“When children avoid school to avoid bullying, many states can lose tens of millions of dollars in funding, and California alone loses an estimated $276 million each year because children feel unsafe. New research from The University of Texas at Austin published in School Psychology Quarterly highlights the hidden cost to communities in states that use daily attendance numbers to calculate public school funding. When children are afraid to go to school because classmates target them because of bias against their race, gender, religion, … [Read more...]

“Her empathy has been especially meaningful to our family this past year, as our girls have faced particular challenges as Muslim kids.” Read the full story in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]

“Young trans and gender-nonconforming people of color, however, are putting in the work to better the lives of those who share their identities. They're boldly tackling issues even the most seasoned activists are hesitant to take on, breaking boundaries and shattering stigma in the process. And it's time they get recognition for their change-making ways. Here are 10 trans and gender-nonconforming activists of color, all 21 or younger, making notable strides for the LGBTQ community. This list, in no particular order, isn't exhaustive — it's … [Read more...]

Share your story and create a more welcoming community. LGBTQ+ community members, family, and allies, are invited to join us!  The day-long training is at no cost, and includes breakfast and lunch. We will also provide car pooling if you need a ride. When:  Saturday, August 26th, 2017 @ 9am - 5pm Click Here to register! Visit The Diversity Center to learn more about this program! … [Read more...]

Join us on Monday July 10 in Sacramento to show your support for #SB179, the Gender Recognition Bill which would allow #nonbinary as an option for state IDs and other legal documentation! Your voice is important, so come to the State Capitol Building to show your support and share your story! The Assembly Hearing will be at 1:30pm, but we encourage folks to show up early to meet the #IGRP team :) All are welcome, so bring friends, family, and fellow activists passionate about non-binary recognition and rights! Plan as of now: we will split … [Read more...]

“Donning attire such as a blue jacket, a black lace fan, and a nose ring, Giannopoulos delivered a bold message to the Trump administration without uttering any words. To the naked eye, Giannopoulos' stylistic choices simply-remained eclectic. But, in a late lengthy April Facebook posting, the newly-awarded teacher highlighted his meticulous planning…” Read the full article and uncover the symbolism of each item he wore at Circa … [Read more...]

“ ‘For a local student struggling with her sexuality, it might be helpful for an openly gay mayor to send the message that her community will always have a place for her. And for a conservative resident from a different generation, whose unease with social change is partly rooted in the impression that he doesn’t know anyone gay, perhaps a familiar face can be a reminder that we’re all in this together as a community.’ “ Read the full article in The Gaily Grind … [Read more...]

“Twelve-year-old Savannah stood before her Mormon church community last month and told them she identifies as a lesbian and believes that God intended to make her that way. Unfortunately, she was cut off part of the way through her speech by a church official who asked her to sit down, effectively silencing the preteen as she attempted to share her story. Prior to being interrupted, Savannah offered her powerful and heartwarming personal account about her relationship with her sexuality…” Read the full article in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]

“ The rainbow colors of the Monterey County LGBTQ+ community shouted Saturday during a pride parade with allies in Seaside. Some 700 people took part in the Peninsula Pride Celebration and Parade, starting on Fremont Boulevard and ending at Oldemeyer Center on Hilby Avenue. ...There hasn’t been a gay pride parade in the county for about 10 years, Williamson said. And Saturday’s parade was the first one with an after-parade program. David Reichard, another organizer, echoed Williamson’s sentiments. “It was much bigger than I thought it was … [Read more...]