Seedlings

Pride, Partnership & the Power of Showing Up

Each June, the Bay Area bursts to life with rainbows, celebration, and purpose. Pride Month is more than a party—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, creativity, and resilience of our LGBTQ+ community.

At Family Giving Tree, our mission is rooted in dignity, equity, and community uplift. We believe every child and family deserves to feel supported, seen, and valued—no matter who they are or how they identify.

A Region of Rich Identity—and Real Disparities

The Bay Area is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations in the country. According to a Bay Area needs-assessment report referenced by the San Francisco LGBT Center, nearly 500,000 LGBTQ+ individuals live across the nine-county region.

But even in a region known for its progressive values, disparities endure:

• According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 survey, over half of LGBTQ+ youth in California reported experiencing symptoms of depression and emotional distress.
• The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing found that nearly 50% of unhoused youth in the city identify as LGBTQ.
• Many LGBTQ+ residents still face barriers to safe housing, affirming healthcare, and essential resources.

When systems fall short, community-based solutions step in—and that’s where our collective care becomes essential.

Creating Belonging Through Everyday Action

At Family Giving Tree, everyday actions—like filling a backpack with supplies or delivering a gift—carry immense meaning. These gestures say loud and clear: You belong.

Each piece of support we offer contributes to a more inclusive Bay Area—helping children and families navigate challenges related to identity, income, and access. Through our partnerships with local schools and community agencies—many of which serve LGBTQ+ youth and families directly—your impact extends further than you know.

Community Spotlight: Lavender Phoenix

One local organization leading the way is Lavender Phoenix (formerly APIENC), a San Francisco-based nonprofit centered on transgender, nonbinary, and queer Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Through initiatives like their Dragon Fruit Project and leadership development programs, they foster healing, storytelling, and advocacy.

Their work uplifts often-overlooked youth and emerging leaders—and reminds us that real change begins with deep-rooted care.

How You Can Celebrate Pride with Purpose

This Pride Month, we invite you to celebrate in ways that center community, equity, and inclusion:

• Champion inclusive futures. Whether through advocacy, mentorship, or helping ensure every child feels supported in and out of the classroom, every action you take contributes to a Bay Area where everyone belongs.
• Learn about organizations like Lavender Phoenix and LYRIC Center for LGBTQ+ Youth, both doing essential grassroots work in the Bay Area.
• Get involved by volunteering with or supporting local organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities—like Lavender Phoenix. Your time and energy are invaluable.
• Share this message to raise awareness about local LGBTQ+ efforts and how they intersect with broader issues like education, housing, and mental health.

Pride Is a Year-Round Commitment

At Family Giving Tree, we believe equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t seasonal values—they’re daily commitments. By showing up for Bay Area children and families in meaningful, tangible ways, you help build a more joyful, just future for everyone.

This Pride Month, we’re proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ neighbors—and to keep showing up in ways that reflect our shared humanity.