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November 2023 by kiiweei
I went here for the first time back in August this year for their full moon ritual and despite not being extremely spiritually practiced I felt pretty comfortable and even met some nice people my age.Now here in November I decided to invite my friends to their New Moon event in hopes for a similar experience. We were a little late only due to all the freeway entrances being closed from Watsonville aka something out of our control and not intentional. Last time in August a group of 5 were late and they didn't seem to mind at all!So we were about 15 minutes late, and while I'm not actually upset about this too much, I do wish in the description for the event they would tell you more of what you will do. In the description of the event they don't tell you that you will be pushed to be close with others and touch them after walking around to music and doing protective poses. They don't actually describe most of what you will do, just what the things you will be talking about are.These activities are definitely for more extroverted people who also don't mind touching others or being close, so for my friends and I who just aren't very comfortable doing that, it felt like we were a little scrutinized for not doing the same thing everyone else was doing even though we were trying, we were just a bit shy about it. So if you are more introverted or perhaps anxious around others like me, this place might be hard for you. They did make a comment about how some of us weren't doing the same as others, if they had said you would be doing something like that during the event we would not have gone as to respect the people who do want to do that.We made the decision that the event wasn't for us after staying for about 40 min which anyone should be allowed to do in my opinion, for an event based on being true to yourself and respecting your community simultaneously along w other things, you'd think they'd respect if you decide it's just not your cup of tea, especially after how the energy in there wasn't as positive as you'd think it would be.We decided on the right time to get up and leave and said thank you but that we were leaving, and my friend added on what she enjoyed about the event before we walked to leave. We were all respectful and tried to leave quietly. The event runner had passive aggressively told us that maybe next time we should show up on time and stay through the whole thing, and once we got out of there we decided we weren't comfortable with coming back. I think they talk a lot about their community being accommodating and also paying attention to yourself and what you enjoy and don't enjoy and listening to that, but they don't seem to actually want to put that into practice themselves. I also feel like if you're not advanced in spiritual practices and don't have a ton to say because you're not as knowledgeable you're also kindof looked down on as I felt that a little last time.We had RSVPd, but simply decided it wasn't for us. In our opinions that should be allowed and unfortunately I won't be coming back just as I don't feel like I can actually be my own person in there in a space that is meant to be for that.Once we left and went somewhere else the general attitude felt so much more positive. I don't feel like I can come here and be my true queer self like I should.Update: I've now been told by a few people I know that they had similar experiences after coming here, where they felt judged and could not be themselves while in this space that seems to talk a lot about caring for others and being understanding and kind.
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March 2021 by Joshua R.
I am shocked, not even offended. I have reached out several times and have not gotten a response. This is very disheartening for someone who is new in the area and trying to get familiar with the community. I have offered to volunteer, signed up for training, reached out via email to various different departments, I even tried to reach out on Instagram on 3 of their profiles. Yet still no response. I usually wouldn't make a big deal or leave a review but the title of your center is Diversity Center and as someone who works in the DE&I field it doesn't seem so diverse. Meaning leadership roles and the individuals that are being reached. There is not much support offered here in Santa Cruz for the 30's and up crowd for the LGBT community. My only hope is that this review helps your organization with a DE&I pulse check to better understand how your employees, clients and community view and experience inclusion, fairness, equity, respect, diversity, and belonging.
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January 2020 by Teresa Marlow
I am so very impressed with all that the Santa Cruz Diversity Center does on a daily basis. Helping our youth, seniors, trans, and overall LGBTQ community. They have always gone above and beyond to help everyone possible. Thank you TDC!!
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November 2019 by Nicki Steinberger
TDC and in particular, executive director, Sharon Esther Papo, has been instrumental in joining my partner,
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November 2019 by California Superfood C.
Radically inclusive. Warm & welcoming. Efficient & skilled. Director Sharon & rest of the team helped me & my partner find an LBGTQ resource when we were in a pinch. So tha kful for this amazing mission driven part of our community(ies)! Thank you & Cheers!
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November 2019 by Amber Weiss
When I first moved to Santa Cruz in 1998, the Diversity Center helped me feel connected to the LGBTQ community. I appreciate how much they have expanded the services they offer with such a wide variety of support groups and community events, including the super fabulous annual Gala that I recently attended. There are support groups for young people, seniors, vets, and for those who are trans and gender expansive. They have also been encouraging more conversation about race and racism, always striving to support and celebrate the full diversity of our Santa Cruz community. I'm grateful that we have this Center and for the leadership that has kept it all running in a political climate that has been hostile to our community. I feel safer in Santa Cruz knowing that we have the Diversity Center.
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November 2019 by Randolph Brock
An awesome positive presence in our community. The Diversity Center offers programs, advocacy and support to affirm and celebrate the needs and diversity of our LGBTQ+ community. The Diversity Center offers guidance and a strong voice for us. Thank you for being such a champion for us for 30 years. We'd be lost without you!!!
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November 2019 by Dina Izzo
The Diversity Center service to Santa Cruz County is vital to the wellness of the LGBTQAI community. Their support programs address the multiple needs of a very diverse community, creating safe space for every person who enters. I am grateful for their dedicated, knowable kind staff that works tirelessly to make TDC a shining jewel in the community.
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November 2019 by Ron Indra
I have know of so many young people in the county receiving help and guidance from the center. The center is a life line for so many of our LGBTQ+ citizens. They are a wonderful resource for all LGNTQ+ matters
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November 2019 by Stephanie Jacobs
Welcoming to all and resource-rich, the Diversity Center is THE place to find support, knowledge, and community. The transgender support group, meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, was critical to my transition
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November 2019 by Sandy Skees
The Diversity Center plays an important role in our county -- as a safe place for the LGBTQ community and allies to gather, learn, advocate and activate for understanding and acceptance. Now more than ever, we need the TDC.
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November 2019 by Marc Zammit
My husband and I started volunteering for TDC 60+ program five plus years.
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November 2019 by Dean Maynard
Wonderful organization! Caring and fun people.
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May 2019 by Gray Dean
I love this place. I go for the youth group and trans support group and it's made me a lot happier. Walking into the center feels like walking into a hug, everyone is warm and supportive.
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April 2019 by Bobby Washington
All they think about is bashing and pushing their twisted agenda. I could never support them.
