Building Bridges, Changing Lives: How Pride Year-Round is Redefining Inclusion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community and Beyond

Siona Huyck, founder and director of Pride Year-Round, is making waves in Bakersfield, California, with her groundbreaking work supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Her business offers 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural training, consulting, and an innovative online platform to connect individuals and families with the necessary resources and support.

 

Building Pride Year-Round

Her personal experiences inspired Siona’s vision for Pride Year-Round. After coming out and later as a transgender woman, she faced rejection, adversity, and even violence. These challenges shaped her determination to create a safe space for others in similar situations. “I wanted to do something that aligned with my values and helped others,” Siona shares.

The idea of Pride Year-Round first took root while Siona worked with a local non-profit. Seeing a lack of consistent funding and sustainable programs, she took the concept of year-round 2SLGBTQIA+ support and turned it into a for-profit business. Part of the company’s revenue is funneled back into free community programs, creating a unique hybrid model that prioritizes growth and giving back.

 

What Pride Year-Round Offers

Siona’s business focuses on education, connection, and advocacy. The services include:

• Cultural Training and Consulting: The available workshops teach businesses, schools, and organizations how to understand better and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Pride Year-Round goes beyond the basics, offering tailored, evolving training that addresses complex topics like pronoun use and gender identity.
• Online Community Platform: Siona is developing a digital space for families, individuals, educators, and allies. Prideyr.com platform will provide resources, forums, and support tailored for different age groups and needs. Whether a parent is learning about puberty blockers or an educator needs help navigating classroom inclusivity.
• Local Advocacy and Events: Siona also organizes community events like Bakersfield’s first Anti-Hate Forum. By bringing together civil rights leaders, educators, and community members, she drives meaningful change at the local level.

 

The Impact of Representation

Siona’s journey fuels her mission. Having survived a traumatic hate crime and experienced a lack of resources in her community, she’s dedicated to creating a better future for others. “People need representation and a space to feel seen and supported,” she explains.

Through her work, Siona is building a culture of collaboration. She serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the Pride Chamber of Kern and frequently partners with volunteers and professionals in her projects. “This is about more than just me,” she says. “It’s about building something sustainable for everyone.”

 

What’s Next for Pride Year Round

Although Pride Year-Round is still in its early stages, it’s already making an impact. Siona has big plans, including expanding her services to other states and creating new programs for queer veterans and underserved communities. She also hopes to grow her team, bringing on staff to scale the organization’s reach.

At its heart, Pride Year-Round is about connection. Whether helping families support their 2SLGBTQIA+ kids or educating allies on how to be more inclusive, Siona’s work bridges gaps and creates opportunities for growth and understanding.

 

Get Involved

Pride Year-Round is here if you’re looking for resources, cultural training, or a way to connect with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Follow them online to stay updated on their journey and look for the launch of their online platform.  https://www.prideyr.com/