On March 21 the Santa Cruz Office of Education in collaboration with Cabrillo College hosted the first annual symposium for LGBTQ+ youth in K-14. This event was designed to empower educators with the tools, knowledge, and community connections needed to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ students. In the News: "Educators gather in Aptos for inaugural LGBTQ+ symposium" - Santa Cruz Sentinel … [Read more...]

"In partnership with The Diversity Center (TDC), the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is proud to present the Threads of Love: The AIDS Memorial Quilt. Threads of Love is more than an art exhibit; it is a living love letter to the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibit seeks to educate, inspire, and engage visitors in a reflection of the challenges faced during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis and the meaningful exploration of our shared history." When: Friday May 30 - Sunday May 29, 2025 Where: Santa … [Read more...]

We are looking for volunteers to help us make the QYLA run smoothly. Even an hour or two of your time can make a big difference. Below is a schedule of QYLA 2025 and an overview of the volunteer shifts we still need coverage for. Learn more at qyla.org/volunteer! Saturday, May 10, 2025, Soquel High School 9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Setting up QYLA 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Community Resource Fair 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Catered Buffet Dinner 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Awards Ceremony 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm: Clean up Please sign up to volunteer at QYLA … [Read more...]

The Queer Student Union has put together the Voices of Santa Cruz County Students: School Climate & Inclusion Survey. This survey amplifies student voices and gathers insights on inclusion, school climate, hate speech, and bathroom equity—key issues that impact the daily experiences of LGBTQ+ and allied students. We are asking all Santa Cruz County High School Students to participate in the survey. Survey Link: https://tinyurl.com/qsu2025 … [Read more...]

The Safe Schools Project is proud to announce Inclusive Progress Rainbow Flags for classrooms in its effort to make sure LGBTQIA2S+ students and staff feel safe at school. The Inclusive Progress Rainbow Flag is 12” x 18” and includes grommets. Inspired by Conor O’Brien, he/him, Santa Cruz High School Rainbow Alliance Advisor. To request Rainbow Flags for your campus, let us know:  How many flags for your campus Name of school and district Pony delivery or pick-up Questions: info@safeschoolsproject.org Sign up … [Read more...]

"A Magic: The Gathering YouTuber Has Raised Nearly $500,000 For Trans Lifeline" - them "Much to the chagrin of “anti-woke” gamers, Magic has been a staple of queer and trans nerd culture for literal decades. The game itself has expanded over time to incorporate canonically trans characters and stories, such as the game’s first explicitly trans character Alesha, Who Smiles at Death, nonbinary planeswalker Niko Aris, and trans cowboy Yuma." … [Read more...]

"While doom and gloom may wake people up, joy keeps them in the fight, says drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia. With humor, creativity and a dress made of thrifted shower curtains and upcycled pink flamingo pool floaties, Pattie shows why embracing fun might be the key to building a stronger, more inclusive climate movement. (Recorded at TED Countdown: Overcoming Dilemmas in the Green Transition on October 30, 2024)" https://youtu.be/Qvm9k5Wnafs?si=GzrB2wQYv4-NWOTO … [Read more...]