Join us for the 4th Annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo, a celebration filled with youth voices, creativity, and community. Explore how we can work together to strengthen mental health and wellness for LGBTQ+ youth across Monterey County.
This year’s Expo will center youth voices, featuring a youth panel and youth speakers sharing their experiences, ideas, and hopes. Hear directly from young people about what helps them feel supported and what they want the adults and communities around them to understand. Take a stroll through our Rainbow Connection Art Exhibit and enjoy original stickers and artwork created by local students exploring LGBTQ+ mental health, wellness, belonging, and community.
We’ll also hear from Ace, a Salinas High School senior and LGBTQ+ youth advocate, who has written and self-published The Colors of Innovation: LGBTQ+ in STEM, a book highlighting LGBTQ+ changemakers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through this project, Ace celebrates the power of representation and inspires LGBTQ+ young people to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive a free copy of Ace’s book.
Meet local organizations and members of the Rainbow Connections Provider Network, learn about LGBTQ+ affirming services for youth and families and build relationships with others who care about the well-being of LGBTQ+ people. Taking place on the kickoff day of Transgender Awareness Week, the Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo is an opportunity to celebrate youth voices, strengthen allyship, and uplift LGBTQ+ young people. Together, we can create communities where LGBTQ+ youth know they are celebrated, seen, valued, and never alone
We will provide light refreshments and giveaways. Help us prepare for the Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo by completing the RSVP form!
Ages: Educators, Parents/Caregivers, LGBTQ+ youth + allies