About Us
LGBT-TRISTAR is a services division of Gil Gerald & Associates, Inc., a technical assistance and training provider, under contract to California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP). The contract with ADP supports the State Government’s efforts to provide technical assistance and training to local and statewide alcohol and other drug (AOD) programs to assist in the planning and implementation of quality AOD services. The services provided by Gil Gerald & Associates, Inc. and packaged as LGBT-TRISTAR are intended to improve access to and appropriateness of AOD prevention, treatment and recovery services for California’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender population. At LGBT-TRISTAR, we are committed to the full continuum of services, beginning with effective prevention.
An important role in advising ADP about services targeting California’s LGBT in need of AOD prevention, treatment and recovery services is fulfilled by the LGBT Constituent Committee of ADP. Like LGBT-TRISTAR, this committee has as its purpose to improve and expand alcohol and drug services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population in California. This body is made up of community representatives from around the State, and LGBT-TRISTAR staff attends the meetings of the Committee and integrates the advice and recommendations of this body in planning and conducting technical assistance and training services.
The effort to make alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related prevention, treatment and recovery services more accessible to and effective for California’s lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders has a history in which the LGBT Constituent Committee has played a critical role. Their 2004 report, Invisible Californians, speaks to how much must be done to address complex needs arising out of a very diverse LGBT community, with distinctly different AOD related prevention, treatment and service needs, made even more challenging due past and continuing ostracism.
To accomplish its purpose, LGBT-TRISTAR develops and conducts its services in response to technical assistance and training needs identified for county AOD agencies, AOD services providers serving the general population, and AOD services providers based in the LGBT community. LGBT organizations interested in starting AOD services are also potential beneficiaries of technical assistance and training services offered by LGBT-TRISTAR. The services offered to all of these types of organizations range from over-the-phone consultations, to on-site technical assistance, and online and regional training events.