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.

For more information, please contact our Director of Well-being Programs via email here.

 

Monthly Programs

Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Every First Saturday
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. 

GenderVentures
Date: Every First Saturday
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm 
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP Here

Gender is a journey that we all traverse, and whether it’s trotting, skipping, or sashaying- every single one of us must navigate our own gender identity. One of the best ways to freely explore gender diversity safely is to do so with community! GenderVentures will offer tangible skills for young people wanting to investigate their own gender identity or expression.

Special Events & Activities

🌈 GSA Rainbow Skate Night 🛼
Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz Roller Palladium 1606 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Ages: Middle and elementary school LGBTQ+ youth and allies
RSVP Here

Get ready to skate and glow! 🎉 The Diversity Center and B40 Muskequeers and Gault Rainbow Dolphins are teaming up to bring you a FREE GSA Rainbow Skate Night! Whether you're a pro skater or just learning, come join the fun at the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium.

🛼 What’s included?

  • Free skate rentals (so no excuses not to join in!) You can also bring your own skates if you have them.

  • Yummy snacks to keep you fueled

  • An awesome chance to meet new friends and build community with the middle school and elementary GSA clubs across the county.

✨ What to wear?

Rock your favorite colors, the brighter the better! Show off your rainbow vibes, sparkle, or whatever makes you feel amazing! Bring any skating safety gear you need. Let’s skate together, celebrate, and have the best Friday night ever! See you there! 🎶🎉

Queer Prom Planning Committee
Date: Monday, February 24
Time: 4:15-5:00 pm 
Location: Zoom
Ages: LGBTQ+ and allies in High School in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
RSVP Here

The Diversity Center is excited to begin planning for our annual Queer Prom, a magical evening celebrating LGBTQ+ joy and community. We’re inviting high school students to join the Queer Prom Planning Committee to help make this event unforgettable!
💡 What You’ll Do:

  • Brainstorm themes, decorations, and entertainment

  • Create Queer Prom decor

  • Help invite Queer students from Santa Cruz and Monterey County to dance with us

  • Share ideas to create a fun and inclusive environment for all attendees.

    🗓 Meeting Details:

  • Where: Via Zoom with some in-person meeting opportunities

  • Zoom Meeting Topic: 

    • February 24 - We will plan the activities that will take place during Queer Prom

Youth Legal Name and Gender Marker Change Workshop
When: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: For youth under the age of 18 and their legal guardian
RSVP here.

During this two hour workshop, participants will be given packets with the required forms needed to change either one’s legal name and/or gender maker, with detailed instructions on how fill these forms out. Nic will help participants begin the process by filling out forms to file a court order. Participants will have an opportunity to begin to fill out the required forms, ask questions and receive support.
This workshop is for youth under the age of 18 and their parents or guardians. If you plan to attend please fill out the RSVP form. It gives us the information needed to give you the correct forms.

Queer Student Union January Meetings
Date: Tuesdays, January 14, 21, and 28
Time: 4:15-5:00
Location: Zoom
Ages: High School Aged LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies
RSVP Here

 The Diversity Center is excited to collaborate with the Santa Cruz COE to facilitate the Queer Student Union! The Youth Led Leadership Alliance is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community. 
The Queer Student Union helps LGBTQ+ students share and practice their leadership and advocacy skills to make a difference in the world around them. Queer Student Union members identify a 2024/2025 project to collaborate on. Students learn how to work together to create social change. Everyone has something to contribute! 
Zak and Meggie provide mentorship and we can help students tap into what they love doing while learning how to apply their passions to make our community more accepting and compassionate.

Queer Student Union In-Person Meeting in Watsonville 
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Sequoia High Schools 229 Green Valley Rd, Freedom, CA 95019
Ages: For High School Queer Youth and allies
RSVP Here

Join us for our February Queer Student Union In-person meeting with the YLLA.  The Youth Led Leadership Alliance (YLLA) is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community. 
The Queer Student Union helps LGBTQ+ students share and practice their leadership and advocacy skills to make a difference in the world around them. We will be participating in a workshop on public speaking and practicing the skills need to present towards larger audiences.

From Our Partners

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! E-mail Meggie Pina at meggie.pina@diversitycenter.org, or call 831-322-4871.

NONE THIS MONTH

Prismatic Gathering
Date: Every Third Friday
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP Here

Prismatic Gathering is a monthly activity for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18. Join us for skating, mini golf, movie nights and more! No matter the activity, Prismatic Gatherings are safe and welcoming spaces for youth to connect, unwind, and have an amazing time!