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.
Pride Documentary - 2000's: Y2Gay Screening and Discussion W/ Zak from The Diversity Center
Date: Thursday, June 26
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Simpkins Swim Center, Live Oak Library Annex, 979 17th Ave.
Ages: All ages
RSVP: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/13996351
Celebrate 50 years of Santa Cruz Pride with a semi-weekly screening of PRIDE, a six-part documentary series chronicling the fight for LGBTQ civil rights in America. All screenings take place on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Library Annex at the Simpkins Swim Center except for the Juneteenth Holiday. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is recommended, and drop-ins are welcome.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Capitola Branch Library and is part of our Summer Reading Program, Color Our World. This series will also be screened at the Branciforte Branch starting in June.
Live Oak Annex Dates:
May 15 Episode 1 • 1950's: People Had Parties
May 22 Episode 2 • 1960's: Riots and Revolutions
May 29 Episode 3 • 1970's: The Vanguard of Struggle
June 5 Episode 4 • 1980's: Underground
June 12 Episode 5 • 1990's: The Culture Wars
June 26 Episode 6: • 2000's: Y2Gay
Be an Upstander Workshop for Youth with The Diversity Center @ Pajaro Valley Arts
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM
Location: Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Age: Youth ages 11-18
RSVP: https://pvarts.org/events/be-an-upstander/
Ever seen something messed up and didn’t know what to do? This workshop gives you the tools to speak up and be an upstander. We’ll break down what bullying really looks like, how it shows up at school, home and online, and how to go from bystander to upstander. You’ll hear real scenarios, talk it out with your peers, and walk away with ways to actually do something—safely and confidently.
This isn’t your typical "don't be a bully" talk. This is about owning your power, helping others, and creating a community where people have each other's backs.
Why You Should Join:
🔍 Spot It: Know the signs of bullying and why ignoring it only makes it worse.
❤️ Feel It: Tap into empathy and learn how to stand up for someone.
✊ Do Something: Practice ways to step in, whether that means speaking up, checking in, or finding help.
🌈 Change the Vibe: Learn how even small acts of kindness and courage can change our community.
🛠 Build a Better Space: Help create a space where people feel respected, seen, and safe just being themselves.
❤️ Enjoy snacks and meet new people!
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 June 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!