Happy Pride! Think Global & Act Local this Month & Beyond

Pride Month is upon us, and we are here to make it known that we are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community! 

We believe in a safe, equitable and loving space for all beings, regardless of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Today, we are prompting the question, ‘How can I think global and act local this Pride month?’. Recently, we asked ourselves this very question, and with a little research, we found some amazing organizations and causes to support in our local community. Below, we share how we are giving back this year to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals and their culture. We hope our actions inspire you to participate in Pride celebrations and fundraisers in your area. With our efforts combined, a ripple effect will occur, ensuring LGBTQ+ support and justice throughout our localities and beyond.

The PAAVANI Ayurveda Apothecary is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of western Nevada County, and we are thrilled to now be acquainted with a social network of gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender persons referred to as Nevada County Pride. This organization celebrates, supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in our area by promoting community, diversity and respect through events, education and resources. Nevada County Pride organizes the local Pride calendar and we are excited to celebrate the Pride Flag Raising on Saturday, June 2nd, at 2 pm in downtown Nevada City. We will also attend the "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” screening and look forward to experiencing this year’s electrifying drag pageant!

This year, PAAVANI was able to make a monetary donation to NorCal AIDS Cycle (NCAC). This annual cycling event has been going strong for almost 20 years and counting. The mission of NCAC is to support organizations throughout Northern California, with an emphasis on the Greater Sacramento Valley, that are working to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and care for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in our region. Thanks to NCAC, local organizations that are struggling to keep their doors open can continue to provide a safe and positive environment for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, NCAC has raised over 3 million dollars for HIV/AIDS-related non-profit agencies, and we are proud to have contributed to raising funds to benefit our region. 

Our neighboring county, Placer County, is without an LGBTQ+ Center; however, a group of thoughtful, committed citizens intend to make this a thing of the past. The future Placer LGBTQ+ Center in Roseville, California, will be a welcoming and supportive space offering social and educational events and resources. It will also host local agencies and organizations providing services to LGBTQ+ residents and their families. The establishment of this new facility has our full support!

Serving our local region since 1988, Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation (SFAF) is a community-based, nonprofit organization. Their primary mission is to provide comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, as well as to contribute education and prevention services to the general public, including free HIV testing. All services offered by SFAF are free of charge and are available to all local people living with HIV or AIDS as well as their families. We will proudly be volunteering and giving away samples of our Ayurvedic herbal products at SFAF’s booth during Pride on the Patio at the BriarPatch Co-op on Saturday, June 29th, from 1-3 pm. Stop by and say ‘Hi’!

Pride flag hero image by Lisett Kruusimäe from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hands-joined-against-progress-pride-flag-12289189/