As a gay teenager in Modesto in the 1980s, "dressed to the nines," Sondra St. James was walking downtown when a carload of drag queens spotted him. They were out of costume, and forced St. James into the car, warning, "Girl, you are going to get yourself killed."

They took St. James to their drag show, and his life would never be the same. To continue click here

The San Joaquin Pride Center will be holding its annual Red Carpet Gala on Sunday, February 24th at the University  Plaza Waterfront Hotel To continue reading click here

It’s that time of the year when people consider making  New Year’s resolutions. For those of us at the Pride Center it’s a no-brainer, keeping our doors open throughout 2013!

The First Annual Stockton Pride Festival was an unequivocal success! San Joaquin County Parks & Recreation has reported that attendance was over 3,000, and our own figures point towards 4,000. Either way, Stockton Pride was huge! Thanks to everyone for being a part of local history.

Thanks to our sponsors for making our festival possible. Our Rainbow Sponsor: Civil Justice Association of California, and our Gold Sponsors:  PG&E, Nationwide Insurance, San Joaquin Delta College, Wells Fargo, Stockton Transgender Alliance, 209 Live, Entravision and Big Monkey Group.

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When she moved to Stockton some 20 years ago, Joy Neas was in awe of its treasures: the natural waterfront, its rich history and interesting architecture.

"The first moment I saw Stockton, I never knew anything like that could exist. I never grew up with anything like that," said Neas, who was raised in Richmond. "I was in awe. I go downtown all the time. I never run out of things to do there. I celebrate downtown, go to restaurants, take photos, walk around and look at the architecture. At the Fox Theatre, you can go see old movies in a palatial, beautiful place that would have been torn down if not for the effort of a few people. I think the arts bring life, vitality to areas. I didn't want to see it die."

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Tomorrow, October 20th, is National Spirit Day and millions of Americans will show their support for our LGBT youth by wearing purple.  Locally, to honor this significant day and show our support for our local LGBT youth, the San Joaquin Pride Center will be opening our doors for business.

While our walls have yet to be painted and permanent furniture and supplies yet to be purposed, our organization felt the responsibility to our community too great and that our doors must open as soon as possible.  So with that in mind, please consider donning purple and stopping by our “soft opening” this Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm.  Our regular hours of operation will be Monday thru Thursday, 11am to 7pm and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8pm. To continue reading click here