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...]
“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...]
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...]
Queer Youth Task Force Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign
The Queer Youth Task Force is proud to be part of Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign. With the help of Santa Cruz Gives, we are fundraising for our Trans Teen Visibility Campaign. Fundraiser Ends December 31 … [Read more...]
Trans Teen Project — Visibility Campaign 2022-2023
Mission: Educate and raise awareness among parents and the community about trans issues, and facilitate conversations and understandings between trans teens and the wider community. Focus: Uplift the narratives of trans teens by capturing their stories and experiences, and promote existing resources available for the trans community. Are you a transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive middle or high school student in Santa Cruz County interested in joining the Student Advisory Board for the Trans Teen Visibility Campaign? Learn more at … [Read more...]
26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards
Dear Friends of LGBTQIA+ Youth, The Queer Youth Task Force is proud to announce the date & location of the next QYLA: 26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards Saturday, May 13, 2023 5:30 PM New Brighton Middle School, Capitola Outdoors in the Quad Save-the-Date! Please join us in honoring & celebrating Queer Youth Leaders and their Allies! Special thank you to: New Brighton Middle School (NBMS) Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) student club Leadership Team and QSA members Ms. Erica … [Read more...]
Weekly LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual & In-Person Events
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 The Epicenter Presents: "Sharing Circle" - In Person Developed from the concept of peer social support, our Sharing Circle is designed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves … [Read more...]
Holiday Resources for Queer Youth
1. Self Care, Faith During the Holidays, and Going Home for the Holidays The holidays can be a difficult time for LGBTQ+ youth, here are some resources to help you or a friend. Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth - The Trevor Project Stories and Encouragement - Faith During the Holidays - Gender Spectrum Going Home for the Holidays...Or Any Days - PFLAG 2. GSA Network | Queer and Trans Wellness Resources & Holiday Self Care Tips "The Queer and Trans Wellness Resources were developed specifically for queer … [Read more...]

