For the seventh year in a row, Congressmember Jimmy Panetta has spoken out on the floor of Congress to support LGBTQIA+/Ally Youth for the National Day of Silence. "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students and allies who marked the National Day of Silence on April 14, 2023. On this day, people around the country and in California’s 19th Congressional District, stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community by taking a vow of silence. Students raise awareness on the challenges and hurdles that continue to face our LGBTQ youth and … [Read more...]
Maven Youth | 2023 VIRTUAL National LGBT+ Youth Tech Summer Camp, Ages 14 – 19, July 24
Students gain the computer science skills needed to make an impact and prepare for tech careers in our FREE summer camp programs. Summer camp participants get exposure to tech jobs, meet LGBT+ leaders in tech careers, and find community in our supportive safe space for youth to be their full authentic self; all while building the tech competencies. Are camps are designed and lead by LGBT+ youth. Meet our amazing 2023 Trainers leading our Summer learning this year. Learn more and register at Maven Youth … [Read more...]
[Save the Date] Fall 2023 Queer, Trans, and Allied Student Summit, October 14 + Call for Student Planning Committee
Fall 2023 Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast Saturday, October 14, 2023 @ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm Watsonville High School Three (3) Events in one day! Queer, Trans & Allied Student Summit -- for middle and high school students Understanding Gender -- for parents, guardians, and educators Glitter Kids Camp -- for elementary school students Call for LGBTQIA+ Youth Planning Committee: Fall 2023 Queer, Trans, and Allied Student Summit of the Central Coast Students and community … [Read more...]
“More than a March” Santa Cruz Pride 2023 Featured in the Good Times
"The more important concept is about basic human rights where everyone is included, everyone belongs and everyone is celebrated for who they are and however they identify. These great strides are most evident across Santa Cruz County. The biggest accomplishments across our county are first, the many vibrant and amazing LGBTQ+ organizations that exist across our county, including the Diversity Center, Pajaro Valley Pride, Queer Youth Task Force, Safe Schools Project, The Neighbors, Raices y Carino Family Center, LGBTQ+ focused mental health … [Read more...]
Youth Pride Fair @ The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County, June 4
What to expect? Button Making, Photo Booth, Snow Cone Making, Zorbing, and more! When: Sunday, June 4 @ 2:00 - 4:00 PM Where: The Boys & Girls Clubs, 543 Center St. Santa Cruz, CA For more information: (831) 423 - 3138 In collaboration with The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Pride, and the Safe Safe Schools Project … [Read more...]
This Weekend! 48th Annual Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival, June 4, Santa Cruz
Pride Parade begins @ 11am The parade travels along Pacific from Cathcart to Locust. Pride Festival (12pm - 4pm @ Cooper Street, Abbott Square and the MAH) Enjoy entertainment, informational booths, and local vendors! Free MAH Admission: Scavenger hunt, art making for the young and young at heart. Santa Cruz MAH Family Day Info For more information and updates visit santacruzpride.org … [Read more...]
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month + Pride Events Across the Bay Area
Pride Month History - "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan...Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world...The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and … [Read more...]
Weekly LGBTQ+ Youth Programs *Updated May 2023*
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 "Our Gente" @ The Epicenter Presents: "Q-Turn" - In Person Q-TURN is Our Gente’s LGBTQ+ specific set of drop-in hours that happen every Thursday from 12 PM to 5 PM at The Epicenter. Youth … [Read more...]
“Queer and trans youths lead nationwide marches on Transgender Day of Visibility” – NBC News
"The events, organized by Queer Youth Assemble, a nonprofit that serves LGBTQ people under 25, are a response to the wave of state legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers over the last three years that seeks to limit what sports teams transgender students can play on at school, restrict minors’ access to transition-related care and prohibit the instruction of LGBTQ-related topics in schools. The organizers of the events have one central message: Instead of talking about queer youths, talk to them. " … [Read more...]
“March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy in San Francisco on March 31, 2023” – SF Bay Times
An estimated 700 demonstrators in San Francisco participated in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy...Similar marches took place nationwide in many major cities, including Washington, D.C. The events were spearheaded by the organization Queer Youth Assemble and were in response to the anti-drag and anti-trans legislation of the past several months. … [Read more...]