No matter where you are on the gender spectrum, The Diversity Center's Trans & Nonbinary Programs have something for you. Support groups for and by trans and nonbinary facilitators, referrals to trans friendly providers, lively conversations about how the specific ways being trans impacts us - these are just some of the ways we serve you.
Please see the Community Calendar for the most up-to-date information on groups at the Center, online, or at other locations in Santa Cruz. Examples of ongoing groups include the Rainbow Kids Circle, a playgroup for gender diverse LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-11 and their families, and TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County bi-monthly meetings, providing information and support to parents and other adult family members of transgender children of all ages.
Events & Workshops
Trans Day of Rest: A Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 2:00-5:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: All
RSVP: tinyurl.com/TransDayofRest
For TDOV this year, we are focusing on slowing down and receiving care from our community. Trans and non-binary community members are welcome to join us for an afternoon of restorative activities, including making vision boards, herbal tea making, gentle movement, sound healing, and crafts. This event is made possible by support from The Lionel Cantú Queer Center. RSVP & information about offerings can be found here.
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
Name and Gender Marker Change Workshop
Date: Upcoming in 2025
These workshops cover the process and paperwork needed to legally change your name and/or gender marker in the state of California in a slowed-down, gentle way. During this two-hour workshop, participants are given packets with the required forms they need to fill out with detailed instructions on how to do it. Your facilitator, Nic, helps participants begin the process by filling out our forms to file a court order. We host separate workshops for the process of changing your name and gender marker as an adult and the process for your child. Stay tuned for 2025 workshop dates!
Support Groups
To see our full list of support group offering, click here.
Cultivating Trans Joy
Date: Every Third Tuesday
Time: 7:00-8:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: 18-30
Cultivating Trans Joy is a community group for trans and non-binary young adults ages 18 - 26 to engage in reflection, discussion, and activities focused on cultivating joy and wellbeing. This monthly group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Please reach out to transjoy@diversitycenter.org if you're interested in joining or have any questions!
Trans & Non-Binary Peer Support Group
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Contact tnbgroup@diversitycenter.org for the link and password.
This support and discussion group is for people 18+ who identify on the spectrum of trans/nonbinary/agender/genderfluid and more. The group also welcomes those who want to explore their identity but who may not need or want to classify themselves. All individuals are encouraged to explore their individual selves without concern or pressure that the next step needs to be ‘transitioning’ and without concern about fitting into other people's definitions. Make up your own! The Diversity Center's transgender and non-binary peer support group provides a supportive and interactive experience in a safe and brave space.
Trans Masculine Support Group
Date: Every Second and Fourth Sunday
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Zoom
The Diversity Center Santa Cruz Trans* Masculine group meets every month on the 2nd and 4th Sunday via Zoom. This group offers peer support and social connections. All FTM, Transmen, masculine-spectrum, butch, boi, folks questioning their gender, etc. are welcome. Join us for a support group for the 1st hour and then optional social time for the last half hour. Contact transmascgroup@diversitycenter.org for questions and to get the access link.
Grupo De Apoyo Mariposa de la Comunidad LGBTQ+
Fecha: Premier Jueves del Mes
Hora: 5:30-7:30 pm
Ubicación: Biblioteca Watsonville
¡Bienvenidos al grupo de apoyo LGBTQ + de Watsonville del Centro de Diversidad! ¿Tiene 18 años o más, se siente solo, sin apoyo? O quieres conocer a otros como tú. Lo encontraste. Aquí obtendrá recursos, apoyo, capacitaciones y tendrá nuevas conexiones en la comunidad. Facilitado por Roselyn Macias el primer jueves de cada mes.
GenderVentures for LGBTQ+ Youth
Date: Saturday April 5th, and every first Saturday
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! 🎥✨
Gender is a journey that we all traverse, and whether it’s trotting, skipping, or sashaying- every single one of us must navigate our own gender identity. One of the best ways to freely explore gender diversity safely is to do so with community! GenderVentures offers tangible skills for young people wanting to investigate their own gender identity or expression, or for allies who are seeking skills to support and discuss these topics. RSVP here!
For more information please call (831) 425-5422.