Rainbow Group
The Center OC 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA, United StatesRainbow Group is a social drop-in group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and allied youth ages 13-18. Three adult mentors facilitate group activities and discussions to provide a safe and supportive environment, where youth can make lifelong connections with their peers and develop a positive sense of identity. On a monthly basis, we invite guest speakers from different community organizations to speak in order to increase the educational component of our program. Youth are able to learn about different topics, such as STI and HIV prevention, relationships and setting boundaries, consent, dating, sexual self-care, gender identity, coming out, advocacy, empowerment, student rights, bullying and harassment, drugs and alcohol, mental health and suicide prevention.
Men’s Therapy Group
The goals of this group are: to create a safe, comfortable place to express feelings, exploration of self through group process and reflection, enhancing sense of self through awareness and acceptance, and to support and be supported. Ages 18 and over.
Youth Empowered to Act – Elevate
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.
Cafe Con Community
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.
InBetweeners
The Center OC 1605 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA, United StatesInBetweeners 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.
South County Rainbow Group
Shanti OC 23461 S Pointe Dr Suite 100,, Laguna Hills, CA, United StatesIn 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.
Women’s Therapy Group
This group will provide a safe space for adult women-identified members to share, gain confidence, and feel supported.
“Stand with Trans” Demonstration
Anaheim Convention Center 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA, United StatesThe LGBTQ Center OC is organizing a demonstration rally on Saturday, October 8th at the Anaheim Convention Center. Please help us spread the word so we can show Orange County transgender and non-binary youth that they are loved and supported! We recognize the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) contributions to gender-affirming care, which is life-saving and improves the mental health and overall well-being of trans youth. We want to stand with AAP as we continue to fight for equity and justice for trans youth and the larger community! This is a call to action for all Trans-affirming healthcare providers, community-based organizations, schools, and parents of trans youth. We suggest for participants to wear pink, white, or light blue in solidarity with the trans community and to bring signage in support!