Rainbow Conference Offers Opportunities for Teens

The Rainbow Conference opens the door for our LGBTQIA2S+ teens and their parents/guardians as well as their adult allies. There is also an event for elementary school students and their families. It’s a day of celebration, community, and learning for our young people and the adults who support them in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

Students who have attended in previous years say it’s changed their lives and made them feel more welcomed in their homes, schools, and broader community.

This free event takes place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Watsonville High School from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm and is organized through the Safe Schools Project.

Read all about the three events that make up the Fall 2024 Rainbow Conference in the articles below.

QUEER, TRANS, AND ALLIED STUDENT SUMMIT OF THE CENTRAL COAST

Liberating Queer Youth with the Queer, Trans, & Allied Student Summit

by Juniper Brown & Lynx Kelly

The Queer, Trans, and Allied Students Summit has proved itself to be an empowering and liberating event for local LGBTQIA+ youth. In centering the protection and validation of queer youth, it has cemented its goal in providing a memorable experience for all who attend. Between an extensive resource fair with dozens of organizations, educational workshops, and an environment bustling with friendly individuals, you will find something to enjoy, even if it’s just the free breakfast and lunch!

For many students and youth, the summit was one of their founding experiences in their local queer community.

I know, for myself, Juniper, it was a formative moment in my queer journey. Not only being able to participate, to present a workshop, and lead a caucus, all of which are accessible to all youth that attend, but to simply witness the sheer joy everyone harbors during the event.

At the summit, you will see what many describe as an inspiring opening ceremony full of keynote speakers, student talent, and even members of the student planning committee share their experiences in crafting such an event.

You will have the chance to attend caucuses centered around certain identities, where you can have vulnerable conversations and make connections, such as the transgender caucus I led last year. Whether it be being transgender, non-binary, bisexual, on the aromantic/asexual spectrum, neurodivergence, or other identities that people may have!

Similarly, there are numerous potential workshops to attend, both youth and adult led.

Some touching on important topics; past examples such as “Healthy Relationships & Consent”, “Harm Reduction Tools For Youth”, and “Roots of Resistance: Social Movement History For Trans & Queer People of Color”. Others are recreationally educational, but well loved, such as “Identity Adventure with Dungeons & Dragons”, “Guinea Pig Care: The Queerest Pet” and “Drag 101: Crafting Your Drag Persona”.

Another student on the student planning committee, Lynx, wanted to share their own experience as well.

“I have known I was queer since I was 9, and I came out as transgender at 12. I’m now almost 16 years old, and nearly 2 years on testosterone. I grew up with lesbian great-aunts in a family that has always taken in, as our own, people whose relatives did not provide them that same unconditional love. With the few other queer people I met in school, I learned just how rare a family like mine was. I realized the value of a community full of chosen family members, but I didn’t know where to find it or how to create it.

My middle school GSA had been practically nonexistent. Even when it was active, there hadn’t been much substance besides collective venting about bigotry. I thought the LOVE Club here would be similar, so I was hesitant at first, but I joined last year regardless. I’m thankful I did so, because last fall, I got to attend the Central Coast’s Queer, Trans, and Allied Student Summit: a large theater packed full of people who were just like me, yet each unique in their own separate and beautiful ways, a variety of foods to satisfy any diet whilst tying in the culture of our community, a selection of carefully thought-out items for attendees, all made free by the companies and organizations showing up with their support, caucuses for specific identities to find more comprehensive connection, and countless workshops catered to vast interests, everything and more than I could’ve ever imagined, all within the timeframe of one regular school day. It was the first time I had seen such a large amount of people with whom I felt I could sincerely set my worries aside.”

Every year, the student planning committee collectively decides on a theme. This theme both influences the structure and aesthetic of the event, and also represents an important message they want to send.

This year, the theme is “Corals & Queerness: Resilience in The Face of Adversity.”

We draw a corollary between the resilience of queer youth, and coral reefs confronted with rising ocean temperatures.

Despite the adversity we face, queerness persists. Using this image, we shed light on our ability to withstand anti-LGBTQIA+ bigotry and promote strength in our community.

Established by The Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County, The Queer, Trans, & Allied Students Summit is available to all students grades 6th-12th from Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito Counties.

Visit the registration link and sign up today at: SafeSchoolsProject.org/summit-queer-trans-allied-student-fall-2024

Juniper Brown, he/they, is a homeschool student from Santa County who identifies as a transgender man, and is intensely passionate about social justice and advocacy work. He is on the autism spectrum as well, with dedicated interests in the South American rodent family Caviidae, fine art, graphic design, and a skilled martial artist in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing.

Lynx Kelly, he/they, is a 15-year-old North Salinas High School sophomore from Salinas. He identifies as achillean, transgender, and a demiboy. They are passionate about social justice, intersectionality, and anti-capitalism, aspiring to become a lawyer and activist.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS, EDUCATORS, AND ADULT ALLIES “UNDERSTANDING GENDER” CONFERENCE

Understanding Gender and Supporting Our Youth

by Andrea Damon & Michelle Brandt

“Is this just a phase?” “Isn’t she too young to know?” “How did I not see the signs?” “Why are there suddenly so many trans kids?”

Parents have a lot of questions about gender, whether they are raising a gender diverse child or just witnessing the increased politicization of transgender identities and the emergence of gender affirming practices in their children’s schools. Many parents may not know an openly transgender person in their personal lives or have any experience with the transgender community. So when a child, whether a toddler, a teenager, or a young adult, comes out to their parents as transgender or nonbinary, parents can be woefully unprepared. Luckily, in Santa Cruz there are places for these parents to turn.

The Understanding Gender Workshop, part of the annual Rainbow Conference, is a chance for parents, guardians, educators, and behavioral health clinicians to gain a new or deepened understanding of gender identity and how today’s children and young people are experiencing gender in their lives. Workshop sessions aim to engage attendees who are brand new to thinking about gender, as well as those who have extensive knowledge or personal lived experience with diverse gender identities. In addition to introductory and advanced sessions on gender identity, this year’s workshop will feature sessions on the legal rights of transgender students, finding support within faith communities, and hearing the lived experiences of transgender young adults.

Gender norms affect all young people. Learning about gender and working to create safe and affirming schools and families benefits our whole community. Schools that institute LGBTQ-friendly policies, such as creating Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs (GSAs) foster better mental health in all students, including students who do not identify as LGBTQ. One study found that heterosexual boys in schools with GSAs attempted suicide half as often as heterosexual boys in schools without GSAs.

Likewise, affirming families greatly reduce suicide risk among transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse young people. The Trevor Project in 2022 found that young people from highly supportive families were half as likely to attempt suicide as those in less supportive families. Educating and supporting families in affirmative parenting practices is one of the most effective interventions society can make to protect the mental health and lives of transgender and nonbinary young people.

TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County has been providing information and support to families with transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive children since 2011, meeting parents with compassion and understanding as they enter into the often unexpected journey of parenting a gender diverse child, teen, or young adult. Providing monthly meetings, one-on-one peer support, education, and advocacy, TransFamilies works to make the lives of gender diverse young people easier by fostering affirming families and schools.

Time and time again through our work with TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County we have seen children and families thrive when parents and children are supported and provided with accurate, unbiased information. One of the greatest fears parents experience is that their child will not have a happy, meaningful life after transitioning. Through our long-term relationships with families through TransFamilies meetings, we have the privilege of witnessing the growth and maturation of transgender young people as they transition, survive, and thrive into happy, healthy adults.

Rebecca (not her real name) came to the group not long after her 17-year-old came out to her as non-binary as a high school senior. Rebecca was stunned by her child’s revelation and every question she asked or comment she made to her child seemed to create conflict and tension between them. She struggled to adapt to her child’s new pronouns. She felt desperate for help by the time she made it to her first group. Her experience at her first meeting was transformative. Listening to other parents share their stories, some of which mirrored her own, she felt a tremendous sense of relief. Rebecca shared that the strategies, information, and perspective she gained from connecting with other parents helped her repair her relationship with her child and to create an affirming environment at home where her child could thrive.

Stories like this are the reason the volunteer leaders of TransFamilies continue their work to support and educate families in our community. If you or someone you know is struggling to understand and support their transgender, nonbinary, or gender expansive child, youth, or young adult, TransFamilies is here to help!

The bilingual event is free and a light breakfast and lunch will be served. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, please visit SafeSchoolsProject.org/adultsummit or send an email to gendersummitsc@gmail.com

Andrea Damon (she/her), Group facilitator for TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County and co-organizer of the Understanding Gender Conference

Michelle Brandt (she/her) Director of TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County and co-organizer of the Understanding Gender Conference

RAINBOW GLITTER KIDS

Shine Bright: How to Be an Affirming Parent

by Rainbow Glitter Kids Planning Committee

Raising a child is a journey filled with countless questions, deep joy, and unexpected twists. What if the most important gift we could give our children wasn’t the right school or the latest gadget, but the unwavering affirmation of their true selves? Imagine a future where every child knows they are valued and loved for exactly who they are.

Children blossom when they feel supported and accepted. Affirming parents and guardians play a pivotal role in nurturing their children’s self-esteem and sense of belonging, providing a safe space for children to express their true selves without fear of judgment. Being an affirming parent means listening with an open heart, embracing your child’s uniqueness, and standing by their side with unwavering support. This unconditional acceptance helps children build a positive self-image and fosters resilience.

Teaching children about acceptance and kindness from a young age fosters a culture of understanding and respect, benefiting everyone by reducing discrimination and promoting social harmony. Inclusive communities are stronger and more resilient, leveraging the strengths and perspectives of all their members.

Research from the Family Acceptance Project® highlights that families play a critical role in both risk and well-being for LGBTQ+ young people. LGBTQ+ children often face unique challenges from society such as discrimination, bullying, and a lack of acceptance, impacting their mental health. Studies show that due to this discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual peers. However, when these children are supported and affirmed, their mental health is protected and their outcomes improve significantly. Children who feel supported and affirmed by their parents are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. For LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse children, having affirming parents can be life-saving.

Every child deserves to feel proud of who they are. Affirmation helps children develop a positive self-identity, strong self-esteem, and to grow into healthy adults, navigating life with greater confidence and resilience.

Supporting and caring for LGBTQ+ childrennot only enriches their lives but also builds a more compassionate, equitable, and understanding society. Communities flourish when diversity is embraced, inclusion is prioritized, and individual identities are celebrated.

Rainbow Glitter Kids celebrates individuality and creativity, ensuring every child’s unique spirit and gifts are not just accepted but celebrated. Our upcoming Rainbow Glitter Kids event, designed for elementary school students and their families, aims to create a supportive network by fostering relationships and building community in our own backyard. It’s more than just a fun event; it’s a vital opportunity to affirm and support our children on their journey of self-discovery, acceptance, celebration, and to connect with families on a similar journey.

When was the last time you saw your child truly shine—not just a fleeting glow of happiness, but a deep, radiant light from being wholly and authentically loved? This kind of shine is the cornerstone of Rainbow Glitter Kids! In a world that often tries to tell us who we are or should be, it’s vital to encourage our children to shine with their own true colors.

Rainbow Glitter Kids is a community of loving and affirming parents and their children. Our day-long event is filled with play, connection, and discovery in an environment brimming with community, joy, and acceptance. We offer a variety of activities for both children and parents, including interactive playshops, storytelling sessions, and art projects that encourage self-expression and connection.

Parents will be invited to share experiences advocating for their child at school and to practice self care to stay resilient themselves. We understand that parenting a child exploring their identity can come with unique challenges, and having a community to lean on, learn from, and find solutions together can make a world of difference.

Join us to connect with like-minded families, share experiences, and build lasting friendships!

Learn more about Rainbow Glitter Kids at SafeSchoolsProject.org/glitter/

RESOURCES

Looking for more ways to build community and get support? Santa Cruz County boasts several LGBTQ+ social and support groups. Joining groups can provide you with a network of parents and allies who understand and share your experiences.

- Attend Community Events: Participating in events like Santa Cruz Pride, Pajaro Valley Pride, Rainbow Conference, Queer Youth Leadership Awards, and The Diversity Center are great ways to meet other families and build connections.

- Check out the Safe Schools Project’s list of local student clubs such as Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA), Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA), Queer Intersectional Alliance (QIA), Trans Non-Binary Student Union (TNBSU), Rainbow, or Pride Club.

- Visit The Diversity Center and learn about their FREE well-being offerings, programs, and events for youth, adults and seniors. Follow The Diversity Center on IG and sign up for the newsletter.