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.

 

Special Events & Activities

Rainbow Realms Queer Prom
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM 
Location: Sequoia High School, 229 Green Valley Road, Freedom, CA
Ages: ALL LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 14-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/rainbowrealmstdc 

🌈✨ Calling all unicorns, trolls, dragons, griffins, mermaids, pirates, vampires, fairies, and fun seekers! ✨🌈

Step through the magical portal and into Rainbow Realms Queer Prom with The Diversity Center and the Santa Cruz COE! Queer Prom is a whimsical and vibrant celebration where fantasy, mythology, and otherworldly vibes intertwine in a kaleidoscope of colors and imagination! 

🏳️‍🌈 You don't need a date to come to this dance. Queer Prom is open to ALL LGBTQ+ teens and allies ages 14-18. 

🌟 Rainbow Realms is a world where you can be your most authentic self! 🌟

✨ Immerse yourself in an enchanting cosmic garden where you can dance it out to the beats of DJ LuNa.M. Be captivated by the spellbinding drag artistry of The Rogue Roulette, Khloe Quarterpounder, and Xinistra Gl’Amour.

📸 Step into our portrait area - Strike a pose with friends, solo, or alongside enchanting props!

😌 Relax in our Chill Zone if you need a break from the festivities.

🍿 Rainbow Treats & Refreshments – Fuel your adventure with rainbow snacks!

🎟️ You can secure your FREE ticket to Rainbow Realms Queer Prom by completing this form. RSVP to help us plan a magical night of wonder! Guests can still secure a ticket the day of the dance.    

Queer Prom Planning Committee
Date: Monday, April 14
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

CampOUT with The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust
Dates: Tuesday July 8th - Thursday July 10
Location: Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur
Cost: FREE
Ages: LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 from Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
RSVP: tinyurl.com/campout2025TDCBSLT 
(Space is limited to 20 campers)

🌟 What's Camp OUT All About? 🌟
Camp OUT is more than just a camping trip – it is about making new friends, building community and reconnecting with nature! Join us for a glamping getaway where you can be your truest self, surrounded by like-minded peers and camp counselors who understand and support you every step of the way. Get ready to relax by the pool, enjoy delicious meals, share stores by the campfire, and maybe even spot a shooting star or two!

🌈 Who's Invited? 🌈
Camp OUT with The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust is FREE and open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18 who are looking for a safe, supportive, and seriously fun camping experience!  Space is limited to 20 campers.  

🏞️ Where Will We Be? 🏞️
We have been invited to a beautiful new location for Camp OUT 2025!  We'll be pitching our tents and soaking up the beauty of nature at Big Sur Land Trust Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur.  

Tuesday July 8th- Thursday July 10th  

🎉 What Can You Expect? 🎉
Our camp counselors will help you set-up your tent at Glen Deven Ranch. Big Sur Land Trust's Camp Chef will provide delicious and nutritious meals through the duration of camp. We can accommodate any and all dietary restrictions. Snacks and beverages will be available all weekend. 

The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust Camp Counselors will offer a variety of activities for campers to enjoy. From nature walks to tie dye, our days end with campfire chats and smores. There's something for everyone at Camp OUT. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, you'll have the chance to relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

🎟️ How Do You Reserve Your Spot? 🎟️
You can register for Camp OUT 2025  by completing this form.

***Important information***

  • Camp OUT with Big Sur Land Trust 2025 dates: Tuesday July 8 - Thursday July 10 

  • Camp OUT location: Big Sur Land Trust Glen Deven Ranch in Carmel

  • Camp OUT is for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14-18.  

  • Tuesday July 8th 10:30 AM Camper Drop off at Carmel location. Big Sur Land Trust will transport our campers to Glen Deven Ranch in Carmel.  

  • Thursday July 10 3:00 PM Camper Pick up at Carmel 

Campers and their Parent/guardian/caregiver will receive a Camp OUT Welcome Packet via email on June 4th 2025. Campers and their Parent/guardian/caregiver member MUST be signed the required forms from The Diversity Center and Big Sur Land Trust in order to attend Camp OUT.  The Camp OUT Welcome Packet will include information about the drop off and pick up location.  It will also include all the required forms to review and sign.  

Big Sur Land Trust and The Diversity Center want to make camping accessible to everyone. Camp OUT is FREE thanks to the support of generous grantors and individual donors!  Additional donations are welcome.  

Big Sur Land Trust inspires love of land across generation, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. https://bigsurlandtrust.org/ We are so grateful that they want to share Glen Deven Ranch with our LGBTQ+ community.  

Recurring 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: Saturday, April 5
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm 
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025

Join us for a special screening of A Kid Like Jake, a heartfelt drama about a Brooklyn couple navigating the challenges of raising their gender-expansive child. As they prepare for kindergarten admissions, they confront societal expectations and explore what it truly means to support and celebrate a child's identity.

This event is open to all youth and allies (ages 11-18) and will be followed by a thoughtful discussion on gender identity, family support, and inclusivity. Snacks will be provided! Come for the movie, stay for the conversation! 🎥✨

Expand Your Mind! Teens Play D&D Spring Series
Dates: Sundays, April 6 to May 18th (6 weeks)
Time: 1:30-3:30 pm (Game averages 2 hours, but ending may be 30 minutes longer or so)
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: Teens ages 14-18
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2xcbkeam    (Limited to 7 participants) 

Description: Come break interdimensional barriers is a TTRPG campaign where Fantasy meets Reality! Pack up your gear and join us at The Diversity Center for a 6-week Fantasy DND Campaign for queer teens and youths interested in practicing social skills/bonding, mindfulness, and magical fun! Join DM Hannah Claire Becker on a new and exciting quest full of mystery, fantastic surrealism and heroism, whether you're a seasoned player or completely new to Dungeons & Dragons.

A beginner-friendly, high-fantasy campaign where you'll create characters, explore magical worlds, and build stories with your fellow adventurers. Learn essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression in a safe, and inclusive environment Bring your imagination, and let the adventure begin!

WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH
Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Meet us at Santa Cruz City Hall Courtyard, 809 Center St, Santa Cruz. Together we will march ending at Abbot Square
Age: All
RSVP: tinyurl.com/wwnbe2025 

Join us in the “WE WILL NOT BE ERASED” March. This event is to help people feel empowered to live their truth, to not hide themselves away in fear and stay safe from harm. We are building a stronger community together. LGBTQIA+ people deserve respect, visibility and choice. We stand in solidarity with historically marginalized community members.  WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH is being led by Byrce Grossman. Bryce is a 14 year old who attends Mission Hill Middle School. They are the visionary behind this gathering. “I’ve always had activist ideals and I finally felt compelled enough to make something happen. I’m quite tired of waking up everyday fearing for my and others safety and wellbeing.”

WE WILL NOT BE ERASED March Timeline

5:00-6:00:  Join us the Santa Cruz City Hall Courtyard where we will kickoff the march

  • Listen to music

  • Make a poster and make your voice heard! 

  • Hear from LGBTQ+ youth activists

6:00-6:30: Together we will march ending at Abbot Square.

If you are an LGBTQ+ student or ally who wants to volunteer or speak at the WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH please fill out this form and Bryce will contact you.  

If you plan on attending the WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH please RSVP here.  If you would like to volunteer you can fill out the same form and Bryce or Meggie from The Diversity Center will contact you.  

The WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH is being organized by Bryce with support and sponsorship from The Diversity Center. You can make a donation to support the WE WILL NOT BE ERASED MARCH here!  

Raíces y Cariño & The Diversity Center Present: Family-friendly Bilingual Drag Show and Pride Lotería! 🌈
Date: Friday, April 11
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm 
Location: Raíces y Cariño, 1205 Freedom Blvd Unit 3B, Watsonville
Cost: FREE
Ages: All
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/PrideLoteria 

Join us for an unforgettable night of joy, culture, and community in Watsonville! Raíces y Cariño and The Diversity Center invite you to a family-friendly Drag Show and Pride Lotería—a celebration of love, identity, and creativity.

The amazing youth from the PRISM Club and across the county have designed their own Pride Lotería cards which will be showcased at this event. Come play this special edition of Pride Lotería, win fun prizes, and connect with the community!

Hosted by the fabulous Little Miss Caffeine, Rogue Roulette & Xinistra Gl'Amour, this evening will be filled with laughter, entertainment, and powerful moments of togetherness as we uplift and support LGBTQ+ youth and families.

Please RSVP for this FREE event.

Queer Student Union Zoom Meetings
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays
Time: 4:15-5:00
Location: Zoom
Ages: High School Aged LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025 

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
Date: Saturday, April 19
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: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025 

Youth Leadership Opportunity: During April’s in-person meeting we will be reviewing the data from the Voices of Santa Cruz County Students: School Climate & Inclusion Survey we launched in March. We will think of policy recommendations that we can share with the Santa Cruz COE.

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.

Monterey County Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
Hosted by: Rainbow Connections, The Diversity Center, Our Gente, and QYTC
Dates: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month
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 Wednesdays of each month, 4:15-5:00 PM on Zoom
Sign up here to receive the Zoom information.

Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo
Hosted by: Rainbow Connections, Monterey County Behavioral Health, Monterey County Office of Education, The Diversity Center, The Epicenter, Harmony at Home, Partners for Peace and You will Rise.  
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 3:00 pm -5:00 pm 
Location: Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Cir, Salinas, Rooms A, B and D
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/RCwellnessexpo2025 

Join us for the second annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo! This vibrant gathering brings together school leaders, educators, parents, caregivers, and allies to share resources, strengthen connections, and uplift our community. Discover how we can collaborate to support the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ students and families. Learn more about the Rainbow Connections Provider Network and the LGBTQ+ affirming services available for youth up to age 25 and their families in Monterey County.
📚 Resource Materials
🍎 Refreshments
🎶 Music

School administrations, educators, parents, caregivers and community organizations please register for the expo here.

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!