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, August 2
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.
Prismatic S’more Summer Beach Bonfire
Date: Friday, August 8
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Twin Lakes Beach
Age: 11-18
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TDCyouth2025
🌈✨Join us for a S’more Summer Love Bonfire at Twin Lakes Beach.
📍 Look for the easy-up with the pride flag!
🍢 Food & snacks provided. Please RSVP so we can bring enough treats for everyone!
🪑 Bring a camping chair if you can or a towel to sit on. We will have some blankets to share.
🧥 Dress in layers—it gets chilly during sunset!
Rainbow Connections Youth Empowerment Council
Dates: First and Third Thursday of Each Month
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.
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!