CampOUT is FREE and open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 who are looking for a safe, supportive, and seriously fun camping experience. We'll be pitching our tents and soaking up the beauty of nature at Mt. Madonna County Park in a private campsite. Get ready to relax, enjoy shared meals, share stores by the campfire, and maybe even spot a shooting star or two! When: Friday August 2 - Sunday August 4, 2024 Where: Mt. Madonna County Park Ages: 14 - 18 Cost: FREE CampOUT is FREE but Space is limited—reserve your spot today! … [Read more...]
Salinas Valley Pride 2024 LGBTQ+ Scholarship Program, Application Due: May 31
Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations is proud to offer the only LGBTQ+ focused scholarship in Monterey County. This scholarship is designed to honor LGBTQ+ students and allies who embody Salinas Valley Pride Celebration's mission to create community and increase LGBTQ+ acceptance. Application Due: Friday, May 31, 2024 @ 5pm To view the full application requirements and apply visit salinasvalleypride.com/community … [Read more...]
Pajaro Valley Pride 2024 Scholarship, Application Due: May 31
Pajaro Valley Pride will award scholarships ranging from $500-$2000 (depending on availability) to students based on their academic successes as well as their involvement in social justice activism either on their school campus or in the community. Scholarships will be awarded regardless of citizenship. Application Due: Friday, May 31, 2024 Applications In Both English And Spanish Are Welcome. Las Solicitudes Tanto En Inglés Como En Español Son Bienvenidas. To view the full application requirements and apply … [Read more...]
Day of (No) Silence 2024: Rise Up. Take Action., April 12
History of Day of (No) Silence: Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, students would go through the school day without speaking, ending the day with Breaking the Silence rallies to bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive. 2024 Day of (No) Silence: With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized … [Read more...]
“How Silence Can Speak A Thousand Words by Sion Erkiletian” – Growing Up in Santa Cruz
Local Delta High School student Sion Erkiletian they/them shares their experience participating in National Day of Silence, the personal impact, and community impact this event has. "It is a day that reminds us of our shared humanity, our shared struggles, and our shared dreams of a world where love knows no bounds and silence is no longer necessary to be heard. The more people participate in this vow of silence, the stronger our community will become. The National Day of Silence has evolved from a distant concept to a deeply personal and … [Read more...]
Upcoming Diversity Center Youth Programming for April 2024
We’re here and Queer LGBTQ+ Youth Hangout (Ages 11 - 18) | April 4, April 11, & April 18 (Final Meeting) Welcome to the most inclusive hangout spot in town – We’re Here and Queer! Come by and help make neon Queer Prom decor until our last hang out on April 18th. We are crafting, playing games, and getting to know each other each week. After April 18th, We’re Here and Queer will transition into new youth programming. Stay tuned for more information! Questions? Contact Program Specialist Nic Laflin … [Read more...]
27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards PSA + Emcees Announced!
We are excited to announce our 2024 QYLA student emcees will be Madeline Aliah, Cypress High School and Kavin Pugazhenthi, Scotts Valley High School! Special thank you to our emcees, Val Mendoza, and students from the Watsonville High School Video Academy for putting this video together! Read the QYLA 2024 Welcome Statement from Superintendent Tanya Krause, Scotts Valley Unified School District (SVUSD). 27th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards Scotts Valley High School Saturday, May 11, 2024 @ 5:30 - 8:30 PM Learn more at QYLA.org … [Read more...]
Crisis Support
Weekly/Monthly Queer & Trans 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 Weekly and Monthly Happenings We’re here and Queer LGBTQ+ Youth Hangout (Weekly on Thursdays @ 4 - 6 PM) Welcome to the most awesome and inclusive hangout spot in town – We’re Here and Queer! Here, … [Read more...]
LGBTQIA2S+ News
"Preventable Loss: Justice for Nex Benedict Requires Safer Schools" - GSA Network "GSA Network, with a mission to support TQ2S+ students in creating safer schools, firmly condemns any form of violence and discrimination that isolates and harms young people. Nex Benedict’s short life underscores the importance of fostering a school environment that protects the rights and well-being of all students, regardless of their gender identity." "Read the Stories of Nex Benedict as Told by Their Chosen Family, Friends and Allies at Owasso … [Read more...]