“Young people are often denied the opportunity to explore gender for themselves and instead are told about gender by the adults around them. Especially for non-binary students like me (students who don’t identify as either male or female), having the ability to explore our gender – and then having our gender affirmed by the adults in our lives – is so important to our wellbeing and success in school.” Read the full article at GLSEN … [Read more...]
Remember Your Power: A Statement From Transgender Youth on the Next Four Years
“Donald Trump is taking office and we are still transgender. As young people, we find it hard to comprehend what a world looks like without President Obama in the Oval Office. It is hard to understand what it could mean to have someone so openly anti-queer and anti-trans in the vice president’s seat. As young organizers, it is hard for us to accept that the progress we’ve invested most of our lives in could vanish come January. So we’ll be honest: we’re scared. But as young transgender and gender-nonconforming people, we know that if anything … [Read more...]
Gender Spectrum: Navigating the Holidays – Advice for Parents/Caregivers
“The holidays are almost here! Along with the joy of seeing family and friends, holidays can be a time when parents and caregivers of Transgender, non-binary and other Gender-expansive kids need to negotiate issues around their child’s gender. To help you prepare, we’ve created a three-part video series hosted by Gender Spectrum’s Lisa Kenney and Pamela Wool.” Visit genderspectrum.org for more resources and support … [Read more...]
Support Santa Cruz Youth Ambassadors Attending “Creating Change” Conference
Every year the Queer Youth Task Force helps send youth ambassadors to the Creating Change conference - the largest annual gathering of LGBT activists, organizers, and leaders in the United States...In order to meet this goal, we are asking for sponsorships from local businesses and individuals such as yourself. We are fundraising to cover the cost of airfare, room and board, and conference registration fees for our three youth ambassadors and chaperones. In this time of much needed change your contribution will lead to the empowerment of the … [Read more...]
Subjects to Change – Now Recruiting!!, Application Deadline December 31
Each year, Subjects to Change consists of approximately 15-20 students from across Santa Cruz County who meet at the MAH every Thursday afternoon to talk community, create stuff, & change—both themselves, as a group, and the community. Weekly meetings include team building exercises, occasional guest speakers, offsite work in the community, and planning social justice themed events. Application Deadline: Saturday, December 31st, 2016 Attached you can find an application, which can also be filled out online here. ***Bus passes can be … [Read more...]
Home For The Holidays – A Guide for Self Care for LGBTQ+ During the Holiday Season
“Queer, trans, gender non-comforming folks, and queer people of color — as well as others who may have challenging relationships with their families — can feel a challenging ambivalence about going home during the breaks daunting task. Here are a few tips for taking care of yourself!” Click Here to view the whole flyer created by UCSC’s Cantu Center … [Read more...]
Please Help Support: Chosen Family Gratitude Potluck for Youth
The Diversity Center's Youth Program is hosting a chosen family potluck so that youth can have a safe space to celebrate with each other. We're asking our fabulous community to contribute to the Youth Thanksgiving Lunch by donating either: A financial contribution ($5-$50) Grocery store food items Thanksgiving dishes or leftovers We at the Diversity Center greatly appreciate anything you can contribute. Thank you for always being wonderful and doing all that you do to help our programs thrive. Please contact … [Read more...]
Dear Next President – Sign a Letter to the Next President
“The next President will lead our country for at least the next four years. They will set Department of Education policy and push forth legislative ideals that will have a direct impact on the lives of LGBTQ students -- most of whom will be too young to even vote in the election. What progress will be made towards ensuring LGBTQ students have safe and affirming schools? What specific proposals is each candidate offering for LGBTQ young people?” Read the letter at GLSEN … [Read more...]
LGBTQ News: 18 Tips For LGBT Teens In High School, From People Who Have Been There
“We asked LGBT members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us what they wish they had known in high school (because being an LGBT teenager can be, well, confusing). Here’s the advice they gave to their younger selves” Read the full list on BuzzFeed … [Read more...]
LGBTQ News: A Record 49 Out LGBTI Athletes Competed In Rio Olympics (Updated)
“The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio will have a record number of publicly out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex athletes.” See the full article and list in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]