Pride Month History - "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan...Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world...The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and … [Read more...]
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...]
“Queer and trans youths lead nationwide marches on Transgender Day of Visibility” – NBC News
"The events, organized by Queer Youth Assemble, a nonprofit that serves LGBTQ people under 25, are a response to the wave of state legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers over the last three years that seeks to limit what sports teams transgender students can play on at school, restrict minors’ access to transition-related care and prohibit the instruction of LGBTQ-related topics in schools. The organizers of the events have one central message: Instead of talking about queer youths, talk to them. " … [Read more...]
“March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy in San Francisco on March 31, 2023” – SF Bay Times
An estimated 700 demonstrators in San Francisco participated in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy...Similar marches took place nationwide in many major cities, including Washington, D.C. The events were spearheaded by the organization Queer Youth Assemble and were in response to the anti-drag and anti-trans legislation of the past several months. … [Read more...]
26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards in the News….
"Santa Cruz County Recognizes Emerging LGBT Trailblazers" - Good Times "To bring the LGBT community out of the shadows of that era, QYTF members realized that they needed to highlight the work of the LGBT community, particularly the youth, who have shown leadership in their communities. Thus, the Queer Youth Leadership Awards was born. Now in its 26th year, the event was created to celebrate the achievements and abilities of queer youth." "Queer youth leaders honored at awards ceremony Saturday" - Santa Cruz Sentinel "When it … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Mental Health Services Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members
Free Mental Health Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members. In-person sessions at The Diversity Center, at your school, or online. Contact mhservices@diversitycenter.org or 831-322-4870 (calls only) … [Read more...]
YA Film School (Summer 2023)
The California Film & Cultural Center is once again putting on YA Film School, and this year Community Foundation has funded a special session for queer and trans identified youth. Sign-up sheets are going out via email to all the advisors so your students can come make their very own shorts with professional filmmakers who are out in the industry. Learn more at Cafilmculture.org Questions? Contact Ashlyn Adams (she/her) at anadams@westside-video.com … [Read more...]
48th Annual Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival, June 4, Santa Cruz
Pride Parade (begins @ 11am) The parade travels along Pacific from Cathcart to Locust. Pride Festival (12pm - 4pm @ Cooper Street, Abbott Square and the MAH) Enjoy entertainment, informational booths, and local vendors! Free MAH Admission: Scavenger hunt, art making for the young and young at heart. Youth Pride @ Downtown Boys and Girls Club, 2-4 pm, Santa Cruz Sponsored by Boys and Girls Club & Santa Cruz Pride When: Sunday, June 4th @ 11am - 4pm Where: Downtown Santa Cruz For more information and updates … [Read more...]
Pajaro Valley Pride Scholarship, Deadline: May 31, 2023
This year, Pajaro Valley Pride will award scholarships ranging from $500-$2000 (depending on availability) to students based on their academic successes as well as their involvement in social justice activism either on their school campus or in the community. Scholarships will be awarded regardless of citizenship. Applications In Both English And Spanish Are Welcome. Las Solicitudes Tanto En Inglés Como En Español Son Bienvenidas. Questions? visit pajarovalleypride.org/scholarship or email pajarovalleypride@gmail.com … [Read more...]
Out of this World Queer Youth Prom (Ages 14 – 18), May 19, Watsonville
The Diversity invites youth to blast off to an all-inclusive intergalactic Queer Prom! Queer Prom is for guests ages 14-18. Calling all explorers, astronauts, scientists, space aliens, robots and friends...you don't need a date to join the fun! Queer Prom will feature music from DJ LuNa.M.! Entertainment from Rouge Roulette & Khloe Quarterpounder and space-themed snacks. Our intention is to co-create a gender inclusive dance where guests can feel safe to make new friends and celebrate who they are. High School students can add their … [Read more...]