The Diversity Center - Santa Cruz County

We need firewood for CampOUT by August 1st! If you or anyone you know has firewood to donate to our youth program, contact us at [email protected]. Thank you!

LGBTQ+ Lifelong Leaner Series: Drag Workshop!
With

Date: Tuesday, July 23
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Location: The Diversity Center

A fun and supportive workshop for LGBTQ+ seniors to explore the art of drag. Learn how to develop a Drag persona. No experience needed
—come as you are, leave as a star!

We had an incredible experience at the Welcoming Schools Facilitator Training ☀️🌈📚

Q***r Butch Activities Collective: Lawn games at Jade Street Park

Date: 3rd Sunday of each month
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM
Location: Jade Street Park
4400 Jade St, Capitola, CA 95010
Ages: 21+

Q***r Butch Activities Collective is for adults 21+ who want to build community in a safe space and who identify within their sexuality as q***r/lesbian or butch. Join us for monthly activities and social meet-ups hosted by TDC and facilitated by community member Carolyn Rosevelt. The group meets in person on the 3rd Sunday of the month for 6 months. Outdoor activities may include various sports, music, playing pool, archery, or self-defense demos. Indoor activities may include potlucks, creative art, writing, or movies. RSVP for the July event. https://tinyurl.com/Q***rButchActivities

Prismatic Youth Gathering: Bonfire!

Date: Friday, July 19
Time: 6-8:30 pm
Location: Twin Lakes State Beach
Ages: 11-18

Join us for the Prismatic Friday monthly gathering for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18, held on the 3rd Friday of every month from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

This month we will be meeting at Twin Lakes State Beach for a bonfire. Look for the tent with the rainbow flags. Prismatic offers a safe and welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and celebrate identities with peers. Enjoy the warmth of a beach bonfire, music, dancing, games, story-sharing, and delicious s'mores and snacks, all provided by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Come in comfortable clothes, bring a blanket or chair, and be ready for a night of fun and community in an inclusive and supportive environment.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecE-Jovc3A6FYmwAc1gy2dQbYfrKrC1ugxeuBt1nps3S77vQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Q***r New Moon Ritual

Date: Monday, July 22
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Twin Lakes State Beach, East Cliff Drive @ 7th Avenue

We are mixing our magic up this month by gathering for a Q***r Full Moon bonfire. This full moon is about rest and self-care. There are two opportunities to tap into magic, intention and community!

2:30-6:00 PM: BYO Picnic on the beach! Soak up the sun, recharge on the warm sand, and take time to relax by the waves. We will have an easy up tent available for shared shade. Please byo snacks, chair and or towel to sit in

6:00-8:30 PM: Bonfire Ritual. The full moon ritual will begin at 6:30 so that we give everyone a chance to arrive. You are invited to wear something that shimmers or sparkles to our ritual. Please bring layers, your own chair and/or a towel to sit on.

We begin our rituals with introductions and a check-in question followed by a land and black life acknowledgment. Participants are then invited to volunteer to lead a clearing or grounding exercise. There will be time to share astrology wisdom of this full moon.

We will be hosting a self-care gift exchange. You are invited to bring an item that helps you tap into self-care. We will draw numbers and each person who brought a self-care gift will be able to choose from the self-care gifts on our altar. The self-care gift can be new, used or handmade.

Each participant will be given a bundle of sage and you’ll have the opportunity to write down your full moon intentions on a piece of paper. Participants will be able to add their inventions to the fire. Please note, Transphobia will not be tolerated.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/Q***rritual

LGBTQ+ Heart-centered Sound Blessing and Loving Kindness Meditation, with Caroline Nicola

Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Time: 6:00-7:15 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 18+

This event invites you to connect with LGBTQ+ community and friends in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This Sound Blessing features planetary gongs, Alchemy Crystal Bowls and other sound instruments to support deep relaxation. A relaxed state is where so many beneficial things happen— restoration, repair, release, deep listening, flow, self-healing and more. Allow the vibrations of these sound instruments to elevate your spirit, create spaciousness in your BodyMind, and support your healer within.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/TDCSoundBlessing

LGBTQ+ Silent Dance Party at Seascape Beach

Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: 6:15-9:00 pm
Location: Seascape Beach, below Seascape Resort, in Aptos
Ages: 18+

This event invites you to connect with LGBTQ+ community and friends in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We’ll warm up with a 10-minute movement sequence to help us connect with the land and bring awareness to our body and breath. After that, we will play some games to cultivate laughter and group connection. The dance party will be just under an hour. The playlist will be collectively created— all participants are encouraged to send me one or two songs— 3 days before the dance party— and I’ll arrange our playlist from that.

RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/TDCSilentDanceParty

Tween Time: Paint and Dip

Date: Thursday, July 11
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 8-12

Celebrate Pride Month with our colorful LGBTQ+ Tween Time event! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity and expression as we make pride bracelets together. This inclusive crafting session is specially designed for 8-12 year olds, offering a safe and supportive space to explore identity and diversity while learning the art of bracelet making. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities, celebrate love and acceptance, and leave with a vibrant reminder of pride to wear proudly throughout the month and beyond.

Le***an Baby Boomers Patio Party

Date: Wednesday, July 17
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 50Plus le****ns

Save the Date! On Wednesday July 17, 50Plus le****ns and their friends are invited to relax and hang out at the Diversity Center — on the patio if the weather’s good, indoors if it’s chilly. Bonnie Morris will give us a dynamic reading, and we’ll add more information to the Community Calendar as plans evolve.

Local Artist Showcase AND Learn to Draw

Date: Monday, July 8
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center

The LGBTQ+ community, friends, and family are invited to meet local q***r artist Toby McElroy. You can view Toby’s art on the walls of the Center, and can also choose to take part in a basic art skills tutorial, that may inspire you to work on your own sketches or comics. Toby McElroy (23, he/they) has been drawing since he was 13, and enjoys making digital art, and using pen and ink on paper. He draws characters from games and other media, and also creates his own. They love animals and are the proud keeper of four chickens and two rats. We hope you will enjoy their art, and perhaps you'll get inspired yourself to put pen to paper.

Golden Girls Bingo & Trivia

Date: Thursday, July 18
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 18+

Picture this… We’re throwing a party and inviting everyone we know. Enjoy a balmy summer night, Miami-style, at The Diversity Center. We will have light refreshments and cheesecake as we play Golden Girls bingo and trivia. Dress as your favorite Golden Girl and hang out with us. No previous Golden Girls knowledge is needed. Thank you for being a friend!

RSVP: tinyurl.com/q***rgoldengirlsTDC

Senior Tuesdays in July! Every Tuesday at 10 am!

Join your community every Tuesday between 10 am-12 pm at the Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week. Senior volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community.

July 2: 1960s music bingo with Nic - Walk down memory lane listening to music from the 1960s while playing a friendly game of bingo

July 9: Trauma-informed chair yoga with Irene - using a chair or a mat, join us for 45 minutes of playful, joyful yoga

July 16: Legislative Advocacy Workshop with Zak - learn about which bills are supporting or targeting LGBTQ+ people and what you can do

July 23: Drag workshop with Rogue Roulette! - Join us for a fabulous journey of self-expression with Santa Cruz/Monterey drag superstar Rogue Roulette! This fun and supportive workshop is designed for LGBTQ+ seniors to explore the art of drag. Learn how to develop a Drag persona. No experience needed—come as you are, leave as a star!

July 30: “Conversations with Gay Elders” film screening with Nic - come join us for a screening of 1 of the interviews from the docuseries “Conversations with Gay Elders”, followed by a round table discussion

We had an amazing time marching and tabling with Santa Cruz Pride at this year's Monterey Peninsula Pride celebration!

***r

NEW! Q***r Thursday Movie Matinee
Ages 17+
Thursday, June 27, 3:30-5:30 pm

Join your community and watch a classic LGBTQ+ movie every month!

We’ve got popcorn, snacks, and a big screen and are ready for some fun.

It’s Pride Month, so we'll be watching “Pride,” a funny, feel-good, and deeply moving film about how a small group can make big changes. Based on the true story of one LGBTQ+ group’s efforts to support the miner’s strike in Britain, going against entrenched homophobia, not to mention Margaret Thatcher, and making lifelong friends in the process.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Note: this film is rated “R,” so this invitation is for all LGBTQ+ community aged 17 and over. Soon we’ll be offering PG-13 films as well.

Royalty paid is a visit while tabling pride celebration!

Congratulations to our very own Meggie Pina!! Last night we honored you and many others Including Monica Morales (the Health Services Agency Director for Santa Cruz County) and our dear friends at PVPSA who are dedicated to providing education, training, counseling and prevention services to students, families and staff. CONGRATULATIONS 🎉!

Happy to all of San Benito County! An incredibly successful first full on Pride March and celebration! 🌈💕 Thank you for inviting us to be there!!

GenderVentures!

Date: Saturday, July 6
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18

Join us for an empowering fashion party photoshoot program designed exclusively for trans and non-binary youth aged 11-18! Step into a world of self-expression and confidence with access to a vast, gender-affirming wardrobe generously donated by a local Drag Artist. Celebrate your unique style and identity in a supportive and inclusive environment where authenticity shines. Get ready to WERK and live your fantasy—this is your moment to shine!

RSVP https://tinyurl.com/TDCGenderVentures

Rainbow Garden Club!

Date: Saturday, July 6
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 11-18

Join us for a special Self-Care Saturday dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth between 11-18! This event is all about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s a glimpse of the activities we have planned to help you unwind, recharge, and connect with yourself and others:
Morning Meditation and Gentle Stretching - kick off the day with a calming meditation session followed by gentle stretching.
DIY Self-Care Products Workshop Learn - how to make your own self-care products, like bath bombs, body scrubs, and face masks.

Join us! Rainbow Kids Circle!

Date: Saturday, July 6
Ages: 5-11
For Details Contact: [email protected]

Rainbow Kids Circle is a monthly 90 minute playgroup for gender diverse, LGBTQ+ kids and allies ages 5-10 and their families facilitated by Sara. Rainbow Kids Circle will meet on the first Saturday of each month. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. Siblings ages 11 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. Together, we will create an accepting, affirming playgroup for families. For more information about the meeting date, time, and location, please contact [email protected].

Join your community every Tuesday between 10am-12pm at The Diversity Center. Nic is ready with a different activity or workshop each week, and senior volunteers are on hand with snacks, beverages, and community.

June 4: LGBTQ+ Anthems Music Bingo with Nic
June 11: Trauma-informed chair yoga with Irene* (starts at 10:30)
June 18: Advanced Directives and Planning for the Future, with HG Foundation and Hospice Santa Cruz
June 25: Cultivating Authentic Well-Being Workshop with Cybele Lolley, LMFT (starts at 10:30)

Drag Bingo & Lotería with Raíces y Cariño and TDC

Date: Friday, June 21
Time: 6:00-8:30 PM
Location: Raíces y Cariño, 1205 Freedom Blvd Unit 3B, Watsonville
Ages: All, LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies are welcome!

Raíces y Cariño and The Diversity Center invite you to join us for Family Friendly Drag Bingo & Lotería in Watsonville. This vibrant and inclusive event celebrates diversity and community through fun and engaging bingo and lotería games hosted by three fabulous Drag artists: Little Miss Caffeine, Rogue Roulette, and Xinistra Gl'Amour. Join us for an evening of laughter, entertainment, and connection as we come together to support and uplift LGBTQ+ families and youth at Raíces y Cariño!

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/TDCDragBingo

Do you have questions about aging, illness, life transitions, creating a legacy, or ensuring your wishes are followed at the end of life? Join us for a workshop to discover insights that will help you and your loved ones navigate life’s transitions.

Facilitators Forbes Ellis, M.A., LMFT, Director of Community Programs with Hospice of Santa Cruz County, and Valerie Hayes, a volunteer with Hospice of Santa Cruz County, will help you learn more about palliative care, hospice care, and Advance Healthcare Directives. Completing an Advance Healthcare Directive can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. An Advance Healthcare Directive is a document that outlines your personal and medical healthcare choices and names an advocate to speak on your behalf when you cannot speak for yourself.

WATSONVILLE! Rainbow Strollers

Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm, Lunch is 12:00-12:45 pm, Neighborhood walk is 1:00-1:45 pm
Location: Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E 5th St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Ages: Seniors
NOTE: Must be a Member of the Watsonville Senior Center

The Diversity Center invites LGBTQ+ Seniors and allies to Walk it OUT Wednesdays, a Quarterly Walking Group at the Watsonville Senior Center. The Diversity Center will provide free lunch by Erik's DeliCafé to participants who create an account with the City of Watsonville and RSVP here. Lunch includes items such as a sandwich, chips and seltzer water.

The first time attending participants are asked to complete The Diversity Center Community Connection Survey and sign a waiver. We start our walk at approximately 1:00 pm. We will walk around the neighborhood of the senior center and return to the senior center at approximately 2:00 pm.

Golden Girls Bingo & Trivia

Date: Thursday, July 18
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 18+

Picture this… We’re throwing a party and inviting everyone we know. Enjoy a balmy summer night, Miami-style, at The Diversity Center. We will have light refreshments and cheesecake as we play Golden Girls bingo and trivia. Dress as your favorite Golden Girl and hang out with us. No previous Golden Girls knowledge is needed. Thank you for being a friend! RSVP: tinyurl.com/q***rgoldengirlsTDC

Tween Time: Pride Bracelets @ The Diversity Center

Date: Thursday, June 13
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 8-12

Celebrate Pride Month with our colorful LGBTQ+ Tween Time event! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity and expression as we make pride bracelets together. This inclusive crafting session is specially designed for 8-12 year olds, offering a safe and supportive space to explore identity and diversity while learning the art of bracelet making. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities, celebrate love and acceptance, and leave with a vibrant reminder of pride to wear proudly throughout the month and beyond.

HIV/AIDS Film Collaborative Meeting

Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: All

The Diversity Center is working on a documentary about the experience of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Santa Cruz County. We have a film collaborative that meets monthly to help shape the project. Our next film collaborative meeting is on June 6; however, if are just interested in getting more information to see how you can support this film, please email [email protected]. We are currently looking for volunteer support with filmmaking.

Q***r New Moon Ritual
RSVP tinyurl.com/april2024q***rnewmoon

Date: Friday, June 7
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: The Diversity Center
Ages: 18+

Join us for our Q***r New Moon ritual! June brings a strong wave of Gemini energy, which will lift our spirits, ignite our minds, and inspire self-expression. This energy invites us to focus on renovating our relationship with our thoughts, our perception of reality, and our communication habits. The Gemini New Moon conjunct Venus invites us to question habitual ways of thinking and connecting with others and challenges us to explore new ways of learning and relating.

We begin our rituals with introductions and a check-in question followed by a land and black life acknowledgment. Participants are then invited to volunteer to lead a clearing or grounding exercise. There will be time to share astrology wisdom of this new moon.

During this ritual, you’ll have the opportunity to practice different mudras and reflect on the thoughts and feelings that arise. We will be guided through a creative communication practice that allows us to tap into the power of sharing and listening. We will close the ritual with a mirroring greatness practice. There will be time and space for journaling and drawing oracle or tarot cards!

NEW! Rainbow Strollers

Date: Every TUESDAY
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
Location: Changes regularly, contact Rich Berger for information
Ages: 60+

Join us for a 60-Plus walking group! The group's goal is to provide a fun, rewarding, non-judgmental experience for walkers with a focus on appropriate exercise, interaction, companionship, and enjoyment of nature. Each week, the group will decide where they want to walk. The walks will be no longer than 2 miles, with breaks. Text or call Rich at 831-322-9827 to get added to the Whats App and see where the group is meeting.

NOTE: You will be asked to sign a waiver before you walk with this group.