Upcoming Youth Programs & Events @ The Diversity Center Tween Time: A Spooky Arts and Crafts Hangout!, Nov 14 Join us to make art that encourages understanding and compassion. You can make affirmation bracelets, random acts of kindness rocks, or kindness paperchains. No art experience required. Come on by and bring a friend! Snacks provided. *Tween Time is a recurring program happening on the second Thursday of each month. When: Thursday, November 14 @ 3 - 5 pm Where: The Diversity Center Ages: 8-12 Expand Your Mind! … [Read more...]
Upcoming Youth Programming @ The Epicenter, Salinas
Upcoming EDI Educators Youth Programming, Santa Cruz
In November we're doing lots of storytelling and community building, especially honoring North American Indigenous, Mexican, and worldwide Indigenous cultural traditions. Join us for original character builds with Santa Cruz Public Libraries, light physical wellness, and lots of crafting, as well as our annual Friendsgiving potluck (food restriction friendly) and an all-ages Trans Day Of Remembrance ceremony and resources for activists. You're also invited to CA Film & Cultural Center's Indigenous Short Film Festival! We will be … [Read more...]
Holiday Self-Care Tips and Resources for Youth
The holidays can be a difficult time for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, here are some resources to help you or a friend. Queer and Trans Wellness Resources & Holiday Self Care Tips - GSA Network Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth - The Trevor Project Going Home for the Holidays...Or Any Days - PFLAG imi.guide - Guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health Stories to uplift, empower, and inspire queer and trans youth - It Gets Better Project … [Read more...]
Save-the-Date | 28th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards, May 10, Soquel
Join us for the 28th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards as we honor LGBTQIA+ students and their allies throughout the county! Interested in being an Emcee or performing at QYLA? Sign up for an Audition! (December 2024) Want to nominate a youth, ally, or organization? 2025 Nominations Open Jan 28 – Feb 28, 2025 When: Saturday, May 10, 2025 @ 5:30 - 8:30 PM Where: Soquel High School, Soquel, CA Simultaneous Spanish Translation provided For more information, visit QYLA.org or call (831) 427-4004 or email us at info@QYLA.org … [Read more...]
Crisis Support
PDF of these resources available here. … [Read more...]
Weekly/Monthly Queer & Trans Youth Programs
The Diversity Center Youth Program, Santa Cruz County The Diversity Center’s Youth Program offers support to teens, families, and schools on issues of gender, sexuality, acceptance, and overcoming discrimination. Check out Diversity Center Youth Program for the most up to date information about meet dates, times, and programming. Rainbow Kids Circle (Ages 5 - 11) - Meets the First Saturday of the Month Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90 minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-10 and their families. … [Read more...]
LGBTQIA2S+ News
"Rainbow Conference Highlights LGBTQIA Youth and Parents" - Talk of the Bay from KSQD On September 28th, the Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast held a day-long event. In this interview, we hear from three people involved in organizing it. The guests were: Stuart Rosenstein, organizer, Andrea Damon: Parent, Understanding Gender Conference, and Tyra Williams: Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast "Photo | Student organizers of the annual Rainbow Conference take the stage at … [Read more...]
GLAAD | #Spirit Day, October 17
"#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity. This year, on Thursday, October 17th, GLAAD will organize thousands of celebrities, influential voices, news & media outlets, tv & film studios, brands & corporations, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups and so many more to go purple and support LGBTQ youth by creating clear possibility models for them to thrive and be … [Read more...]