PFLAG is celebrating the art of conversation during the holidays. We are trying out a new meeting format for the next couple of months. Instead of our formal meeting, with support group and program, we are going informal—coffee and conversation. We are hoping that this will be more welcoming and will allow us to more fully meet the needs of parents and other members of the LGBTQ community. When: Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 @ 7pm Where:  Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA Contact us: pflagscc@gmail.com, … [Read more...]

Join the Diversity Center's Trans* Support Program for a candlelight vigil. The group will meet at the Clock Tower on River St. Bring candles (or flashlights which can be muted in a paper bag, etc.) and signs. A single-file procession into town may happen, so bring comfortable shoes. When:  Friday, November 20th, 2015 @ 7:30pm Where: The Clock Tower, Downtown Santa Cruz … [Read more...]

Gay Straight Alliances Interested in starting a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)? or need organizing ideas for one that is that is already established? The GSA Network has a step by step guide to creating a GSA, ideas for group activities, fundraising, how to facilitate a meeting, legal rights, what to do if you're experiencing harassment, recruiting members, and much more! Legal Resources Transgender Law Center - transgenderlawcenter.org Lambda Legal -  lambdalegal.org Local Resources Safe Schools Project - … [Read more...]

For photos and videos from the event visit facebook.com/watsonvillelgbtqpride In the News… Watsonville Shows its Pride - “Pride events have long been ways for communities to show their support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who live among them. More than that, they are ways for those communities to bring visibility to a world once kept under wraps.” -  The Register Pajaronian Pride Returns to Watsonville After 3-Year Hiatus -  “After a three-year hiatus, Watsonville Pride returned to the downtown plaza on Sunday, … [Read more...]

State Assemblymember Mark Stone designates Dr. Chris DiMaio as Veteran of the year! A transcript of his speech dedicated to DiMaio is attached to this newsletter. “Aptos Doctor Honored as Veteran of the Year” - Santa Cruz Sentinel “DiMaio, now 75, spent years after the war as a psychiatrist in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties helping veterans cope with their trauma. Since retiring in 2005, he has volunteered with Santa Cruz County veterans programs, performing mental health evaluations...In 2011, he and his partner Andrew Pudan were the … [Read more...]

Silicon Valley Pride’s Family Picnic, San Jose When:  Saturday June 13th, 2015 @ 11am - 5pm Where: Lake Cunningham Park (Ruby Creek) San Jose,CA Cost:    General Admission = $5 Youth ages 13 & under = Free Click Here to purchase tickets! San Francisco, CA Trans March 2015 - “Power through visibility” When: Friday, June 26th 2015 @ 3pm - 8pm Where: Dolores st & 18th St, SF *** Youth and Elder Brunch 12pm - 3pm *** transmarch.org SF Dyke March - “My body. My business. My power.” When: Saturday, June 27th @ … [Read more...]

“He also taught us that our struggle — the fight for LGBT rights — was part of a larger effort, the global movement for peace and social justice. He understood our connection with feminism, the anti-war movement and the campaigns against racism. He taught us the importance of building coalitions with other minority communities and, in particular, with the labor movement. He didn’t just champion the cause of his own people; he stood up for senior citizens, the disabled, children, renters and the poor.” Read the full article in OUT … [Read more...]

“... But the staff took that order further and started denying service to diners whose appearances did not conform to gender norms, which led to about 150 people amassing at the diner April 25 in protest. All were turned away but three teens — two boys and a girl — who refused to leave and were arrested on disorderly conduct charges.” Read the full article in PGN … [Read more...]