Each February we celebrate the achievements, contributions, and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) - Founders of Black History Month | Origins, history, resources, and how to celebrate Santa Cruz Public Libraries | Book Lists and Special Programming GLSEN | Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color Our Trans Truth | Black Trans Joy Zine, Spring 2024 "Black Queer History is American History" - GLAAD … [Read more...]
We Must stand United in Support of our Immigrant Community
In partnership with CAB, Community Bridges, and Watsonville Law Center, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) launched a resource site to help keep our immigrant students, families, and community members informed about their rights and how to access legal and support services when needed. Visit the site to learn more: https://susderechos.info … [Read more...]
Black History Month
40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation, January 31, Santa Cruz This annual convocation celebrates the life and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with presentations about equality, freedom, justice, and opportunity. This year we welcome chef, food justice activist, publisher, and author, Bryant Terry. When: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | Doors open at 6 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Learn more at UC Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Public Libraries | Black History Month Book … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News
"I am the first male, openly trans person elected to public office in our state; this is my coming-out story" - Lookout Santa Cruz "Nov. 13-19 is national Transgender Awareness Week, and in a Community Voices opinion piece, Adam Spickler, a Cabrillo College trustee and one of only four openly transgender people to hold elected office in all of California, shares their coming-out story. Adam wishes when they were growing up in the 1980s and 1990s that they had transgender role models." "Superintendent’s Community Report | COE reaffirms … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News
National Coming Out Day News "White House press secretary honors National Coming Out Day" - Washington Blade “This administration stands with the LGBTQ+ community. We have your back. We are in this fight with you. And we will continue to speak up, speak out, and stand up for our rights and freedoms,” the press secretary said. "National Coming Out Day: 10 celebrities who came out in 2023 (so far)" - NBC News From “The Last of Us” star Bella Ramsey coming out as gender-fluid to Japanese pop star Shinjiro Atae revealing he's gay, here are … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz County LGBTQ+ Organizations Respond to SCOTUS Ruling
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, May 2023
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. AAPI Voices Model Minority No More - Joanna Corpuz (art by her sister, @hellohaupia) Our Story, Our Voice: The Resilience of Queer AAPI Youth - GLSEN Bravespace - A compilation of original songs, sounds, and meditations created by Asian American women and … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News
"Darcelle, world’s oldest working drag queen, dies at 92" - AP News "Darcelle, who died Thursday, was crowned the world’s oldest working drag performer in 2016 by the Guinness Book of World Records and was regaling audiences until the very end. As a performer, Darcelle was known for hosting the longest-running drag show on the U.S. West Coast. Off stage, Cole, an Army veteran, championed LGBTQ+ rights and charitable work in Portland." "12 trailblazers to celebrate on Transgender Day of Visibility" - NBC From pioneering … [Read more...]
National Coming Out Hotline – A program of the LGBT National Help Center
It's been our mission from the beginning to offer these important things for those in need: All LGBTQIA+ peer-support A safe space Respect to those who seek our help Acceptance and affirmation Supportive listening, not advice Answers to factual questions Resources locally, nationally, and internationally Programs Available Coming Out Support Hotline Online Peer Support Chat Youth Chatrooms (Moderated / LGBT Teens or Trans Teens) … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News
"'We say gay!' Hundreds of students across Iowa walk out of class to protest LGBTQ bills" - Des Moines Register "From Ames to Waterloo, students slipped out of classrooms by the hundreds Wednesday afternoon in an organized "We Say Gay" walkout to protest a slew of legislative bills that target LGBTQ youth. Organizers estimated students at 47 schools across Iowa walked out in protest Wednesday, as Republican lawmakers pushed forward with legislation aimed at tightening school policies and state law regarding gender identity, sexual … [Read more...]