Youth Empowered to Act (YETA) – Elevate (Ages 14-24)

The Center OC 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA, United States

The Elevate Program creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to increase their advocacy and leadership skills. Through a trauma-informed, health-centered and asset-based approach, youth leaders will work to effect transformative and peer-led policy, systems and environmental change in Orange County. Youth leaders work to identify healthy alternatives to suspension/expulsion related to substance use. Ultimately, LGBTQ Center OC is committed to ending the school-to-prison pipeline and transforming the pipeline to restorative justice, healing and rehabilitation through their Elevate Program. Elevate Program Goals: Reframe substance abuse as a public health issue Combat the detrimental impacts from the War on Drugs on BIPOC/LGBTQ communities Provide trauma-informed counseling and process groups at no cost Raise awareness through social media campaigns, activities, and events

Event Series Cafe Con Community

Cafe Con Community (Ages 18-25)

Come join our bilingual Spanish/English group Café con Community! This group is intended to provide a safe space for Latino/a & LGBTQ+ identifying persons ages 18-25 wanting to process issues related to their Latino/a identity and how this impacts their experience in the U.S. This group aims to create a sense of community and teach insight promoting healthy coping strategies and interpersonal relationships.

Event Series InBetweeners

InBetweeners (Ages 10-13)

The Center OC 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA, United States

InBetweeners provides a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and allied youth (or “tweens”) ages 10-13. It offers a social space for middle school youth who are exploring their identity and provides an inclusive environment for them to meet other peers and engage in fun activities and discussions suitable for their age group. Activities include arts and crafts, creative writing, discussions, movie nights, and group-building activities.

Event Series South County Rainbow Group

South County Rainbow Group (Ages 13-18)

Shanti OC 23461 S Pointe Dr Suite 100,, Laguna Hills, CA, United States

In collaboration with Shanti Orange County, we offer a social-drop in group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning and allied youth ages 13-18. South County Rainbow Group provides social, interactive, and educational group activities and events in South County and the greater Orange County area. Youth are able to connect with their peers in a safe and supportive environment facilitated by LGBTQ Center OC staff and adult mentor facilitators.

Event Series Grupo La Familia

Grupo La Familia

Tell your friends and your family about Grupo La Familia. Grupo La Familia is a social support group in Spanish for parents and family members of LGBTQ+ folx. We foster understanding and support our members as they navigate their family members’ LGBTQ+ identity ¡Cuéntale a tus amigxs y a tu FAMILIA sobre Grupo La Familia! Este es un grupo de apoyo en español para padres y familiares de personas LGBTQ +. Entonces, si su tía, tío, primx o vecinx está buscando apoyo sobre cómo apoyar a su familiar LGBTQ+, ¡este es el grupo para ellxs!  

Event Series Spanish Q Chat

Spanish Q Chat (All Ages)

Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care.

Event Series GenderFlood

GenderFlood (Ages 18-26)

The Center OC 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA, United States

Gender Flood is a social drop-in group for transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and gender-questioning young adults ages 18-26. This is a wonderful group to meet other transgender and gender non-conforming peers from throughout Orange County. Get involved, meet others, and participate in engaging weekly discussions, activities, and community events. Important Note: This is a closed space facilitated by and for transgender and gender non-conforming young adults. We kindly ask to respect the space for trans people only.

Event Series Breakout!

Breakout! Mental Health Process Group (Ages 12-17)

Youth Process Group is an age-specific online processing group from ages 12 to 17. We meet every Tuesday night from 6:00-7:30 PM. BreakOUT is a supportive space for participants to navigate the everyday stressors in their lives. Group leaders facilitate discussions about various topics and activities such as identity, school/ home life, and more. BreakOUTs mission is to involve and engage with young LGBTQIA+ community members, allowing them to explore new strategies to cope as well as connect with their queer identity in a safe space with their peers. It is facilitated by MFT Trainees Brittany Hardin and Yanique Bonner The group is now meeting on Zoom. Please join us using the link below! Meeting ID: 824 5299 3443 Passcode: center