The Santa Cruz COE is currently recruiting high school students from across the county to become part of our Youth Led Leadership Alliance. The Alliance consists of six different project-based, topically focused groups including the Queer and Trans Youth Council, the Youth Mental Health Leadership Council, Youth Artists Taking Action, Youth for Environmental Action, the Countywide Black Student Union, and Multilingual Youth Taking Action. Each group engages youth in issues they care about while also helping them develop … [Read more...]
Weekly & Monthly LGBTQ+ Youth Programs
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 Shine Your Pride LGBTQ+ Youth Mixer Co-hosted by TDC and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Weekly on Thursdays Join us at The Diversity Center for a LGBTQ+ Youth Weekly Mixer! Co-hosted by The Diversity … [Read more...]
Petition for an AIDS Memorial at San Lorenzo Park in Downtown Santa Cruz
Back in the early 80’s the Santa Cruz Queer community was shaken to the core with the large number of gay men who were becoming ill and beginning to die from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Our community’s response to this moment was extraordinary. The City of Santa Cruz is currently in the planning stages to upgrade San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz. With the help of Cheryl Fraenzl, Jerry Solomon, Jo Kenny, and John Laird a petition has been drafted to present to the City Council. We are asking for a permanent memorial … [Read more...]
PRIDE Santa Cruz 2023 Video by Chelsea George
Every June the queer community and their allies come together in a safe and inclusive space. Parade participants include organizations and businesses, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, children and dogs, sharing their pride, activism, enthusiasm and love. … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Prismatic 3rd Friday LGBTQ+ Teen Gathering – Let’s go see the new Barbie Movie!, July 21
Meet us at the movies! Experience the magic and excitement as we come together to watch the latest Barbie movie, a delightful adventure celebrating friendship, empowerment, and embracing our true selves.This event is for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13+ to come together, have fun, and celebrate inclusivity and self-expression! If you feel inspired to dress up for the occasion feel free to wear pink! Get your sparkle on and show the world that you belong! When: 3rd Friday of Every Month. (Next: Friday July 21st) @ 6:30 PM Meeting Time! Showtime at … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz County LGBTQ+ Organizations Respond to SCOTUS Ruling
“Queer and trans youths lead nationwide marches on Transgender Day of Visibility” – NBC News
"The events, organized by Queer Youth Assemble, a nonprofit that serves LGBTQ people under 25, are a response to the wave of state legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers over the last three years that seeks to limit what sports teams transgender students can play on at school, restrict minors’ access to transition-related care and prohibit the instruction of LGBTQ-related topics in schools. The organizers of the events have one central message: Instead of talking about queer youths, talk to them. " … [Read more...]
“March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy in San Francisco on March 31, 2023” – SF Bay Times
An estimated 700 demonstrators in San Francisco participated in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy...Similar marches took place nationwide in many major cities, including Washington, D.C. The events were spearheaded by the organization Queer Youth Assemble and were in response to the anti-drag and anti-trans legislation of the past several months. … [Read more...]
26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards in the News….
"Santa Cruz County Recognizes Emerging LGBT Trailblazers" - Good Times "To bring the LGBT community out of the shadows of that era, QYTF members realized that they needed to highlight the work of the LGBT community, particularly the youth, who have shown leadership in their communities. Thus, the Queer Youth Leadership Awards was born. Now in its 26th year, the event was created to celebrate the achievements and abilities of queer youth." "Queer youth leaders honored at awards ceremony Saturday" - Santa Cruz Sentinel "When it … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Mental Health Services Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members
Free Mental Health Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members. In-person sessions at The Diversity Center, at your school, or online. Contact mhservices@diversitycenter.org or 831-322-4870 (calls only) … [Read more...]