Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

San Mateo County (SMC) celebrated and recognized Trans Week of Visibility (TWOV) from March 25th to March 31st, 2025. The week’s events kicked off with a workshop on legal name and gender changes on March 26th, followed by a Trans 101 workshop, the Becoming More Visibly You: Gender Affirmation workshop, a mixer for families and trans kids, and concluded with the Be-You-Tiful Celebration for TWOV. These events were hosted by the incredible staff at the San Mateo County Pride Center and supported by numerous partners and community members demonstrating solidarity and allyship.

The closing celebration was filled with laughter, unity, and new connections, all while enjoying the lively and artistic rhythms of DJ Ambrozia. The evening also featured an impactful and heartfelt speech by Dr. Jei Africa, Director of SMC Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Dr. Africa highlighted the significance of TWOV, the healing power of community, and the role of love and support in overcoming the most challenging times. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the audience and inspired continued advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

Data shows that in 2022, LGBTQ+ individuals reported experiencing the lowest number of days in the past month where they felt healthy and full of energy. They also had the highest number of days in which their mental health was not good, the highest prevalence of self-reported mental or emotional problems, and the highest experience of depression lasting two or more years, compared to others across age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and poverty levels.

This event not only highlighted the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community but also showcased the unwavering support and valuable resources available in San Mateo County.

The Pride Center’s drop-in hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Pride Center is located at 1021 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo, CA 94402.