educational and social activities for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies
Being a teen can be like riding the Big Dipper! Some beautiful highs and some amazing lows. One school principal calls it: “The time we open all the windows.” This can be confusing, vulnerable and even make us feel alone.
At the Diversity Center we offer several opportunities for young people to move through the ups and downs with less struggle.
Through The Diversity Center’s Youth Program, we offer support to:
- schools to help kids who may not “fit in.” We support Gay-Straight Alliance clubs to encourage teens to become leaders of tolerance and acceptance.
- teens and families around questions of gender and same-sex attraction, tolerance and overcoming discrimination.
At our annual Queer Camp, teens have a safe and supervised summer camp to have fun, be themselves, learn leadership skills and meet friends.
LGBTQ+ Youth Meet-Ups
Our Saturday group is comprised of youth who have come together to design and implement events and learn leadership skills while connecting with new friends and having a great time. All teens in middle school and high school are welcome to join!
When:
Fridays: 3:30 pm — 6:00 pm
Saturdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where:
Fridays: First Christian Church, 15 Madison St, Watsonville, CA
Saturdays: The Diversity Center (unless there is a special field trip), 1117 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
GSA Support
The Diversity Center offers support to all Santa Cruz County Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's). Whether a GSA is planning an event, looking for guest speakers, needs help with organizing, and more, The Diversity Center is here to help.
Events
The Diversity Center supports events that teens are looking for! We've hosted the Breaking the Silence event, beach bonfires, dances and more! Diversity Center staff work in partnership with local teens to plan events.
Resources for educators
Are you an educator wondering how to improve LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in your classroom? Are you curious to know how to become a better ally for queer students? Our Youth Program has you covered! This youth-generated presentation will assist you in your work to build and keep your classroom a safe space. If you are interested in receiving a free copy of the presentation, email our youth program at youth@diversitycenter.org.
The Diversity Center's youth program is possible because of our funders who make our program possible:
The Diversity Center works in collaboration with the SCCOE School Mental Health Partnership and receives funding from The County Of Santa Cruz’s Health Services Agency and the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)
FIND OUT MORE
For more information please call 831-425-5422 x104 or Email youth@diversitycenter.org