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! There will be worshops, opportunity to meet LGBTIQ/Ally Community Leaders, fruit smoothie party, and more! Visit QYTF.org for more information. When: Saturday, October 24th, 2015 @ 9am - 1:30pm Where: Santa Cruz High School, Santa Cruz, CA Ages: All middle school & high school students welcome! CLICK HERE to register today! For information on how to become a … [Read more...]
#IllGoWithYou : An Ally Project
#IllGoWithYou allies go into bathrooms and other spaces with transgender people who may be afraid or concerned about their safety. An #IllGoWithYou ally offers support, buffering, and nonviolent assistance when asked. Tumblr: illgowithyouorg.tumblr.com Facebook: facebook.com/IllGoWithYouOrg Twitter: twitter.com/illgowithyouorg Visit illgowithyou.org for more details about this project! … [Read more...]
This Saturday! Queer Youth Boardwalk Meet-up! October 10
In lieu of this week’s “Queer Youth Meet-Up” at The Diversity Center, the youth program will be going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a few hours of fun and games! The group will meet at the ticket booth in front of Neptune's Kingdom. Tickets are limited for youth, and will be given out on a first come, first served basis. Beyond that students will have to pay for entry on their own. GSA/QSA/SAGA Advisors are welcome and encouraged to join this event! Questions? Email youth@diversitycenter.org or call (831) 425 - 5422 x104 When: … [Read more...]
Queer Youth Updates: Registration Open!
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! Register now and reserve your spot! Attendee Registration Form 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 Workshops Meet LGBTIQ/Ally Community … [Read more...]
[LGBT Youth Voices] The Faces of Transgender Teen America
“This original Mashable photo shoot captured the stories of 11 special teens. Some of them are raw, others eye-opening, all compelling. Bold, beautiful and brave, these youths are redefining what it means to be a transgender teenager in America today and proving that their voices matter. Here, they introduce themselves to the public for the first time, in their own words. “ Click Here to see the video and read the stories of these transgender teens … [Read more...]
[Reminder] PFLAG Santa Cruz County Presents: “Stories from the Front Lines: GSA Advisors”, October 13
Join PFLAGSCC for an evening full of stories from GSA Advisors around the county as they discuss how these groups function in our schools. GSA’s (Gay Straight Alliances) have proven to be a lifeline for many of our children. They have also served as support for our LGBTQ youth as they first come out. Through their activities they are able to create a supportive environment where our children are able to advocate for themselves and to have a safe space within the school. When: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 @ 7:00pm – 9:00 pm Where: Peace United … [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...]
National Coming Out Day, October 11
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...]
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...]