Erick Gabriel

In this final episode of In Between, we explore the thriving drag scene in SLO County. What was once an underground subculture has now gone mainstream — not just here, but across the nation.

All are welcome at Let There Be Lesbians, but it's an intentionally sapphic space — one meant for queer, feminine energy.

Having safe spaces is important for queer people of color to be able to live safely, comfortably and authentically. But what does it mean to be in a safe space? Reporter Erick Gabriel talks to LGBTQ+ people of color in SLO County about what it means to them, and how the community can go beyond safe spaces to create “brave” spaces.

Workplace discrimination is a problem affecting much of the LGTBQ+ community. In this episode of In Between, we hear from Dale Morenx, a SLO resident who sometimes feels out of place as a queer person of color.

Someone taking the hormone estrogen could experience breast growth and other feminizing effects, while a person taking testosterone might experience masculine traits like facial and body hair growth or a deeper voice.

In San Luis Obispo County alone, 51% of LGBTQ+ youth and 58% of Transgender and nonbinary youth have considered suicide, according to a 2019 Mental Health Needs Assessment by SLO County.

There's an ongoing effort in SLO County by students, parents and some school district employees to make school a more accepting and safe place for queer students of color.

The first story in our series In Between examines the systemic barriers that queer and trans people of color face in San Luis Obispo County. We hear from a trans student of color in Atascadero and other community members about what it feels like to be queer and a person of color in this area.

For decades, gay bars have been a safe haven and communal place for the LGBTQ+ community to come together. But even as much of society moves toward more acceptance and inclusivity, queer-specific spaces can still be hard to find, and the Central Coast is no exception.