QTAC is a Safe Nurturing Place for Alameda Teens

Interview with Jeramie Andehueson from Alameda Pride

Because Jeramie Andehueson, who founded Alameda Pride (and the Alameda Pride Foundation non-profit organization), didn’t get the support he needed growing up in the Midwest, he wanted to create a safe, inclusive environment for LGTBQ+ teens in Alameda. Thus the QTAC (Queer Teen Alameda Center) was born in October 2024.

Jeramie began his dive into community activism when he started the Alameda Pride in the Park festival in 2022. The success of that event encouraged him to follow his real dream – creating a safe nurturing place for Queer families and teens right here in Alameda. Alameda Recreation & Park Department (ARPD) offered the Veterans Memorial Building for the QTAC. The weekly programs available at the Center, ranging from movie nights and zine writing to storytelling, karaoke and dances, are totally developed and coordinated by teens, and managed by two adult hired teen center coordinators. The Center is open to students from grades 6-12, and any adult volunteers must be fingerprinted and approved to be there. That makes it a safe and confidential space.

Jeramie hopes to expand the Alameda Pride ‘umbrella’ to offer field trips and bring in outside speakers and workshops to the QTAC (on topics such as recovery and mental health), as well as starting ‘meet ups’ for adults to get to know each other in our community. He is planning a ‘GAYla’ fundraiser soon to raise money for future activities.

Jeramie maintains his energy and enthusiasm for supporting LGTBQ+ students and families in Alameda because, he said ‘if we save one kid (from suicide, depression or bullying) we’ve achieved our mission’.

AEF looks forward to collaborating with the Alameda Pride on event promotion, and teacher and student awareness of the QTAC, with more ideas to come. And of course you’ll see the AEF table at the annual Alameda Pride Festival!

If you’d like more information on Alameda Pride go to AlamedaPride.org or you can listen to Jeremie’s podcast on Island City Beat here. Donations to Alameda Pride are also always welcome.