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.

Trans Youth Support Groups (12-18)

Transmasculine Support Group : Join us at the Diversity Center for our Transmasculine Youth group. We offer an accepting and open space for like-minded youth to share experiences, support, and exciting activities. All transmasculine spectrum youth are welcome!

1st and 3rd Saturday: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

The Diversity Center Santa Cruz County, 1117 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

Transfeminine Support Group : The Trans Feminine Youth Group is currently on hiatus. Stay tuned for more updates!

For any youth (ages 12-18) who are seeking a safe space to be themselves, The Diversity Center's Youth Program hosts weekly meet-ups in Watsonville and Santa Cruz. 

Camp OUT (12-18) Friday, August 4th - Sunday, August 6th 2017

Pack your bags and get ready for a weekend in the woods with Camp OUT!

This transformative leadership camp-out is focused on giving youth tools for self-empowerment,  and skills and techniques to succeed socially and at school.

What do we do at Camp OUT? Our group of volunteer counselors line-up engaging workshops and team building activities for all our youth. S'more-making, tie-dye and talent shows are all part of the mix too! Sign up today!

Camp OUT,  which takes place Friday August 4th - Sunday August 6th,  is for middle and high school youth ages 12-18. Sliding scale donation $1 - $150.

Questions? Concerns? Email Youth Program Coordinators Jamie Joy and Alex Santana Jr at: youth@diversitycenter.org. Or, call us at: 831-425-5422 x104

Resources for educators

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