Join us for the 13th Annual Watsonville Film Festival is a celebration of Latine & Indigenous filmmakers, culture and community! Los esperamos! Learn more at watsonvillefilmfest.org … [Read more...]
Upcoming Youth Programs & Events @ The Diversity Center, Santa Cruz
GSA Rainbow Skate Night, February 21 Get ready to skate and glow! The Diversity Center and B40 Muskequeers and Gault Rainbow Dolphins are teaming up to bring you a FREE GSA Rainbow Skate Night! Whether you're a pro skater or just learning, come join the fun at the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium. Sign up Here! What’s included? Free skate rentals (so no excuses not to join in!) You can also bring your own skates if you have them. Yummy snacks to keep you fueled An awesome chance to meet new friends and build community with the … [Read more...]
Upcoming Youth Programming @ EDI Educators
February events include lots of storytelling, community actions, and intentionally intersectional programs! Youth are invited to join us every Saturday afternoon for the Queer Youth Meet Up, where we're having a blast with queer activist PowerPoint parties, a safety & security online workshop, our annual Palentines celebration, and some political organizing where we get you the tools to fight for what you believe in. At Felton SAGA, we're diving into BlackxQueer cowboy culture. It's history, sure, but it's also BEDAZZLING.You're also … [Read more...]
2025 Queer Youth Leadership Awards Nominations Open Jan 28 – Feb 28
The Queer Youth Task Force of Santa Cruz County is seeking to honor local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth and their allies at the 2025 Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA)! Eligible awardees are those who have shown outstanding leadership, academic excellence, or community engagement as a LGBTQIA2S+ youth under the age of 18, or as an ally to LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Allies to LGBTQIA2S+ youth may be a straight youth, or can also be a straight or LGBTQIA2S+ adult. We ask each … [Read more...]
Black History Month – February 2025
Each February we celebrate the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) - Founders of Black History Month | Origins, history, resources, and how to celebrate Santa Cruz Public Libraries | Book Lists and Special Programming GLSEN | Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color Our Trans Truth | Black Trans Joy Zine, Spring 2024 "Black Queer History is American History" - GLAAD … [Read more...]
We Must stand United in Support of our Immigrant Community
In partnership with CAB, Community Bridges, and Watsonville Law Center, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) launched a resource site to help keep our immigrant students, families, and community members informed about their rights and how to access legal and support services when needed. Visit the site to learn more: https://susderechos.info … [Read more...]
2025 Queer Youth Leadership Awards Nominations Open Jan 28 – Feb 28
The Queer Youth Task Force of Santa Cruz County is seeking to honor local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth and their allies at the 2024 Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA)! Eligible awardees are those who have shown outstanding leadership, academic excellence, or community engagement as a LGBTQIA2S+ youth under the age of 18, or as an ally to LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Allies to LGBTQIA2S+ youth may be a straight youth, or can also be a straight or LGBTQIA2S+ adult. We ask each … [Read more...]
Weekly/Monthly Queer & Trans Youth Programs
The Diversity Center Youth Program, Santa Cruz County The Diversity Center’s Youth Program offers support to teens, families, and schools on issues of gender, sexuality, acceptance, and overcoming discrimination. Check out Diversity Center Youth Program for the most up to date information about meet dates, times, and programming. Rainbow Kids Circle (Ages 5 - 11) - Meets the First Saturday of the Month Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90 minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-10 and their families. … [Read more...]
Reminders
Scholarship opportunities for LGBTQIA2S+ youth In November, Queer Youth Updates shared 9+ scholarships opportunities for local youth. Miss the email or want to share? check it out here! Holiday Self-Care Tips and Resources for Youth The holidays can be a difficult time for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, here are some resources to help you or a friend. Queer and Trans Wellness Resources & Holiday Self Care Tips - GSA Network Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth - The Trevor Project Going Home for the Holidays...Or Any Days … [Read more...]
LGBTQIA2S+ News
"Epicenter celebrates 10 years of making a difference in the lives of Salinas youth" - The Californian "In a cozy old house with rooms decorated with colorful posters and pictures of smiling faces, the staff at Epicenter are ready to celebrate. Ten years ago, what started as a program supporting foster youth, has expanded to become a vital destination for all youth who need a safe space and a helping hand. In their decade of service, Epicenter has grown to include programs for youth experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and … [Read more...]