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
Let’s Connect LGBTQ+ Youth Group (4th Wednesday of Every Month @ 2:30 – 5 PM)
The Diversity Center is hosting a LGBTQ+ youth group at Pajaro Valley Prevention and Students Assistance (PVPSA), 411 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076, Conference Room 1. We welcome all Questioning, Queer and Trans youth ages 11-18 to join us. We embrace gender diversity and strive to create a fun group where laughter can be shared. We will play games, create art, practice self-care and build community together. Let’s connect is a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to create new friendships and support each other.
Prismatic 3rd Friday LGBTQ+ Teen Gathering (3rd Friday of Every Month)
At our monthly 3rd Friday Prismatic LGBTQ+ Youth Gatherings we embrace diversity, empowerment, and unity. Together, we go on adventures together and create spaces where LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18 can relax and have fun! Our Prismatic Gatherings include engaging activities that promote connection, belonging and laughter while we embrace our unique identities and perspectives.
LGBTQ+ Youth Garden Club and Crafts (First Saturday of Every Month @ 1 – 2:30pm)
LGBTQ+ teens 11-18 are welcome to join us at The Diversity Center to connect with nature and make new friends. Help us care for our Rainbow Healing Garden in our backyard. Plant new ideas and watch them grown. Connecting with the healing power of the natural world can help us relax and tap into our imaginations. Together, we will create a healing garden space for our community. Learn about the healing properties in plants and how to take care of them. Please RSVP here.
Rainbow Kids Circle (Ages 5 – 11) – Meets the First Saturday of the Month
Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90 minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-10 and their families. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 11 and under are welcome to attend. Families and kids will have a chance to do arts and crafts, read a story, enjoy a snack, and engage in free play with other gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies. Together, we will create an accepting, affirming playgroup for families.
For more information about the meeting date, time, and location, please contact rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com.
For more information please contact Meggie Pina, Manager of Programs and Impact at meggie.pina@diversitycenter.
EDI Educators Youth Monthly Programs
Queer Trans Youth Meetup, Saturday’s @ 1 – 3 PM | In Person & Online
In person and online on Discord, join us weekly for community building, activities, peer support, leadership opportunities, snacks, skill building, fun, and hangout space.
Where: CAFACC, 175B Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Neurodiverse Youth Meetup | 2nd & 4th Fridays | In Person & Online
Wanna come talk about your favorite fidget toys, or have some time to regulate and stim? Youth who identify as neurodiverse are welcome to come hang out, learn to advocate for support needs, and have some fun, in person and online.
Felton SAGA | 2nd & 4th Wednesday’s @ 3 – 5 PM | In Person
Join us for our Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) for Teens group every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month in the Felton Library Teen Room. SAGA creates a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space for teens of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We will have activities, snacks, and lots of fun. Bring your friends and meet new friends and allies! No registration needed. Drop-in! This program is provided by EDI Educators and Santa Cruz Public Library.
When: Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 3 – 5 pm
Where: Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St, Felton, CA 95018
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 participants are welcomed into an accepting environment where they can build community with LGBTQ+ youth and their allies and develop networks of support with their peers.
When: Every Thursday @ 12pm – 5pm
Where: The Epicenter, 737 South Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901