale (They/Them She/Her) is a Genderqueer Artist and community member whose lived in the central valley for 25 years. Although primarily from the Merced area, Ale previously worked in Fresno as a member of Esmeralda Soria’s campaign staff engaging with the community to address local issues. Ale facilitates our Queer Crafting meetup at Coffee Bandits in Merced on the last Sunday of each month at noon.
Eli Sachse, BSN, RN is a transgender man who settled in Merced in 2009. He created the first transgender and non-binary support group in Merced, Genderpeers, and ran it on a volunteer basis for three years (2019-2021). He is the founder of LGBTQ Merced, GLSEN Merced, and the Merced Pride Center in the MAC. He curated the first two large LGBTQ+ art exhibitions at the MAC. He sewed the 24-foot long rainbow pride flag for the Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance that was carried down main street during Merced’s first downtown pride celebration in 2019. He is a traveling registered nurse who also deploys to disasters with the American Red Cross.
Those who listen, change the world
– Nobel Peace Center
The Mission
The mission of the LGBT Community Network is to enhance the well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities by providing activities, programs and services that create and support community; empower community members; provide essential resources; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity.
LGBT Community Network is a 501(c)3 organization, based in Fresno, CA.
Tax ID 81-3066621
