It's Safe We work to keep the trolls out. We all agree on the rules of engagement and take action if things ever get out of hand. Our trained facilitators are there to guide group conversations and help if anything comes up. It's Accepting Who belongs here? Are you LGBTQ+ or questioning? Between the ages of 13 and 19? This is a place you can be yourself and be accepted wherever you are in your life & identity. Inclusion is our motto. First time user? qchatspace.org/Getting-Started Interested in the groups they … [Read more...]
GSA Network: Statewide Youth Meetup on Zoom!
The GSA Network's goal is to provide safe spaces online for our students! This is a time for Queer & Trans youth to hangout, connect, go over some wellness tips, and learn new skills during the quarantine and school closures. When: Every Thursday @ 3pm - 4:30pm *Advisors are welcomed to join the call and participate in separate discussions* Please reach out to Cielo Flores with any questions! Stay safe! Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network Direct: 415.375.4074 Phone: 415.552.4229 | … [Read more...]
Our Gente: Weekly Sharing Circle on Zoom
The current shelter-in-place order has put all public gatherings on hold, and for some community members that order has taken away access to LGBTQ+ safe spaces like The Epicenter. QTYC and Our Gente would like to provide a digital safe space on Zoom for community members to be able to share how they're doing and check in with each other in a safe and accepting environment! Developed from the concept of peer social support, our Sharing Circle is designed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves candidly about identity, … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center’s “Queer Youth Meetup” and “Gender Expansive Youth Group” Go Virtual
The Diversity Center youth groups will still be meeting as usual, but have moved to Discord instead of in person. Simply contact the facilitators for the groups you want to join and get an invitation. Weekly Schedule Watsonville Queer Youth Meetup - Every Friday @ 3:30pm - 6pm Santa Cruz Queer Youth Meetup - Every Saturday @ 1pm - 3:30pm Gender Expansive Youth Meetup - Every Saturday @ 4pm - 5:30pm For youth programming, contact Ashlyn at youth@diversitycenter.org or @diversity.youth For gender expansive youth programming, contact … [Read more...]
Gender Spectrum: Pre-Teen and Teen Online Discussion Groups
Pre-Teen - The group is intended from 11-12 year olds to have a supportive space to meet other kids in a low pressure environment. In the past we've talked about gender, friends, family, favorite tv shows and even sometimes meet other's pets! All groups are facilitated by trained volunteers or staff. Sign up here! Teens - Gender Spectrum's Online Teen Groups are a way to meet others navigating their gender in a relaxed space! Fill out this form to sign up for our teen group open to youth 13-19 years old. … [Read more...]
The Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Trans People Need to Know
"COVID-19, also referred to as novel coronavirus, is a new virus, and there is still much to learn about the severity of this outbreak. However, we know that transgender people and their families may have a lot of questions about how they can properly face this public health threat. We want trans people and their families to stay safe—both from the virus and from any unique problems we may face with this new virus. It is important for trans people to be prepared for obstacles if an outbreak happens in their communities. NCTE urges … [Read more...]
National Organizations
National Center for Transgender Equality Gender Spectrum PFLAG Lambda Legal Our Family Coalition GSA Network GLSEN GLAAD It Gets Better Project Advocate for Youth Transgender Law Center TRANS YOUTH (TRUTH) - Our Stories, Our Truth. The Trevor Project … [Read more...]
Local Organizations
Queer Youth Task Force Safe Schools Project Trans* Teen Project The Diversity Center TransFamilies Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Supporting the Safety of LGBTQ Students and Families) Encompass Community Services Salud Para La Gente … [Read more...]
Special Virtual MAH Exhibit: Queer Santa Cruz – Stories of the LGBTQ+ Community in Santa Cruz County
Making its debut as our first 100% virtual exhibition, Queer Santa Cruz explores the rich history and diversity of Santa Cruz County's LGBTQ+ community. Visit the Virtual Exhibition … [Read more...]
The Trevor Project: How LGBTQ Youth Can Cope with Anxiety and Stress During COVID – 19
At The Trevor Project, we know that LGBTQ youth are faced with additional pressures in the face COVID-19. In addition to social distancing, isolation and potential quarantine, you may be either in close quarters with family members with whom you have had conflict based on your identity, or find yourself separated from family members/loved ones who have been a support to you in the past. In addition, you might be feeling resentment or anger towards people in your life who haven’t stepped up in the face of a national health crisis. In LGBTQ … [Read more...]