"Santa Cruz County Recognizes Emerging LGBT Trailblazers" - Good Times "To bring the LGBT community out of the shadows of that era, QYTF members realized that they needed to highlight the work of the LGBT community, particularly the youth, who have shown leadership in their communities. Thus, the Queer Youth Leadership Awards was born. Now in its 26th year, the event was created to celebrate the achievements and abilities of queer youth." "Queer youth leaders honored at awards ceremony Saturday" - Santa Cruz Sentinel "When it … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center | Mental Health Services Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members
Free Mental Health Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Family Members. In-person sessions at The Diversity Center, at your school, or online. Contact mhservices@diversitycenter.org or 831-322-4870 (calls only) … [Read more...]
YA Film School (Summer 2023)
The California Film & Cultural Center is once again putting on YA Film School, and this year Community Foundation has funded a special session for queer and trans identified youth. Sign-up sheets are going out via email to all the advisors so your students can come make their very own shorts with professional filmmakers who are out in the industry. Learn more at Cafilmculture.org Questions? Contact Ashlyn Adams (she/her) at anadams@westside-video.com … [Read more...]
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. Youth Pride @ Downtown Boys and Girls Club, 2-4 pm, Santa Cruz Sponsored by Boys and Girls Club & Santa Cruz Pride When: Sunday, June 4th @ 11am - 4pm Where: Downtown Santa Cruz For more information and updates … [Read more...]
Pajaro Valley Pride Scholarship, Deadline: May 31, 2023
This year, 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. Applications In Both English And Spanish Are Welcome. Las Solicitudes Tanto En Inglés Como En Español Son Bienvenidas. Questions? visit pajarovalleypride.org/scholarship or email pajarovalleypride@gmail.com … [Read more...]
Out of this World Queer Youth Prom (Ages 14 – 18), May 19, Watsonville
The Diversity invites youth to blast off to an all-inclusive intergalactic Queer Prom! Queer Prom is for guests ages 14-18. Calling all explorers, astronauts, scientists, space aliens, robots and friends...you don't need a date to join the fun! Queer Prom will feature music from DJ LuNa.M.! Entertainment from Rouge Roulette & Khloe Quarterpounder and space-themed snacks. Our intention is to co-create a gender inclusive dance where guests can feel safe to make new friends and celebrate who they are. High School students can add their … [Read more...]
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, May 2023
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. AAPI Voices Model Minority No More - Joanna Corpuz (art by her sister, @hellohaupia) Our Story, Our Voice: The Resilience of Queer AAPI Youth - GLSEN Bravespace - A compilation of original songs, sounds, and meditations created by Asian American women and … [Read more...]
Queer & Trans Youth Spring 2023
May 6: Boardwalk Pride, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 12-7pm, Santa Cruz, Sponsored by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk & Santa Cruz Pride May 13: 3rd Annual Celebration of LGBTQIA+ High School, Junior High, and Middle School Graduates, New Brighton Middle School, 4-5:30pm, Capitola, Sponsored by Safe Schools Project May 13: 26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA), New Brighton Middle School, 5:30-8:30 pm, Capitola, Sponsored by QYLA May 19: Queer Prom “Out of this World”, First Christian Church, (Ages 14 - 18), 6-10 pm, … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ News
"Darcelle, world’s oldest working drag queen, dies at 92" - AP News "Darcelle, who died Thursday, was crowned the world’s oldest working drag performer in 2016 by the Guinness Book of World Records and was regaling audiences until the very end. As a performer, Darcelle was known for hosting the longest-running drag show on the U.S. West Coast. Off stage, Cole, an Army veteran, championed LGBTQ+ rights and charitable work in Portland." "12 trailblazers to celebrate on Transgender Day of Visibility" - NBC From pioneering … [Read more...]
Save the Date & Reminders
Coming Soon! Queer & Trans Youth Council Zine "The Queer Agenda", May 2023 [Save the Date] 2023 Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Graduates | Santa Cruz County LGBTQIA+ High School, Junior High, and Middle School Students, May 13 The Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Graduation Ceremony to honor LGBTQIA+ High School, Junior High & Middle School Students. Through this LGBTQIA+ graduation, we wish to acknowledge the amazing achievements and contributions many students have made towards their … [Read more...]