Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Art Show

Every year, Walnut Avenue honors February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). For February’s First Friday, the MAH welcomes the Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center and The Diversity Center as we host a TDVAM Art Show.

The show will feature art from Santa Cruz County middle and high school students, LGBTQ+ youth, and allies. The goal is to raise awareness about teen dating violence and amplify the voices of those most impacted by it: teenagers. Young artists will have an opportunity to receive training on identifying and responding to teen dating violence and then process the information by creating art in response to it.

Additional Free Events for LGBTQ+ youth and allies
TDVAM First Friday Opening Reception, February 2nd at 5 pm.

Upbeat Pages: Positive Affirmation Zine Workshop, on Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00 pm-2:30 pm at the MAH in the patio area near the entrance hosted by the Diversity Center.
In this guided workshop, participants will embark on a colorful exploration of self-love and empowerment through the art of zine-making. Meggie will help participants create a mini-zine filled with positive affirmations, inspiring quotes, and personal reflections. Zine-making supplies will be available for all participants. This workshop provides a safe and inclusive space where creativity meets self-expression, fostering a sense of community and connection for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. Questions? Contact Meggie Pina, Manager of Programs and Impact, at meggie.pina@diversitycenter.org

Genderventures: Queer Quests, on Saturday, February 3rd from 2:30-4:30 pm at the MAH hosted by Zak from the Diversity Center.
Genderventures Queer Quests is an event tailored for trans and nonbinary youth. Participants will engage in a scavenger hunt through the Queer Santa Cruz Exhibit, offering a direct and informative exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences. The event aims to create a supportive environment for youth to learn about the historical context of the queer community, fostering a sense of identity and connection. It's an opportunity for participants to navigate the museum's exhibits together, gaining insights into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community's history. We will have exciting prizes and meaningful discussions to wrap up our quest together! We will meet in the courtyard near the entrance of the MAH at 2:30 on February 3rd.

• Please fill out this form to RSVP for Genderventures!

Additional Information about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM):

Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

The 2024 theme for TDVAM is “Love Like That.” Selected by the Love is Respect Youth Council, “Love Like That,” illuminates what “that '' means regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships. We know that love is more than a feeling; no matter how you define it, it’s essential to ensure you’re on the same page with your partner about the definitions and boundaries of your relationship. Teens and young adults express their love for one another in many ways, which differ from person to person or community. All expressions of love are valid. However, the essential aspect of “Love Like That” calls on us all to create a world of positive actions to express and show healthy love in various ways.