Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) The Queer Youth Leadership Award is given annually to queer youth who are 8 to 18 years of age to acknowledge their accomplishments and the contributions they have made to their communities, whether this be in their homes, schools, religious institutions, athletic or academic teams, or other social groups. Four awardees will receive a cash award of $250, as well as the opportunity to designate a queer youth–friendly project or nonprofit organization in their community to receive a $500 … [Read more...]
“Billy Porter receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: “Impossible dreams coming true”” – Gay Times
"I’ve heard a lot of things in my life: ‘You’re too Black. You’re too gay, too loud, too extra, too flamboyant. Homosexuality is an abomination, you are an abomination, you will never be blessed,” he said. “We know that’s a lie. That theory no longer has any credibility.” … [Read more...]
“Former MLB pitcher TJ House comes out with post about engagement to his boyfriend, invited to White House” – Out in Sports
"House, 33, is the third former MLB player to come out publicly — following Glenn Burke and Billy Bean — and the first to do so in 23 years." TJ House (right) with fiance Ryan Neitzel were invited to the White House after posting about the Respect For Marriage Act. … [Read more...]
“Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act, recognizing marriage equality in federal law” – CBS News
"President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act on Tuesday at a triumphant White House ceremony, enshrining federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages into federal law for the first time." President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.TING SHEN/BLOOMBERG … [Read more...]
LGBTQ+ in Politics
"Monterey voters elect gay mayor, out Latina sheriff" - The Bay Area Reporter "In Monterey County voters elected as their first lesbian and first Latina sheriff Tina Nieto, who will also serve as the county coroner, in the November 8 general election. Meanwhile, in the coastal tourist mecca of Monterey, City Councilmember Tyller Williamson has become his city's first gay and first Black mayor. "Cupertino elects first gay councilmember" - San Jose Spotlight "Cupertino is getting its first-ever LGBTQ councilmember, and … [Read more...]
Holiday Resources & Scholarship Opportunities for Queer Youth
In case you missed it we've shared two of our most recent QYUs - Please share these resources with local queer youth in your community: Holiday Resources for Queer Youth - Wellness/Self Care, Tips for Going Home for the Holidays, and Inclusive Faith Groups in Santa Cruz County. Scholarships For LGBTQ+ Youth Graduating High School, Internship Opportunities, and Application Resources Happy Holidays from Queer Youth Updates! … [Read more...]
Watch the 2022 QYLA on Community TV (CTV) in December & January!
Where to Watch: Santa Cruz County Community TV (CTV) | Channel 27/73 When: December 10 - January 29 Every Saturday at 1:30 pm Every Sunday at 6:00 pm Special thank you to Community Television of Santa Cruz County! … [Read more...]
Queer Youth Task Force Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign
The Queer Youth Task Force is proud to be part of Santa Cruz Gives Holiday Campaign. With the help of Santa Cruz Gives, we are fundraising for our Trans Teen Visibility Campaign. Fundraiser Ends December 31 … [Read more...]
Trans Teen Project — Visibility Campaign 2022-2023
Mission: Educate and raise awareness among parents and the community about trans issues, and facilitate conversations and understandings between trans teens and the wider community. Focus: Uplift the narratives of trans teens by capturing their stories and experiences, and promote existing resources available for the trans community. Are you a transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive middle or high school student in Santa Cruz County interested in joining the Student Advisory Board for the Trans Teen Visibility Campaign? Learn more at … [Read more...]
Queer and Trans Youth Council of Santa Cruz County | Call for LGBTQ+ Youth Artists and Poets! Submit by February 3
The Queer and Trans Youth Council of Santa Cruz County is seeking submissions of art and poetry from LGBTQ+ youth for a zine to be distributed to LGBTQ+ youth across the county. We are particularly looking for art and poetry that carries a message or is about the LGBTQ+ community. Any art that can be submitted in a digital file is accepted (including high quality photographs of non-digital art). Submit by: Midnight on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 Send submissions to: QTYCSCC@gmail.com. To learn more about the zine and get updates on our … [Read more...]