eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to honor and encourage California students for their service to the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. Scholarship Amount = $6,000 Deadline to Apply: January 31st, 2023 www.equalityscholarship.org Local eQuality Scholarship Recipients Over the Years 2022: Reyes Morales Warne (he), San Lorenzo Valley High School Lucia Umeki-Martínez (they), Watsonville High School Troy Alansalon (he/they), Marina High School 2021: Laurel Bowen (she/they), Pacific … [Read more...]
Pajaro Valley Pride Scholarship
Each year, Pajaro Valley Pride awards a scholarship(s) to a student or students based on their academic successes and those who have been highly active in social justice issues either on campus or in the general community. Scholarship Amount: Varies Year to Year (past awardees have received $1,000 - $1,500) Application Opens: TBD (see website for updates, estimated Winter/Spring 2023) pajarovalleypride.org Learn about the past recipients here … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ Youth Scholarships
Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County 16 Different Scholarships are Available for Santa Cruz County high school students! The descriptions on the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County website provide a summary of the eligibility qualifications established by the generous donors who have provided the award opportunities. Scholarships range in award amount and include both one-time awards and renewable awards. Award amounts are subject to change from year to year. Scholarship Amount = Varies (Range $1,000 - $5,000) Application … [Read more...]
QYLA Nominations
Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) The Queer Youth Leadership Award is given annually to queer youth who are 8 to 18 years of age to acknowledge their accomplishments and the contributions they have made to their communities, whether this be in their homes, schools, religious institutions, athletic or academic teams, or other social groups. Four awardees will receive a cash award of $250, as well as the opportunity to designate a queer youth–friendly project or nonprofit organization in their community to receive a $500 … [Read more...]
“Billy Porter receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: “Impossible dreams coming true”” – Gay Times
"I’ve heard a lot of things in my life: ‘You’re too Black. You’re too gay, too loud, too extra, too flamboyant. Homosexuality is an abomination, you are an abomination, you will never be blessed,” he said. “We know that’s a lie. That theory no longer has any credibility.” … [Read more...]
“Former MLB pitcher TJ House comes out with post about engagement to his boyfriend, invited to White House” – Out in Sports
"House, 33, is the third former MLB player to come out publicly — following Glenn Burke and Billy Bean — and the first to do so in 23 years." TJ House (right) with fiance Ryan Neitzel were invited to the White House after posting about the Respect For Marriage Act. … [Read more...]
“Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act, recognizing marriage equality in federal law” – CBS News
"President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act on Tuesday at a triumphant White House ceremony, enshrining federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages into federal law for the first time." President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.TING SHEN/BLOOMBERG … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ in Politics
"Monterey voters elect gay mayor, out Latina sheriff" - The Bay Area Reporter "In Monterey County voters elected as their first lesbian and first Latina sheriff Tina Nieto, who will also serve as the county coroner, in the November 8 general election. Meanwhile, in the coastal tourist mecca of Monterey, City Councilmember Tyller Williamson has become his city's first gay and first Black mayor. "Cupertino elects first gay councilmember" - San Jose Spotlight "Cupertino is getting its first-ever LGBTQ councilmember, and … [Read more...]
Holiday Resources & Scholarship Opportunities for Queer Youth
In case you missed it we've shared two of our most recent QYUs - Please share these resources with local queer youth in your community: Holiday Resources for Queer Youth - Wellness/Self Care, Tips for Going Home for the Holidays, and Inclusive Faith Groups in Santa Cruz County. Scholarships For LGBTQ+ Youth Graduating High School, Internship Opportunities, and Application Resources Happy Holidays from Queer Youth Updates! … [Read more...]
Watch the 2022 QYLA on Community TV (CTV) in December & January!
Where to Watch: Santa Cruz County Community TV (CTV) | Channel 27/73 When: December 10 - January 29 Every Saturday at 1:30 pm Every Sunday at 6:00 pm Special thank you to Community Television of Santa Cruz County! … [Read more...]