“Resist Oppressive Forces: Protect and Unite our Diverse Communities” All Middle School & High School LGBTQIA/Ally Students welcome! Meet students throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond — from Watsonville and Salinas to Scotts Valley — who are working to help create safer schools in their community! Lunch and Snacks Provided Experience workshops put on by fellow youth and community members Meet LGBTQIA/Ally Community Leaders Fruit Smoothie Party In collaboration with Gender Spectrum In partnership with the Watsonville … [Read more...]

“Resist Oppressive Forces: Protect and Unite our Diverse Communities” All Middle School & High School LGBTQIA/Ally Students welcome! Meet students throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond — from Watsonville and Salinas to Scotts Valley — who are working to help create safer schools in their community! Lunch and Snacks Provided Experience workshops put on by fellow youth and community members Meet LGBTQIA/Ally Community Leaders Fruit Smoothie Party In collaboration with Gender Spectrum In partnership … [Read more...]

Kate Kendell is a nationally renowned advocate for social justice. Kate is an attorney who worked closely with Ted Olson and David Boies on the Supreme Court case overturning Prop 8.  She has an active voice in major media including NPR, The New York Times, and CNN. In 2010, Kate Kendell was named a "woman who could be president" by the League of Women Voters of San Francisco. In her compelling and informative style, Kate will discuss the current climate in our nation regarding social justice issues pertaining to youth and the LGBTQ community. … [Read more...]

Part of our efforts include providing resources to our community in the form of scholarships to local LGBTQIA+ and allies that aspire to pursue higher education. We want to foster our leaders and provide them with the support, confidence, and resources needed to help them aim for long-term goals.  We are reaching out to you to inform you that we will be awarding two scholarships to senior students with in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. In order to be eligible for the scholarship the applicants must meet the following … [Read more...]

Come join Subjects to Change to smash stigmas surrounding sex, drugs, (rock and roll) and mental health and take part in an open mic! This is a free event open to all teens and featuring three teen run "lightning" workshops on the topics above with a focus on the stigma surrounding them and harm reduction, looking to spread information and educate in an entertaining and down to earth, safe setting. Explore the larger museum with your friends and take a break from the event in our cozy space to drink tea, eat snacks, and chill … [Read more...]

The Queer Youth Leadership Awards recognizes queer youth across Santa Cruz County for being leaders within their community. This event includes: a resource fair, catered buffet dinner, awards ceremony, and a community dance after the show. ***Check out this special PSA for this years QYLA*** When: Saturday May 13th @ 5:30pm Where:  Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville Tickets: Adults ($25 - $95 sliding scale), Youth & Seniors ($10) Click Here to purchase tickets Volunteer Opportunities The QYLA is looking for dynamic volunteers to … [Read more...]

The LGBTQ Youth Space and local LGBTQ+ youth leaders have partnered to host the first ever South Bay Youth Pride Festival!  This is a FREE event for and by queer and trans youth in the South Bay! Join us for music, entertainment, food, games & activities, a resources fair, guest speakers, and more! #SBYPF17 was developed by teens looking to unify LGBTQ+ students/GSAs (Gender & Sexuality Alliances) from high schools throughout our county. This event is intended for LGBTQ+ and ally teens. Families/adults supporters of youth are … [Read more...]

Join youth in Watsonville for a breaking the silence rally after Day of Silence. More information soon!  Organized by the Diversity Center Youth Program. When:  Friday, April 21st, 2017 Where:  Watsonville Plaza, Downtown Watsonville For more information contact: youth@diversitycenter.org or call (831) 425 - 5422 … [Read more...]

Join youth in Watsonville for a breaking the silence rally after Day of Silence. More information soon!  Organized by the Diversity Center Youth Program. When:  Friday, April 21st, 2017 Where:  Watsonville Plaza, Downtown Watsonville For more information contact: youth@diversitycenter.org or call (831) 425 - 5422 … [Read more...]

Back by popular demand, the QYLA Art Show is looking for middle and high school artists to share their creations with Santa Cruz County. The QYLA Art Show aims to create a safe and inclusive outlet for queer expression on a public platform. All art submissions should be in by Monday, April 10 to be included in the show. For more information or to submit a photo of your art, contact us at art@QYLA.org QYLA Art Show at the 2017 Queer Youth Leadership Awards on May 13th at 5:30pm at Pájaro Valley High School All art submissions should be in … [Read more...]