In November we're doing lots of storytelling and community building, especially honoring North American Indigenous, Mexican, and worldwide Indigenous cultural traditions. Join us for original character builds with Santa Cruz Public Libraries, light physical wellness, and lots of crafting, as well as our annual Friendsgiving potluck (food restriction friendly) and an all-ages Trans Day Of Remembrance ceremony and resources for activists. You're also invited to CA Film & Cultural Center's Indigenous Short Film Festival! We will be … [Read more...]
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 - PFLAG imi.guide - Guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health Stories to uplift, empower, and inspire queer and trans youth - It Gets Better Project … [Read more...]
Save-the-Date | 28th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards, May 10, Soquel
Join us for the 28th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards as we honor LGBTQIA+ students and their allies throughout the county! Interested in being an Emcee or performing at QYLA? Sign up for an Audition! (December 2024) Want to nominate a youth, ally, or organization? 2025 Nominations Open Jan 28 – Feb 28, 2025 When: Saturday, May 10, 2025 @ 5:30 - 8:30 PM Where: Soquel High School, Soquel, CA Simultaneous Spanish Translation provided For more information, visit QYLA.org or call (831) 427-4004 or email us at info@QYLA.org … [Read more...]
Crisis Support
PDF of these resources available here. … [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...]
LGBTQIA2S+ News
"Rainbow Conference Highlights LGBTQIA Youth and Parents" - Talk of the Bay from KSQD On September 28th, the Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast held a day-long event. In this interview, we hear from three people involved in organizing it. The guests were: Stuart Rosenstein, organizer, Andrea Damon: Parent, Understanding Gender Conference, and Tyra Williams: Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast "Photo | Student organizers of the annual Rainbow Conference take the stage at … [Read more...]
GLAAD | #Spirit Day, October 17
"#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity. This year, on Thursday, October 17th, GLAAD will organize thousands of celebrities, influential voices, news & media outlets, tv & film studios, brands & corporations, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups and so many more to go purple and support LGBTQ youth by creating clear possibility models for them to thrive and be … [Read more...]
GSA Network | Register Your GSA!
Our GSA Network registration form for this school year is now live! Any TQ2S+ (Trans Queer and Two-Spirit+) school club can register with GSA Network. Once you register, you will receive resources, information about trainings, and support for your club! Your GSA club will join a statewide community of GSA's, get invited to attend membership meetings, and have direct support from a staff organizer. All clubs must re-register this year, even if you were already registered last year! Registration Link: gsanetwork.org/gsa-registration … [Read more...]
GLAAD 20 Under 20 2024: Meet the Changemakers Who Prove LGBTQ Youth are Thriving (Featuring Local Youth Activist & QYLA Awardee Q Licht)
Teen Vogue exclusively presents the annual GLAAD 20 Under 20 list honoring outstanding LGBTQ youth. You can view Q Lincht's GLAAD bio here … [Read more...]
Upcoming EDI Educators Youth Programming, Santa Cruz
This month we've got fun and resources for queer youth, queer young adults, and caregivers of queer young folks too. Join us for movie nights, queer trivia trophies, emergency preparedness kits, so many snacks, clothing swaps, equity workshop signups, and a bunch of ways to make a Halloween costume (and some handy skills for the rest of the year too). Learn more by following us on socials, checking out the community calendar at cafilmculture.org, or just coming by! … [Read more...]