Models of Pride is back for its 31st year with a completely refreshed event! We are transforming what has been an incredible and in its inception, a much needed LGBTQ+ youth conference, into a celebratory festival of love, acceptance and joy! The conference also includes the Parents and Professionals Institute which offers family members, educators, professionals, and all other adult supporters of LGBTQ+ youth an unparalleled opportunity with others on a similar journey. The day will include many tailored workshops, discussions, resources, … [Read more...]
GLSEN | I Love My GSA Panel
This panel features amazing members of the GLSEN National Student Council, Freedom Fellowship, Educator Advisory Committee, and National Staff. Check it out to hear their insights on how to start, build, and sustain your GSA, the qualities of a good GSA advisor, and more! … [Read more...]
GSA Network Annual Calendar of Events for 2023 – 2024
You can jump-start planning activities for your GSA by checking out our 2023-2024 Calendar of Events! Print it out and post it in your meeting room, save it to your phone, and share it with GSA club members to stay ready with activities and club meeting ideas all year round! Full detailed calendar with resource links at GSA Network. … [Read more...]
Back to School Resources!
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...]
Call for T-Shirt Designs for the Fall 2023 Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Sumit of the Central Coast | Entries Due: September 1
The design contest is open to all currently enrolled high school and middle school students located in Santa Cruz, San Benito, or Monterey counties. All entries need to incorporate the summit theme “Capybaras: A Nonjudgmental Look on Queer History.” The winning designer will receive a hoodie with the design and a $25 gift card. Guidelines – Learn how to submit a t-shirt design! Due Friday, September 1 by 5:00 pm Learn more at the Safe Schools Project … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Genderventurers: A Journey of Shared Strength (Ages 11 – 18), September 2 – December 2, Santa Cruz
Genderventures is a 4-part series gender diverse support group open to people ages 11-18 who are wanting to explore and understand how our gender informs the way we experience the world. When: Four first Saturdays from September to December @ 2:30 - 4:30 pm Euphoric Explorers Exercise: September 2nd Sparkling Spectrum Skills: October 7th Fabulously Fluid Fashion: November 4th Gender Gratitude Gathering: December 2nd Where: The Diversity Center, Santa Cruz If you're interested in being part of the group please fill out … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz County Office of Education | Join the Youth Led Leadership Alliance!
The Santa Cruz COE is currently recruiting high school students from across the county to become part of our Youth Led Leadership Alliance. The Alliance consists of six different project-based, topically focused groups including the Queer and Trans Youth Council, the Youth Mental Health Leadership Council, Youth Artists Taking Action, Youth for Environmental Action, the Countywide Black Student Union, and Multilingual Youth Taking Action. Each group engages youth in issues they care about while also helping them develop … [Read more...]
Weekly & Monthly LGBTQ+ 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 Shine Your Pride LGBTQ+ Youth Mixer Co-hosted by TDC and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Weekly on Thursdays Join us at The Diversity Center for a LGBTQ+ Youth Weekly Mixer! Co-hosted by The Diversity … [Read more...]
“Chicago White Sox prospect Anderson Comás on his decision to come out: ‘Now is when I feel good with myself. Now I accept myself.’”
Chicago Tribune - “I wanted to open that door for those people that are fighting for their dreams,” Comás said during a videoconference call Friday. “I feel like they cannot do it because of people’s opinions, so I wanted to share a little bit to help, to open that door and to inspire all of them to keep fighting.” … [Read more...]
“Pieces of Me: Samira Wiley’s Radiant LEGO Self-Portrait”
Rolling Stone - "I didn’t see a lot of characters that looked like me and loved like me. If I did, they weren’t fully realized, three-dimensional people or played by people who identified the same way the characters did. That was a big moment for me to realize —wow, these things which didn’t exist when I was younger—not only do they exist now, but I’m a part of them." … [Read more...]