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.

Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 2024
Date: Wednesday, November 20
Time: 6:00-8:30 pm
Location: Resource Center for Non-Violence, 612 Ocean St, Santa Cruz 95060
Ages: All

For decades, communities across the globe have gathered on November 20th to raise public awareness of the hate crimes against transgender people and publicly mourn and honor the trans and non-binary lives lost. A rallying cry at many of these vigils is “Give us our flowers while we are still here.” Inspired by this plea, our theme for this year is "Flowers." We are inspired by the nature of perennial flowers going dormant and coming back every year, by wildflowers who are rugged and tough and can grow in the worst conditions. Flowers are associated with life and death, and their earthiness provides the grounding needed for us to keep moving forward, turning grief into action. Join us for an evening of speakers, a grief meditation, a short reception, and the honoring of the trans lives lost to violence in the last 12 months. RSVP here.

Name and Gender Marker Change Workshop
Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 18+


This workshop will 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 will be given packets with the required forms they need to fill out with detailed instructions on how to do it. Your facilitator, Nic, will help participants begin the process by filling out our forms to file a court order. This workshop is for adults only. We will offer light refreshments, but you are encouraged to come nourished. Support people are welcome. RSVP here. 

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. Cultivating Trans Joy will be facilitated by trans educator and advocate, Emmett Griffith (he/him). Please reach out to emmett.griffith@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 Nic.Laflin@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: Every First Saturday
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm 
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18

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 will offer 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.