Despite the difficult circumstances of the past school year, our local LGBTQIA+ youth are persevering, thriving, and achieving their goals. Local leaders and allies to the LGBTQIA+ community share their gratitude, advice, and hopes for our youth in these inspiring videos. We hope you join us in the spring to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ graduating class of 2021.
- Adrian Viloria – QYLA 2016 Awardee and Santa Cruz Pride Grand Marshall 2016
- Isa Moreno – Watsonville High Class of 2017 Co-Valedictorian
- Ashlyn N. Adams – Youth Program Coordinator, The Diversity Center
- Caleb Lennon – GSA President, Cypress High School Class of 2020
- Cindy Ranii and Shelley James — Cindy Ranii – President, Santa Cruz City Schools Board of Education
- Dina Izzo – Coordinator, Santa Cruz Pride
- Dr. Kofi Akinjide – Director of Student Equity and Success, Cabrillo College
- Dr. Lauren Esposito – Schlinger Chair of Arachnology, CA Academy of Sciences, Founder: 500 Queer Scientists
- Jeff Sheng – Artist and Photographer, The Fearless Project
- Congressmember Jimmy Panetta – California’s 20th Congressional District
- State Senator Anna M. Caballero – California Senate District 12
- John Laird – Former Secretary, California Secretary for Natural Resources
- Lesley-Reid Harrison – Secretary, Pajaro Valley Pride
- Mayor Rebecca J. Garcia – Mayor, City of Watsonville
- Ryan Bosson – Spanish Teacher and QSA Advisor, Soquel High School
- Sage Leibenson – Administrative Manager, Santa Cruz County Office of Education
- Travis Becker – Director, Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center, UCSC
- Dr. Jen Hastings – Reflections on Mindfulness — Founder, Planned Parenthood Transgender Healthcare Program
- Dr. Shane Hill – Reflections on Mindfulness — Clinical Psychologist