Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally...Coming out - whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied - STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other. Visit The Human Rights Campaign for over 30 resources for coming out to family, friends, spiritual groups, and much more! … [Read more...]
Interested in Becoming a Triangle Speaker? Youth Are Welcome!
What are Triangle Speakers? “At this very moment LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer and ally) volunteers may be leaving their jobs or homes for one of hundreds of events where they will have an honest, heart-felt talk with a group of total strangers. Their experience of overcoming adversity: the joys and the struggles, the fear and the love, the highs and the lows is what makes these panels impactful. This is the Diversity Center's Triangle Speakers Program. At Triangle Speakers we work to eliminate fear, prejudice, and hatred towards … [Read more...]
Queer & Ally Student Summit 2015
Ensuring Safer Schools, Building Student/Teacher Dialogues Saturday, October 24th, 2015 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz All Middle School & High School LGBTIQ/Ally Students welcome! Meet students throughout Santa Cruz County -- from Scotts Valley to Watsonville -- who are working to help create safer schools in their community! Lunch and Snacks Provided Experience workshops put on by fellow youth and community resources. Meet LGBTIQ/Ally Community Leaders Fruit Smoothie Party and … [Read more...]
LGBT News: Doritos Goes Rainbow in Support of LGBT Youth
“Time and again, our consumers have shown us, there really is nothing bolder than being true to yourself and living life to the fullest," he said in a statement. "With Doritos Rainbows chips, we're bringing an entirely new product experience to our consumers to show our commitment toward equal rights for the LGBT community and celebrate humanity without exception." Read the full article in The Advocate … [Read more...]
[Reminder] Saturday Youth Leadership Meet-Up
Sponsored by the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County's Youth Program, our Saturday group is comprised of youth who have come together to design and implement events and learn leadership skills while connecting with new friends and having a great time. All teens in middle school and high school are welcome to join! When: Saturdays @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Where: The Diversity Center (unless there is a special field trip), 1117 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz Visit diversitycenter.org/youth for upcoming events and more information! … [Read more...]
[Reminder] Queer Youth & Parent Night, October 5
The Diversity Center is committed to creating the best possible local LGBTQ youth program for teens 12-18 years old. We are hosting this youth and parent gathering to update you about what is currently happening in our program and to hear what YOU want for LGBTQ youth in our community. **Special guests at this event include: Noah Brown and Sarah Tisdale from STRANGE of Encompass Community Services.** When: Monday October 5th 2015 @ 7pm - 8:30pm Where: The Diversity Center, 1117 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 For more details or … [Read more...]
[Reminder] Parent Workshop: Positive Discipline for LGBTQ Families, Oct 15, 22, & 29
Through experiential activities and guest speakers, participants including parents will unlearn the gender binary model and its limitations. Participants will learn about the experience of transgender and gender non-conforming children at different developmental stages and the challenges they, their families and their schools face today. When: Thursday October 15, 22, and 29th, 2015 @ 6pm - 9pm Where: Cabrillo College, Room 1606, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 Registration Cost: $85 For more information and to register online Click Here … [Read more...]
GLSEN Ally Week – “#MyAllies – Speak With Me, Not For Me” Sept 28 – Oct 2
“Ally Week is an opportunity for students to engage in a national conversation about the meaning of allyship. Ally Week is for everyone: straight and cisgender allies to LGBT youth are encouraged to learn about what actions they can take to support their LGBT peers, while LGBT youth can learn about how to support one another's overlapping, intersecting identities.” GLSEN has created resources and educational guides for this event geared towards individuals, GSA’s, and educators! Visit glsen.org/allyweek/betterallies for tips to take action … [Read more...]
Recap: 2015 GSA Network Summer Activist Camp
Ever wonder what it’s like to go to a LGBT activist camp or conference? The GSA Network has created a short video demonstrating what a powerful effect their recent GSA activist camp had on youth attendees. Click Here to view the video … [Read more...]
LGBT News: Two High School Students Created A Game That Literally Breaks Down Stereotypes
“Seventeen-year-old Shazmin and 15-year-old Jaymi are two New York high school students currently killing the game as a part of Girls Who Code, an organization that works to provide young women with the skills to pursue opportunities in the STEM fields...For their final project the duo created Bias Breaker, an RPG-style game that addresses the lack of representation in media and attempts to break down sexist, racist, and anti-gay stereotypes.” Read more on BuzzFeed … [Read more...]