Youth Rainbow Garden Club: Flower Fest!, May 4 April Showers Bring May Flowers! Join The Diversity Center in making flower crowns while enjoying lemonade to welcome in spring! All supplies will be provided. When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 @ 1 - 2:30 PM Where: The Diversity Center Ages: Youth Program for LGBTQ+, gender diverse youth and allies ages 11-18 Questions? Contact Maddox Maddox.flagg@diversitycenter.org Genderventures Documentary Viewing, May 4 Join us for a special program where LGBTQ+ youth come together to watch a … [Read more...]
27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards, May 11 + QYLA on the Radio + 2024 Call for QYLA Volunteer & PSA!
Join us for the 27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards as we honor LGBTQIA+ 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. Come early for the resource fair at 5:30pm, then enjoy a delicious catered buffet dinner by D’La Colmena Catering at 6:00pm. Read the QYLA 2024 Welcome Statement from Superintendent Tanya Krause, Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). Tune in to learn more about QYLA on the Radio! Closet Free Radio on KZSC 88.1 FM … [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 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 Weekly and Monthly Happenings Let’s Connect LGBTQ+ Youth Group (4th Wednesday of Every Month @ 2:30 - 5 PM) The Diversity Center is hosting a LGBTQ+ youth group at Pajaro Valley Prevention and Students … [Read more...]
LGBTQIA2S+ News
"'If others can exist, so can you': Finding trans community around the Monterey Bay" - KAZU On the eve of the 15th annual Trans Day of Visibility, Ruiz said he thinks visibility means “getting everyone to know that there's people that you might not think are trans … that they exist, showing that they’re here.” "Photo: Diversity Center celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility" - The Santa Cruz Sentinel The Diversity Center partnered with UCSC’s Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center to provide welcoming space for all during the … [Read more...]
Reminders
Neon Dreams Queer Prom, April 20, Watsonville Embrace the vibrant spirit of Neon Dreams Queer Prom with The Diversity Center! We extend a glowing invitation to LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 14-18 to join us for a dazzling celebration of authenticity and self-expression. You don't need a date to come to this dance! You do need to complete our Community Connection Survey and show your student ID when you check in at the greeting area. Home-schooled students from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties are welcome! RSVP for this FREE … [Read more...]
Happy Trans Day of Visibility from the GSA Network
In honor of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV), celebrated March 31, the GSA Network shared the following powerful message on Facebook: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility from all of us at GSA Network! Today, we celebrate the resilience, strength, and beauty of our transgender, gender non-conforming (TGNC), and Two-Spirit siblings. Visibility is power, and your existence is revolutionary. As we honor this day, it’s crucial to recognize the intersectionality within our community. We work in solidarity with our BIPOC and Indigenous TGNC and Two-Spirit … [Read more...]
Local Community Leader Spotlight – Alejandra Santiago
As the 27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards approaches on May 11, 2024 we want to honor one of our previous nominees who has made a difference in the trans community locally. Alejandra Santiago has inspired transgender healthcare in Santa Cruz County, served as 2019 grand marshal for Pajaro Valley Pride, and continues to be a strong ally to queer and trans youth. She was also featured in the documentary "Libertad" directed by Brenda Avila-Hanna, which was included in the Watsonville Film Festival. More information about Alejandra and … [Read more...]
[Save the Date] CampOUT 2024 – Registration NOW OPEN!, August 2 – 4, Watsonville
CampOUT is FREE and open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 who are looking for a safe, supportive, and seriously fun camping experience. We'll be pitching our tents and soaking up the beauty of nature at Mt. Madonna County Park in a private campsite. Get ready to relax, enjoy shared meals, share stores by the campfire, and maybe even spot a shooting star or two! When: Friday August 2 - Sunday August 4, 2024 Where: Mt. Madonna County Park Ages: 14 - 18 Cost: FREE CampOUT is FREE but Space is limited—reserve your spot today! … [Read more...]
Salinas Valley Pride 2024 LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program, Application Due: May 31
Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations is proud to offer the only LGBTQ+ focused scholarship in Monterey County. This scholarship is designed to honor LGBTQ+ students and allies who embody Salinas Valley Pride Celebration's mission to create community and increase LGBTQ+ acceptance. Application Due: Friday, May 31, 2024 @ 5pm To view the full application requirements and apply visit salinasvalleypride.com/community … [Read more...]