Back in the early 80’s the Santa Cruz Queer community was shaken to the core with the large number of gay men who were becoming ill and beginning to die from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Our community’s response to this moment was extraordinary. The City of Santa Cruz is currently in the planning stages to upgrade San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz. With the help of Cheryl Fraenzl, Jerry Solomon, Jo Kenny, and John Laird a petition has been drafted to present to the City Council. We are asking for a permanent memorial … [Read more...]
PRIDE Santa Cruz 2023 Video by Chelsea George
Every June the queer community and their allies come together in a safe and inclusive space. Parade participants include organizations and businesses, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, children and dogs, sharing their pride, activism, enthusiasm and love. … [Read more...]
Congratulations Adam Spickler for being named a CA LGBTQ Caucus Pride Month honoree!
Each year during Pride month, the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus recognizes LGBTQ+ community leaders who have devoted time and effort to uplifting their local communities and LGBTQ+ people as a whole. Senator John Laird has chosen Adam Spickler as the 2023 honoree. Adam Spickler, Trustee, Cabrillo College, Adam is the first openly transgender man elected to public office in California and is currently a Senior Analyst and Public Information Officer for the County of Santa Cruz’s Human Services Department. Find Adam in the 2023 CA … [Read more...]
PFLAG Parent Day – Tune in to celebrate parents of all kinds who show up for LGBTQ+ People!, July 23
PFLAG Parent Day, now in its third year, is a special event to celebrate LGBTQ+ affirming parents and all the people who fill a parenting role for LGBTQ+ kids of all ages. Follow the stories of families, advocates, educators, artists, and communities across the country who show up each day to fight for love and justice in their own backyards. The PFLAG Parent Day presentation will premiere on PFLAG National social media and ABC Owned Television Station streaming platforms … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Prismatic 3rd Friday LGBTQ+ Teen Gathering – Let’s go see the new Barbie Movie!, July 21
Meet us at the movies! Experience the magic and excitement as we come together to watch the latest Barbie movie, a delightful adventure celebrating friendship, empowerment, and embracing our true selves.This event is for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13+ to come together, have fun, and celebrate inclusivity and self-expression! If you feel inspired to dress up for the occasion feel free to wear pink! Get your sparkle on and show the world that you belong! When: 3rd Friday of Every Month. (Next: Friday July 21st) @ 6:30 PM Meeting Time! Showtime at … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz County LGBTQ+ Organizations Respond to SCOTUS Ruling
Weekly LGBTQ+ Youth Programs *Updated May 2023*
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 "Our Gente" @ The Epicenter Presents: "Q-Turn" - In Person Q-TURN is Our Gente’s LGBTQ+ specific set of drop-in hours that happen every Thursday from 12 PM to 5 PM at The Epicenter. Youth … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News – “How one woman fought bigotry and helped change the way Asian Americans see themselves” – The Los Angeles Times
"Zia was an early proponent of what was once a novel idea: that Americans with roots in China, Japan, Vietnam and other Asian countries could unite as Asian Americans to organize and, when necessary, agitate. The group identity would expand to more parts of Asia, such as India, and later include Pacific Islanders. Some believe it’s not far-fetched to say that without Zia, May would not now be observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander Island Month." - The Los Angeles Times … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News – “How Civil Rights Pioneer Pauli Murray’s Legacy Lives on Today” – Teen Vogue
"Pauli Murray has a phenomenal and brilliant legacy. Dr. Murray’s existence highlights the fact that there have been Black, gender-expansive, and queer thinkers blazing bright paths in legal spaces and beyond. " - Teen Vogue … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News – “Icon Sylvia Rivera profiled in a book for Latine youth” – GLAAD
"Seeing a dearth of books about Latine people, the organization Hispanic Star teamed up with Macmillan to create a series of books that would "get Hispanic heroes into every Latine household and ensure every Latino kid has access to the stories of their own heroes." - GLAAD … [Read more...]