The Youth Led Leadership Alliance is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community. All groups meet once a week on Tuesdays in a hybrid format, and once a month on Saturdays in person at either the County Office of Education in Santa Cruz, or the Sequoia High Schools campus in Watsonville. These groups include: Youth for Environmental Action - Students passionate about environmental justice and … [Read more...]

California Film & Cultural Center (CAFACC) Grand Opening!, Sept 4 - Sept 8 California Film & Cultural Center will be having a grand opening for the community center to kick off September! Join us 9/4-9/8 for movie screenings, giveaways, meetups, sales, Amnesty Days, signups for leadership and creative workshops, equity handouts, and more. Come through any and all days for free fun and community building!  The very first day we're officially open is Queer Movie Night, too. Saturdays: Queer Youth Meetup We'll focus on some back to … [Read more...]

Rainbow Garden Club: Halloween-themed LED Candle Decorations, Sept 7 Join us for a spooktacular Rainbow Garden Club! We’ll be crafting our own Halloween-themed LED candle decorations. Get creative as we transform ordinary candles into eerie, enchanting centerpieces perfect for the season. Whether you’re into ghostly designs, pumpkin patterns, or something truly unique, we’ll provide all the materials and guidance you need. Come light up your Halloween with a personal touch, and take home your handmade candle decorations to add a warm, spooky … [Read more...]

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What is Transgender History Month? "Celebrated throughout the month of August in San Francisco, Transgender History Month is legally recognized by Mayoral Proclamation. It is a month in which Transgender San Franciscans honor the rich history and contributions of transgender historymakers, pioneers, trailblazers and affirms the ongoing presence of transgender people in San Francisco and around the world." Learn more and get a recap of this years month of celebration at transgenderhistorymonth.com See below for a Trans History Month … [Read more...]

Classes are starting back up again and we've compiled a list of resources to help you get started this year! Santa Cruz Office of Education | "Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families" Our vision is for Santa Cruz County to be a model of safe and inclusive schools for all students and families and especially for LGBTQ students. The research is clear: when students feel safe, supported and included in school, their learning increases, their engagement increases and more students graduate from high school who are college and career … [Read more...]

Read about the Rainbow Conference featuring three articles about the 3 tracks at the conference for teens, parents/guardians/educators/adult Allie’s, and for elementary school/families: • Liberating Queer Youth with the Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit by Juniper Brown & Lynx Kelly • Understanding Gender and Supporting Our Youth by Andrea Damon & Michelle Brandt • Shine Bright: How to Be an Affirming Parent by Rainbow Glitter Kids Planning Committee Visit Growing Up in Santa Cruz to learn more … [Read more...]

"Aptos native Nikki Hiltz aims for Olympic gold while advocating for LGBTQ community" - KSBW "Being raised in Santa Cruz, California, you know, coming from a very liberal progressive family and town and city only helped me in taking up space. Realizing and having that support, I feel so privileged to know that I am loved and supported, and I know that not every queer person has that," Hiltz said. "First LGBTQ+ Visitor Center in the National Park System" - Comcast News Makers "The Stonewall Inn, site of the historic June 1969 … [Read more...]