" 'I really became a person, a human being, however you want to say that, when I became a woman.' These days, Sandy Stone is a community elder. She’s a vital force behind the radio station that hosts The Babblery, KSQD in Santa Cruz, CA. She’s retired from academia, which she joined after retiring from her illustrious career as a recording engineer. There’s a lot to say about Sandy’s many life achievements." Listen to the full episode on The Babblery with Suki Wessling (she/her) … [Read more...]
Cabrillo College Hosts First Ever Transgender Day of Resilience/Remembrance Event
This event was produced by Cabrillo's Office of Student Equity and included a photo booth, pronoun pin making, activities, and speeches to honor the trans lives lost in 2023. We've shared a few photos from the event below! … [Read more...]
Queer Youth Updates is in the News! “The Importance of Supportive Spaces for Queer and Trans Youth” – Growing Up in Santa Cruz
"This newsletter serves as a platform to share local LGBTQIA2S+ youth friendly resources and events in one centralized location. In high school I remember feeling frustrated that there were opportunities to connect with my community and develop leadership skills, but neither I, nor my peers, had the tools to find them all. Queer Youth Updates, a labor of love, has now been a source of visibility to queer and trans youth in Santa Cruz County for over 10 years." … [Read more...]
Prismatic Youth Rainbow Holiday Party @ The Diversity Center, December 15, Santa Cruz
Happy Holi-gays! This month’s Prismatic Youth Gathering will be a holiday party at The Diversity Center. Join us for a rainbow elephant gift exchange, cookie decorating, and an ugly sweater contest! RSVP here! When: Friday, December 15 @ 6pm - 9pm Where: The Diversity Center Ages: 11 - 18 NOTE: TDC will provide small gifts for the rainbow elephant gift exchange and a light dinner. Youth do not need to bring a gift to attend. “Ugly” sweaters are encouraged though! … [Read more...]
Guitar Club @ Branciforte Library – Every Wednesday Starting December 13
Bring your guitar to the library to play music, practice, share what you know and learn something new! Some instruction provided. When: Every Wednesday Starting December 13 @ 3 - 4pm Where: 230 Gault St. Santa Cruz, CA … [Read more...]
Queer and Trans Student Clubs in Santa Cruz County and Surrounding Areas
For a complete list of GSA, QSA, SAGA, QIA, Rainbow, and Pride clubs, and their advisors visit the Safe Schools Project GSA List Santa Cruz County Alianza Charter School 4th/5th grade Rainbow Club Aptos High School “Rainbow Alliance” GSA Aptos Junior High School “Pride Club” GSA Branciforte Middle School “The Muskequeers” GSA Branciforte Small Schools Campus: Alternative Family Education, Ark Independent Studies Costanoa High QSA Ceiba College Preparatory Academy GSA Cesar Chavez Middle School GSA C.T. English … [Read more...]
Save the Date! 27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards, May 11, 2024
Join us for the 27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards as we honor LGBTQIA2S+ students and their allies throughout the county! We can’t wait to host you for a night of celebration and fun at Scotts Valley High School in Scotts Valley. Come early for the resource fair at 5:30pm, then enjoy a delicious catered buffet dinner by D’La Colmena Catering at 6:00pm. This year we will recognize our brave LGBTQIA2S+ youth for their activism and authenticity while we reflect on the progress and milestones of our youth over the past 27 years. Our … [Read more...]
Crisis Support
LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Programs
The Diversity Center Youth Program The youth program at TDC provides supportive, educational and social activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) youth. Check out their weekly schedule events at diversitycenter.org/youth Questions? Email youth@diversitycenter.org "Our Gente" @ The Epicenter Presents: "Q-Turn" - In Person Q-TURN is Our Gente’s LGBTQ+ specific set of drop-in hours that happen every Thursday from 12 PM to 5 PM at The Epicenter. Youth participants are welcomed … [Read more...]
Holiday Wellbeing Resources for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
GSA Network | Queer and Trans Wellness Resources "Wellness encompasses a wide variety of activities, from art to music to reflective exercises. The Trans & Queer Wellness Resources page was developed specifically for trans and queer youth of color who are working to create change in their schools and communities while balancing their physical and mental wellness." - gsanetwork.org/resources/youth-wellness Some highlights are: Holiday Self Care Tips Journaling for Beginners Emotional Safety Plan PDF of these … [Read more...]