1. Trans Day of Visibility 2026 Statement from The Safe Schools Project
Today, March 31st, is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Today, and every day, we celebrate trans resilience and joy, and we reaffirm our commitment to fight for the rights and dignity of our trans family.
To our Two Spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive community: you deserve joy, love, and celebration. You deserve safety, rest, and a future to look forward to. You deserve to be seen for who you are and who you want to be.
From the trans ancestors who’ve proven there has never been a world without us, to the trans elders that have shown time and time again that we get to grow up loved for who we are, and the trans youth about to use their new name and pronouns for the first time: we celebrate you!
And to our trans siblings who have not yet had the opportunity to feel safe and secure in expressing their identity or sharing who they are with us yet: you are not invisible. We see you and celebrate you, too.
You can also reach out to us at The Safe Schools Project to learn more about our programs and volunteer opportunities to support our queer and trans youth. See the full statement here.
2. glisten | Day of Silence, April 10
Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, Day of Silence was a nationally-recognized demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.
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 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.
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 @ 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
You don’t need a date to come to this dance. Queer Prom is open to ALL LGBTQIA2S+ high school students and allies!
5. Rainbow Connections CampOUT, June 15 – June 17, Carmel
Rainbow Connections CampOUT is a FREE 3-day overnight camp for LGBTQ+ and allied youth (ages 14–18) from Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties who are looking for a welcoming, inclusive, affirming summer glamping experience in Carmel Valley! Reconnect to nature while building community by the camp fire. Enjoy the pool, delicious shared meals, make art, and help bring our talent show to life. Stargaze and make a wish! Be your truest self in a supportive space with peers and camp counselors who celebrate who you are.
When: Monday, June 15 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Where: The Camp at Carmel Valley
Ages: High School students in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties
RSVP: tinyurl.com/RCCampOut2026
6. GSA Network | GSA Network’s Activist Camp, June 16 – June 20 – Application Open!
Apply for GSA Network’s Activist Camp, a FREE 5-day, overnight youth-led leadership training camp for trans, queer, Two Spirit+ Black, brown and Indigenous youth of color across the country!
7. Upcoming Youth Programming @ EDI Educators
Happy April! It’s planting and poetry season, and we’re excited to join you for heaps of both. Hang with us in downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, and Watsonville throughout the month for seed giveaways, planting walks, storytelling, book clubs, and writing. You’re also invited to join us at Literally How for document day for anyone navigating (or soon to be navigating) name changes, gender marker paperwork, or just first jobs or higher education forms. See you soon!
