The Diversity Center is a beacon of support and inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1989, the Center has grown into a comprehensive hub providing essential services, safe spaces, educational programs, and enriching events informed by the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. We are dedicated to creating a vibrant, intergenerational LGBTQ+ community through collaborative efforts. Our services foster a sense of belonging and promote queer-affirming well-being practices allowing individuals to build resiliency and thrive.
“The Diversity Center has made me feel much more comfortable in myself and has provided a place for me to be my complete self.”
Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Cir, Salinas, Rooms A, B and D
RSVP: 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!
TRANSition Into Spring: A GAYpril Queer Marketplace
Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 12:00-4:00 pm
Location: The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Ages: All
RSVP: tinyurl.com/gayprilmarketplace
Come join Motion Pacific and The Diversity Center's Spring GAYpril Marketplace at the Museum of Art and History! Support local Queer artists and celebrate the TRANSition of Spring with us. In honor of Santa Cruz Dance Week, we will offer a queer makers market, pop-up dance class, performances, and workshops! Interested in no-cost vending? Email mekatzman@gmail.com
Retro Rainbow: A Dance Party for LGBTQ+ and Allied Older Adults
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: London Nelson Community Center
Ages: Older Adults
RSVP: tinyurl.com/RetroRainbowProm
Join us for a night of glitter and glam. Experience the queer prom you should have had and come as you are. No date required. Enjoy dancing, entertainment, and refreshments with your LGBTQ+ community. Allies welcome. Questions? Contact Nic.Laflin@diversitycenter.org for more information. RSVP here!
Save the Date! never the last love letter Film Screening and Community Conversation
Date: Wednesday, May 21
Time: 5:30-9:00 pm
Location: Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
Ages: All
RSVP: tinyurl.com/ntll2025
Join us for a powerful screening of Never the Last Love Letter. Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and historical artifacts, this documentary captures the creativity, courage, and defiance of the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis. It draws a powerful connection between past struggles and today's ongoing fight for justice, demonstrating how grassroots activism can transform public health and uphold human dignity.
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!
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