Through The Diversity Center’s Youth Program, we offer support to teens, families, and schools on issues of gender, sexuality, acceptance, and overcoming discrimination.
For more information, please contact Meggie Pina, Senior Manager of Well-Being Programs.
Monthly Programs
Prismatic Gathering
Date: Every Third Friday
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP Here
Prismatic Gathering is a monthly activity for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18. Join us for skating, mini golf, movie nights and more! No matter the activity, Prismatic Gatherings are safe and welcoming spaces for youth to connect, unwind, and have an amazing time!
Rainbow Kids Circle
Date: Every First Saturday
Ages: 5-11
For Details Contact: rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com
Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90-minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-11, and their families. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month. Participating kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 10 and under are welcome to attend. Families will have the opportunity to do arts and crafts, read a story, enjoy a snack, and engage in free play with other gender-diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies. Together we will create an accepting, affirming playgroup. This group is facilitated by Sara. For more information about the meeting date, time, and location please contact rainbowkidscircle@gmail.com.
GenderVentures
Date: Every First Saturday
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18
RSVP Here
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.
Special Events & Activities
Expand Your Mind! D&D New Year Series!
Date: Sundays, January 26 - March 2, 2025 (6 Sundays)
Time: 1:30-3:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 14-18
RSVP Here
Something is amiss at Elderidge Deep Sea Labs! Pack up your gear and join us at The Diversity Center for a 6-week Fantasy DND Campaign for queer teens and youths interested in practicing social skills/bonding, mindfulness, and TTRPG Fun! Join DM Hannah Claire Becker on a new and exciting quest full of mystery, science fiction, and heroism, whether you're a seasoned player or completely new to Dungeons & Dragons.
What to Expect:
A beginner-friendly, high-fantasy campaign where you'll create characters, explore magical worlds, and build stories with your fellow adventurers.
Learn essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression in a safe, and inclusive environment
Ready to play? Bring your imagination, and let the adventure begin!
Queer Prom Planning Committee
Date: Monday, January 27
Time: 4:15-5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Ages: LGBTQ+ and allies in High School in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
RSVP Here
The Diversity Center is excited to begin planning for our annual Queer Prom, a magical evening celebrating LGBTQ+ joy and community. We’re inviting high school students to join the Queer Prom Planning Committee to help make this event unforgettable!
💡 What You’ll Do:
Brainstorm themes, decorations, and entertainment
Create Queer Prom decor
Help invite Queer students from Santa Cruz and Monterey County to dance with us
Share ideas to create a fun and inclusive environment for all attendees.
🗓 Meeting Details:
Where: Via Zoom with some in-person meeting opportunities
Zoom Meeting Topics:
January 27 - Kickoff meeting: we will brainstorm possible themes, pick a theme and talk about possible dates for Queer Prom 2025
February 10 - Queer Prom decoration collaboration based on the theme
February 24 - We will plan the activities that will take place during Queer Prom
March 10- Queer Prom Promotion: We will plan GSA activities to offer during club meetings. We want to get the word out about the dance.
March 24 - We will talk about set-up and volunteers needs for Queer Prom
April 14th - TBD
April 28th - TBDYour ideas are valuable and we’d love for you to help shape this special event. No prior event planning experience is necessary—just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Queer Student Union January Meetings
Date: Tuesdays, January 14, 21, and 28
Time: 4:15-5:00
Location: Zoom
Ages: High School Aged LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies
RSVP Here
The Diversity Center is excited to collaborate with the Santa Cruz COE to facilitate the Queer Student Union! The Youth Led Leadership Alliance is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community.
The Queer Student Union helps LGBTQ+ students share and practice their leadership and advocacy skills to make a difference in the world around them. Queer Student Union members identify a 2024/2025 project to collaborate on. Students learn how to work together to create social change. Everyone has something to contribute!
Zak and Meggie provide mentorship and we can help students tap into what they love doing while learning how to apply their passions to make our community more accepting and compassionate.
Queer Student Union In-Person Meeting in Watsonville
Date: Saturday, February 1
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Sequoia High Schools 229 Green Valley Rd, Freedom, CA 95019
Ages: For High School Queer Youth and allies
RSVP Here
Join us for our February Queer Student Union In-person meeting with the YLLA. The Youth Led Leadership Alliance (YLLA) is a network of 7 different leadership groups sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working together to develop leadership skills and make an impact across their community.
The Queer Student Union helps LGBTQ+ students share and practice their leadership and advocacy skills to make a difference in the world around them. We will be participating in a workshop on public speaking and practicing the skills need to present towards larger audiences.
🌈 GSA Rainbow Skate Night 🛼
When: Friday, February 21
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz Roller Palladium 1606 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Ages: Middle and elementary school LGBTQ+ youth and allies
RSVP Here
Get ready to skate and glow! 🎉 The Diversity Center and B40 Muskequeers are teaming up to bring you a FREE GSA Rainbow Skate Night! Whether you're a pro skater or just learning, come join the fun at the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium.
🛼 What’s included?Free skate rentals (so no excuses not to join in!) You can also bring your own skates if you have them. Yummy snacks to keep you fueledAn awesome chance to meet new friends and build community with the middle school and elementary GSA clubs across the county. ✨ What to wear?Rock your favorite colors, the brighter the better! Show off your rainbow vibes, sparkle, or whatever makes you feel amazing! Bring any skating safety gear you need. Let’s skate together, celebrate, and have the best Friday night ever! See you there! 🎶🎉
From Our Partners
School Support
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.
Community Partnerships
The Diversity Center is open to working in partnership with local teens and organizations to plan fun, educational, and activist-oriented events. Please contact us! E-mail Meggie Pina at meggie.pina@diversitycenter.org, or call 831-322-4871.