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 Kids Circle
Date: Saturday, September 6
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.
The Rainbow Conference
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 9:30 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Watsonville High School
Ages: Elementary, Teens, and Parents
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/qtayouth2025
The Safe Schools Project is proud to announce the Rainbow Conference — a day of celebration, community, and learning for young people and the adults who support them in Monterey, San Benito, & Santa Cruz Counties. There are separate tracks for teens, adults, and elementary school/parents. Registration is required for each track. Learn more about the summit here. Questions? Contact coordinatesummit@gmail.com
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.
Back to School Karaoke and Dance Party!
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/TDCRSVP
Sing your heart out to Sabrina Carpenter, MCR, Chappell Roan, or any of your favorite artists - no matter how famous or obscure! Duets and group numbers welcome. Come solo and make friends, or bring someone along. No singing experience necessary – we’re just here to have fun, eat food, and sing/dance together in an LGBTQIA+ affirming environment before school gets too busy! RSVP encouraged.
Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
Dates: First and Third Thursday of Each Month, September 4 and September 18
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.
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
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.
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!
