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.
Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
First and Third Thursday of Each Month, Oct. 2 and Oct. 16
Time: 4:15 - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: Monterey and San Benito County Middle and High School Youth
RSVP: tinyurl.com/montereyrcyec
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.
Fellowship of the Queer: A Twice-a-Month Youth DnD Campaign
Date: Starting October 5, every First and Third Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 13-18
RSVP: https://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 required. No experience required - learn and make new friends on a magical space quest. Supplies provided.
Be There Ambassador: Training for Youth Mental Health Advocacy
Date: Registration is open, completion of training by November 26 to qualify for the stipend.
Location: Online. Participants must use this URL to qualify for the stipend: https://www.betherecertificate.org/?referral=diversitycenterscAges: 14-24
The Be There certificate, created by Jack.org in partnership with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, is a free, self-paced, interactive online course designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support someone struggling with their mental health. Upon completion of the program, youth will become Be There Ambassadors.
Be The Change - Queer Student Union Kick Off Event
Date: Kickoff meeting Saturday, October 4
Location: Zoom (sign up for the link)
Ages: LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/QSUYLLA
Queer Student Union
Date: Weekly Zoom meetings start Tuesday, October 7
Time / Location: Zoom meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00.
In-person meetings are held once per month on Saturdays, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The meeting location changes each month.
Ages: High School students in Santa Cruz County
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.
Through student-led projects and events, you’ll get to:
✨ Build leadership and organizing skills
✨ Work on projects that make real change in your school and community
✨ Grow your network of Queer friends and allies
✨ Be part of shaping the future of LGBTQ+ spaces in Santa Cruz
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Saturday, October 4
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.
Youth Spooky Halloween Paint Party
Date: October 17, 2025
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Pajaro Valley Arts Porter Building, 280 Main St., Watsonville
Ages: LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/TDCRSVP
Gather your ghastly ghoulfriends and join us for a haunting evening of painting, crypt dips and chips, and spellbinding Halloween spirit. Let your creativity ooze like slime on the canvas catacombs and win treats during terrifying trivia.
Rainbow Connections: Let’s Bowl Out! Pizza Party
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: Round1 Bowling & Arcade, 1600 Northridge Mall #200, Salinas
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/mrx7ft37
Rainbow Connections and The Diversity Center invite you to a fun afternoon of bowling, pizza, and community! All LGBTQ+ and allied middle and high school youth in Monterey and San Benito County are invited to join us at Round1 Bowling & Arcade at the Northridge Mall. Please RSVP so that we can reserve the lanes that we need.
Pizza, drinks and bowling shoes will be provided - no bowling experience necessary.
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!
