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.
Fellowship of the Queer: A Youth DnD Campaign
Date: Sundays, January 4 and January 18
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.
Game On! An LGBTQ+ Game Night
Date: Friday, January 9
Time: 6:00-8:00
Location: Game Santa Cruz, 1101 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCRSVP
Join us for an LGBTQ+ youth game night where fantasy and adventure come to life. We will gather for an evening of imaginative games, shared laughter, and creative play in an affirming and welcoming space. Come ready to explore new worlds, connect with friends, and enjoy a night centered on fun, belonging, and joy.
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Saturday January 3rd, and every first Saturday
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.
Narwhal Skate Night: Youth Meet Up
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz Roller Palladium, 1060 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz
Ages: Elementary and middle school-aged youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCRSVP
Skate the arctic seas and enjoy songs, snacks, and seaworthy fun with new friends from across Santa Cruz County schools! Dress to impress in your best sea creature attire. This event is NO COST. RSVP required for a ticket. This event was made possible with support from Branciforte Middle School’s Muskequeers and Gault Elementary’s QSA Club!
Fro-Yo + Friends!
Date: Friday, January 16
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: MYO Frozen Yogurt, 840 Broadway Ave, Seaside
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/FroYoandFriendsRSVP
The Diversity Center invites you to welcome the New Year together! Let’s enjoy MYO Frozen Yogurt while we connect with community! Frozen yogurt will be provided.
Queer Prom Planning Committee
Date: Monday, January 26
Time: 4:15 - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: High School LGBTQ+ Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCRSVP
We’re excited to begin planning for our annual Queer Prom, and we need your input. What you’ll do as a committee member:
Brainstorm themes, decorations, and entertainment.
Create Queer Prom decor
Help invite Queer students to dance with us
Share ideas to create a fun and inclusive environment for all attendees.
Queer Student Union
Date: Tuesdays, January 13, 20, and 27
Time: 4:15-5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Santa Cruz County High School Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QSUYLLA
Queer Student Union (QSU) is a space for LGBTQ+ high school students across Santa Cruz County to connect, create, and lead. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, curious about exploring Queer liberation, or just want to find community, QSU is where you can make your voice heard and your ideas come to life. 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.
Youth Leadership Group: Pride Youth Council Zoom Meeting
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Middle School Students
RSVP: tinyurl.com/PrideYouthRSVP
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. PYC is a space to hang out, speak up, and take action for things you care about. Join us at our first meeting in 2026 to help shape what the council will do and how often we’ll meet.
Hearts of All Kind: A Valentine’s Event
Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Salinas Community School, 615 Leslie Drive, Salinas
Ages: LGBTQ+ Youth, Family, Friends + Allies
RSVP here!
Join us for a Valentine's card and cookie decorating community gathering! Meet our Rainbow Connections partners and learn about the support we’re offering in Monterey County. Come enjoy dinner, cookie decorating, music, a photo booth, and a special raffle!
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!
