Youth Programs
The Diversity Center’s 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.
Prismatic S’more Summer Beach Bonfire
Date: July 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Twin Lakes Beach
Age: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025
🌈✨Join us for a S’more Summer Love Bonfire at Twin Lakes Beach! We’ll be roasting weenies, making s’mores, and soaking up the magic of summer together.
📍 Look for the white canopy with the pride flag!
🍢 Food & snacks provided.
🪑 Bring a camping chair if you can or a towel to sit on.
🧥 Dress in layers—it gets chilly after sunset!
Monterey County Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council Zoom Meetings
Hosted by: Rainbow Connections, The Diversity Center, Our Gente, and QYTC
Dates: 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month; July 3 and July 17
Time: 4:15-5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Monterey and San Benito County Middle and High School LGBTQ+ youth and allies
RSVP: tinyurl.com/montereyrcyec
🌈 Join the Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council! 🌈
Are you an LGBTQ+ youth or ally in middle or high school who wants to make a difference in Monterey County? The Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council is a space where YOU can:
✨ Shape LGBTQ+ programs – Be the visionaries behind Rainbow Connections youth events! Help plan an event for LGBTQ+ youth in Monterey county.
✨ Build leadership skills – Develop leadership skills, share your input and ideas to help improve programs and services for LGBTQ+ youth in your community.
✨ Connect with a supportive community – Meet other LGBTQ+ youth, create a safe space where we can share resources and receive peer to peer support.
📅 Meetings: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 4:15-5:00 PM on Zoom
Sign up here to receive the Zoom information.
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Every First Saturday: July 5
Ages: 5-11
For Details Contact: rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com
Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90-minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-11, and their families. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month. Participating kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 10 and under are welcome to attend. Families will have the opportunity to do arts and crafts, read a story, enjoy a snack, and engage in free play with other gender-diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies. Together we will create an accepting, affirming playgroup. This group is facilitated by Sara. For more information about the meeting date, time, and location please contact rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com.
From Our Partners for Change
School Support
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.
Community Partnerships
The Diversity Center is open to working in partnership with local teens and organizations to plan fun, educational, and activist-oriented events. Please contact us!