Youth Programs
Our Youth Programs provide safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to connect, express themselves, and build community through social events, leadership opportunities, and creative workshops. We empower young people by fostering resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
All participants must adhere to TDC’s Code of Conduct.
Leadership Group: Queer Middle School Improvement Team (Q-MIT)
Upcoming Online and In-Person Meetings!
Date: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month
Ages: LGBTQ+ Middle School students + allies
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QMITRSVP
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. Join us every second and fourth Wednesday of each month to help shape what the council will do!
Queer Student Union
Upcoming Online and In-Person Meetings!
Date: Every Tuesday
Time: 4:15 - 5:00 pm
Location: RSVP for information
Ages: Santa Cruz County High School Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QSUYLLA
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.
In-person gathering on Saturday, May 16, from 11am - 2pm!
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Every first Saturday of the month
Ages: Youth 5-11 and their families
For details and to RSVP, contact rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com.
Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90-minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies elementary school age 5-11 and their families facilitated by Sara. Rainbow Kids Circle meets on the first Saturday of each month. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 10 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.
Fellowship of the Queer: A Youth DnD Campaign
Date: May 3 and May 17, the First and Third Sunday of Every Month
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 13-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/tdcyouthdnd
Join the queerest campaign in town, featuring adventure, fun, snacks, and Spelljammer! This will be an episodic, continuous campaign. We will make characters together, or you can use a pre-built. RSVP is required. No experience is required - learn and make new friends on a magical space quest. Supplies provided.
School Support + Community Partnership
The Diversity Center offers support to Santa Cruz County schools by visiting Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and providing educational presentations and training for students and staff.
We are open to working in partnership with local teens and organizations to plan fun, educational, and activist-oriented events. Please contact us!
Download our local LGBTQ+ Student Rights, Advocacy, and Community Resources Guide!
Rainbow Reader 2025
The Rainbow Reader was inspired by a local LGBTQ+ magazine from the 1980s called the Lavender Reader. The Lavender Reader was far ahead of its time in providing accurate HIV/AIDS prevention information, political observations, local and national news, nuanced gay, lesbian, and bisexual content, and visibility for trans community members.
In this magazine, you’ll engage with material made by and for queer, allied, and trans youth from throughout Santa Cruz County. Contributors range from elementary to high school age. We hope you have some fun, feel inspired, and learn something new.