The Diversity Center

2010 Grand Marshals

Monica Morales

I was raised in Watsonville, a predominately working class Latino community, where the majority of queer youth lack resources and opportunities. As a queer Mexicana, I felt I had a responsibility to help change and improve the inequalities embedded in my high school, city, and county. I couldn’t just “talk” about the inequalities and injustices, I had to do more, I had to be proactive. I consciously challenged myself to think beyond my little sphere and make a difference. And so, I have dedicated the last decade and a half to community organizing and advocacy for the queer community and young people.

Community volunteering and organizing has never been about wealth and prestige for me. Believe me, at times I have felt (and probably will continue to feel) discouraged, tired, and lonely doing this work. I give back because first, it would be a dishonor to all of the leaders before me not to continue with their legacies; second, I refuse to become a care-free silent accomplice of current prejudices; and third, I want to create better living conditions for my neighbors, niece

 

Lulu & Kathy Manu

LuLu and Kathy Manus are proud bridge-builders in the LGBTIQ community in Santa Cruz. LuLu says, “We are fortunate to be in Santa Cruz, where we can be our true selves in a supportive community, living lives of dignity, pride and self-respect. We have The Diversity Center, so many tireless LGBTIQ activists, and a real willingness to support transgender people in new ways. I am honored to represent the community today.”

In 2005-6, LuLu became The Diversity Center’s first Trans Community Coordinator, and first transgender employee. Following that work, LuLu participated in a support group moderator training by Dr. Shane Hill and has since served for over two years as volunteer moderator of the Diversity Center’s Trans Support Group, which still meets twice per month.

Kathy says, “When LuLu came out in 2004, we could no longer be considered a straight married couple. Unexpectedly, we were members of a minority community—we were ‘accidental lesbians.’ Amazingly to us, and with great kindness, The Diversity Center welcomed and gave us the support that we needed. It has been an honor to be a Center volunteer, working to meet the needs of other LGBTIQ people, their friends, and families.”

Kathy became a Diversity Center volunteer in 2005. She was invited to be the first ally on the Board of Directors, serving as Secretary of the Board and the Executive Committee. She has also logged in many hours as a weekly Center Host, and as ad hoc librarian for the Center’s collection of over 3,000 books & videos.

Kathy and LuLu have been affiliated with the Santa Cruz Chapter of PFLAG and Holy Cross Outreach Ministry for LGBT Catholics. LuLu is an active church musician. Whether singing or playing oboe, violin, or guitar, she is at home with sacred, jazz or rock music. In 2007, Kathy helped the Center’s Spirituality Committee to create a Spiritual Directory resource by surveying 52 area faith groups on their LGBTIQ welcoming and affirming practices. Working under a grant from the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, Kathy became the Center’s representative in a 2008-09 partnership with Temple Beth El to further develop “Out In Our Faith.” She is active in several local parish ministries, and is a founder of Third Wednesday Bingo Night at the Homeless Services Center in Santa Cruz. Every April, she is a support person for Queer Contra Dance Camp at Monte Toyon in Aptos.

Both Kathy and Lulu have helped at the Diversity Center in many capacities, from gardening to decorating. They have served both on Triangle Speakers panels and on LGBTIQ cultural sensitivity-training panels for mental health and health care personnel through Planned Parenthood-Mar Monte, working closely with Dr. Jennifer Hastings. Kathy and LuLu were married in San Francisco in 1984; and against all odds, they remain a devoted married couple.

2011 Grand Marshals

 

Each year, we ask one or two people who have given extraordinary service to the Santa Cruz Queer community to lead our Pride Parade as Grand Marshal. This year, we're asking members of the community to send us nominations for this singular honor.

If you know someone who should be the leader of the queer pack this year, please send us a name and your reasons.

Nominations are due by March 15, 2010. We’ll be considering nominations at our March meeting, and will announce our 2010 Grand Marshal shortly thereafter.

Send nominatinos to Pride, P.O.Box 8280, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-8280. Drop them off at The Diversity

Center, or e-mail to .

Previous Grand Marshals...

 

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The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz