10/28/2026
🌈 25 for 25 Spotlight #11: Caden Downey
As we continue celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Growing Together Fund, we’re honored to spotlight another powerful advocate whose leadership, visibility, and community organizing are helping build a safer, more inclusive future for LGBTQIA+ people across San Luis Obispo County: Caden Downey, Community Organizer for Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC).
As PPCCC’s San Luis Obispo County Community Organizer and a long‑time member of the local LGBTQIA+ community, Caden works every day to ensure q***r and trans residents have access to resources, support, and affirming spaces. His work extends far beyond PPCCC’s health centers, reaching into neighborhoods, schools, and community events across the region.
Caden’s impact includes:
✨ Hosting and participating in community events that connect LGBTQIA+ residents with resources and supportive organizations
✨ Tabling at local fairs to distribute safer s*x kits, PPCCC literature, and LGBTQIA+ centered materials
✨ Collaborating with LGBTQIA+ organizations to create safe, welcoming spaces for q***r and trans community members
✨ Advocating for transgender students at local school board meetings
✨ Speaking publicly in support of transgender athletes, q***r youth, and gender‑affirming care
✨ Helping ensure access to inclusive, affirming healthcare despite federal defunding threats
As a lifelong SLO County resident, Caden has witnessed the LGBTQIA+ community grow stronger, more visible, and more connected. He notes the rise of LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses, the expansion of SLO Pride, and a noticeable decrease in stigma and fear. Progress he attributes in part to the long‑standing work of the Growing Together Fund.
Caden shared that The Community Foundation’s continued support of PPCCC has played a critical role in sustaining gender‑affirming and LGBTQIA+ inclusive services, especially for trans and non‑binary community members who face significant barriers to care.
He also reminds us that the work is far from over:
“I am committed to ensuring that the next generation of LGBTQIA+ individuals are supported in all aspects of their lives. Advocacy at the local, county, and state level is vital to ensuring discriminatory policies never see the light of day. It is essential that SLO community members and organizations continue to stand firm together in their support for the q***r community.” - Caden Downey
Join us in celebrating Caden and 25 years of Growing Together. 🌟