The Gala Pride & Diversity Center (GPDC) is proud to share that our Board President, Julia Thompson, has been selected as a 2025 Pride Month Honoree by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
This statewide recognition honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility, equity and community progress. Julia, who also serves as an Advocate Supervisor at CASA of San Luis Obispo County, will represent the Central Coast at the State Capitol during the official Pride Month celebration on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Each year, the LGBTQ Caucus honors leaders from across California whose work inspires change and uplifts LGBTQ+ communities. Honorees are recognized in formal floor ceremonies held in both the Assembly and Senate chambers and are presented with a framed legislative resolution commemorating their impact.
“Julia leads with compassion, integrity, and a fierce dedication to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Jenna Wallravin, GPDC Board Secretary and Chair of the Marketing Committee. “This honor is so well deserved, and we are thrilled to see her recognized at the state level during Pride Month.” Reflecting on the honor, Julia Thompson shared: “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the LGBTQ Caucus. This work is rooted in love and service and I share this moment with every member of our community who continues to show up, speak out and support one another.”
The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, founded in 2002, was the first caucus of openly LGBTQ+ state legislators in the nation and remains a leader in the fight for equality and justice. Learn more at https://lgbtqcaucus.legislature.ca.gov.
GPDC extends deep gratitude to the Caucus for uplifting local leaders like Julia, whose advocacy—both through her work at CASA and her leadership at The Gala Pride & Diversity Center—helps create a safer, more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
This recognition comes as GPDC celebrates Pridefest 2025, a two-month celebration of queer joy, resistance and community spanning San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria. Explore events and ways to get involved at https://galacc.org/.