LGBTQ+ YOUTH CONVENING 2026 RECHARGE YOUR RAINBOW!
The Virtual LGBTQ YOUTH CONVENING 2020 INTERSECT AND CONNECT
Information
The LGBTQ Center OC is excited to announce its upcoming 2026 LGBTQ+ Youth Convening, a no-cost youth conference that is organized and led by youth leaders from VIVID, a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) student leaders and their allies focused on community action and engagement through a queer- and trans-inclusive lens. This year’s theme is Recharge Your Rainbow! The 2026 LGBTQ+ Youth Convening will take place on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. This event is open to all ages and backgrounds, such as but not limited to: youth, students, parents, guardians, families, school support staff, administrators, counselors, professionals, and community members and organizers. We will provide three workshops with educational workshops geared towards youth and students and parents and professionals. Additionally, we will offer a community resource fair with over 50+ local organizations offering a variety of resources, services, and opportunities. It will include interactive tabletop games and activities, giveaways, and information to ensure that you build connections, gain valuable information, and explore various community programs. We invite the entire community to experience a day complete with influential speakers, workshop presenters, organizations, and community resource fair working to provide inclusive practices to create restorative and intersectional spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in Orange County and beyond. Breakfast and lunch are included and free to attendees. Breakfast and lunch are included and no-cost to attendees.
Workshop topics and Community Resource Fair includes:
LGBTQIA+ Representation and Visibility | Intersectionality | LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Self-care
Building Resilience and Self-care | Parent and Family Support | GSA/QSA Support
Restorative Justice and Practices | Trans and Non-binary Student Support | Youth Leadership and Empowerment
Education | Community Resources | Creative Writing | Art therapy and Calming space
And more!
Stay updated and informed through the LGBTQ Center OC’s Instagram (@lgbtqcenteroc) and website (lgbtqcenteroc.org) for the latest updates. Questions? Please contact: stephanie.vandyke@lgbtqcenteroc.org
Keynote Speakers
Nico Lang is a nonbinary award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering the transgender community’s fight for equality. Their work has appeared in major publications, including Rolling Stone, Esquire, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, The Washington Post, Vox, BuzzFeed, Jezebel, The Guardian, Out, The Advocate and the L.A. Times.
Live Performer TBA
Interactive Quad Activities and Family Fun:
Conference Schedule
| Time | Action Item |
|---|---|
| 10:00am-11:00 am | Community Breakfast & Networking |
| 11:00am-12:00 pm | Opening Ceremony |
| 12:00 – 2:30 pM | Community Resource Fair (2.5 Hours) Activity Corners |
| 12:00pm- 12:50pm | Workshops Session 1 (50 Minutes) Guest Speaker 1 |
| 1:00 PM-2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00pm – 2:50 PM | Workshops Session 2 (50 Minutes) Guest Speaker 2 |
| 3:00pm – 3:30 PM | Closing Ceremony |
Mental Health Resources: The LGBTQ Center OC’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Program (714-953-5428) This program improves mental health and well-being by providing accessible, culturally competent and high-quality mental health promotion, disease prevention and mental health programming. Mental health counseling is available on a slide scale depending on income and is offered to youth and individuals, couples, and families. In addition to English, we have several counselors who speak Spanish, Vietnamese and Farsi. We encourage LGBTQ youth who have been bullied or are victims of violence to enroll in our mental health services to rebuild confidence and well-being. The LGBTQ Center OC’s Youth and Young Adult Program (714-953-5428) Our Youth and Young Adult Program provides comprehensive services and resources for Orange County LGBTQIA+ youth to: 1) develop well-being, self-confidence, and belonging; 2) enhance school connectivity and academic success; 3) increase access to mental health services; 4) offer opportunities to learn and develop professional skills applicable to college and/or employment; and 5) build self-empowerment, leadership development, and community involvement. We offer social support, education, mental health, and youth leadership groups and events throughout the year. We invite LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to join us and participate! The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) The Trevor Project is one of the first organizations to offer a lifeline specifically for LGBTQ youth and advocates are there to help. They specialize in young LGBTQ people’s mental health, and they’re available 24/7. They’re a great resource if you need help or just want to talk about your life. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) The Lifeline is a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline and chat service for anyone struggling with issues related to suicide. The Lifeline has counselors specifically trained to be sensitive to LGBTQ issues. If you have suicidal thoughts, know someone at risk or just want to talk about the issue, reach out. This resource is for you. National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800-950-NAMI) NAMI offers a daily hotline that you can call to talk about mental health and to find resources in your area. The hotline is only open on weekdays, so if you have a more immediate need, it’s a good idea to reach out to a 24/7 resource like The Trevor Project.
Event Contact: Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke (She/Her/Hers) | (714) 953-LGBT (5428) ext. 205 | stephanie.vandyke@lgbtqcenteroc.org
