Queer Student Union Meetings, Every Tuesday
The Queer Student Union is part of the Youth Led Leadership Alliance, which is a network of 8 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community. Additional in-person gathering on Saturday, March 21!
When: Every Tuesday @ 4:15 – 5:00 pm
Where: RSVP for information
Ages: Santa Cruz County High School Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QSUYLLA
Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council, March 19
Join the Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council!
- Be the visionaries behind Rainbow Connections youth events!
- Learn leadership and community-building skills.
- Meet other LGBTQ+ youth and co-create a safe space where we can share resources and receive peer-to-peer support.
When: Thursday March 19 @ 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: Monterey and San Benito County Middle and High School Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/montereyrcyec
This youth leadership group is co-facilitated by Rainbow Connections Partners, The Diversity Center, and the Epicenter.
Queer Prom Planning Committee, March 23
We need your help to bring Queer Prom to life! Join the planning committee and help us create the layout for the dance, make decorations, and set the vibe for our dance. Share your ideas and together we can create a fun and inclusive dance for everyone. Please RSVP for the Zoom link!
When: Monday, March 23 @ 4:15 – 5:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: High School LGBTQ+ youth and allies in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QPPC2026
Middle School Leadership Group: Queer Middle School Improvement Team (Q-MIT), March 11 & March 25
The Diversity Center and Friday Night Live have teamed up to start a brand-new Pride Youth Council for middle schoolers! If you want to make friends, dream big, learn new leadership skills, and make a difference, this is your chance. Q-MIT is a space to hang out, speak up, and take action for things you care about.
When:
- Wednesday, March 11 (Zoom) @ 4 – 6 PM
- Wednesday, March 25 (In-Person) 4 – 6 PM
Ages: Middle School Students
Location: The Diversity Center
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QMITMARCHRSVP
NEW Workshop for Youth! DRAG: Divination, Rainbows, And Glitter, March 13
Come ready to move, learn, laugh, and maybe leave with a little more sparkle than you arrived with. Together with drag superstar Magadelena More, youth will: Practice performing and build dance skills, Create or deepen our own drag practices, and Reflect on how our ancestors influence our art and Indigenous perspectives on drag and gender
When: Friday, March 13 @ 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Where: Raíces y Cariño, 7 Hangar Way #B, Watsonville
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/
Peace Through Painting: A Youth Friendly Paint + Sip, March 13
Join the Youth Empowerment Council’s first event as we enjoy delicious youth friendly drinks, connect with our community and express our creativity through painting! Come to relax, connect and find peace through the art of creating!
When: Friday, March 13 @ 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: The Epicenter, 737 S Main St, Salinas, CA 93901
Ages: Middle and High School Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/
Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo, April 17
Join us for the 3rd Annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo, a dynamic and welcoming space to learn, connect, and uplift LGBTQ+ students and families. This year, we’re excited to feature a student panel along with interactive activities designed to spark conversation, reflection, and connection.
The expo brings together school leaders, educators, parents/caregivers, youth and allies to explore how we can work together to strengthen mental health and wellness support for LGBTQ+ youth.
When: Friday, April 17 @ 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: One Main Street, 1 Main Street, Salinas
Ages: Educators, Parents/Caregivers, Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/RCSWE2026
Slay The Night Away Queer Prom, April 25
Slay the Night Away Queer Prom is a neon soaked time machine celebrating 80’s glam and classic horror movies where camp reigns supreme, and everyone survives. If Queer Prom were a creature, it would crawl straight out of a VHS tape and onto the dancefloor. Think Elvira, Frankenstein in platform boots, Ghostface in drag, and the final girl with big hair and bigger dreams who outsmarts evil. Tap into the Queer joy of getting dressed and feeling celebrated. You don’t need a date to come to this dance. Queer Prom is open to ALL LGBTQIA2S+ high school students and allies!
When: Saturday, April 25 @ 6:00-10:00 pm
Where: Sequoia High School, 229 Green Valley Rd, Freedom
Ages: High School students in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QueerProm2026
