Youth Programs
Youth Programs support social-emotional wellness for queer and trans youth in Tulare and Kings Counties. Our groups are queer and trans-led spaces that mentor young people into pipelines of leadership in their communities.
Programs
Lil Sourcerers
What began as a Youth Advisory Board, Pride Prom, and Talent Show, has turned into a movement and leadership opportunity for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 12-17. Li’l Sourceros meet twice monthly for peer support, fun, and activities. This group is a great way to meet other kids in the area just like you! Follow us on Instagram to see the latest information about our Youth Groups.
Groups held 1st & 3rd Monday of the month 6:00 - 7:30 pm
109 NW 2nd Avenue • Visalia, CA 93291
Queers & Peers
Queers and Peers is a group for transitional aged youth (18 -26) to make friends and get involved in their community. This is an activity based group and meeting locations vary. Follow us on instagram to stay up to date with meeting plans! Join our Discord to stay up to date with meeting plans.
Leadership Academy
The Source LGBT+ Center facilitates a 12 week program called Leadership Academy for youth to learn leadership skills, LGBTQ+ History, public speaking, and advocacy. This program is for Youth ages 17-26. Your commitment is key. We meet every Tuesday from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
2024 applications are currently closed.
LGBTQ+ Youth Board
The Source LGBT+ Center’s youth program is advised by a Youth Board comprised of 7-10 LGBT+ and allied youth ages 15-22. If you are interested in serving your community through the board and helping the youth program become what it should be for the community, consider applying below. This opportunity will give you a direct hand in making decisions and help amplify the voice of you and your peers.
The Source LGBT+ Scholarship
The Source LGBT+ Center scholarship gives away $1500.00 annually to support LGBTQ+ and allied youth who are interested in pursuing secondary and vocational education.
Scholarships are accepted August 1st through May 1st
Join our Discord!
Our moderated discord server is a safe space to build community. It’s a great way to stay up to date with meetings and activities. You also have the opportunity to make your voice heard as we often run polls and hold open discussions about progrmming.
Need Resources?
Looking for Outreach?
Want us to come to your school, GSA meeting, events, or any other outreach opportunity? Contact our Outreach Coordinator!
Leadership Class of 2022
The Team
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Erika Hawkyard
she/her
Program Director
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Alix Carranza
he/him
Program Manager
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Jose Ruiz-Garcia
he/him
Program Coordinator
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Johnny Gonzalez
he/they
Outreach Coordinator
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Kaede Coronado-Acuña
they/them
Program Coordinator
Youth Board
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Giselle
she/her
Board President“I chose to be on the Youth Board because I want to offer more representation and support for queer Latinx youth in my community. It is important to me because I am able to help create a safe place for others to express and be themselves.”
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Nicklas
he/him
Minute Taker“I chose to be on the youth board to make more connections in the community. LGBT youth need places to exist and be themselves and I'm glad The Source is here to provide that!”
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Jay
he/him
Treasurer“I want to create spaces the youth could have fun and just vibe. It’s important that they have a place to feel safe to be themselves.”
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Aurora
she/her
Board Member“I choose to be on this years Youth Board to enhance the voices of my peers, provide support, and elevate representation of queer individuals through active participation in the community.”
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JayCee
he/they
Board Member“I joined because I wanted to make a difference in the community and make other kids know there is a safe place for them!”
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Rocio
he/him
Board Member“Hi I’m Rocio a trans masc Mexican American. I think it is important to create safe spaces for the community because it saves lives!?
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Nat
she/they
Board Member“I joined the Youth Board in order to make a positive impact and get more involved within my community. I saw all the injustices within our area and wanted to make a change. We all deserve to have our voices not only heard, but listened to.”
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Mateo
he/him
Board Member“I chose to be on the youth board because I wanted to be a part of safe spaces in my community and have my voice--as well as many others' in Visalia--to be seen and heard.”
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Ren
they/he
Board Member“I wanted to join the youth board as a stepping stone to be heard. As someone who's scared to speak up, especially about the issues regarding acceptance, my voice can be heard and listened to. I think it's important to show queer and transgender kids that they're not alone, so I really hope I can help show them that there are spaces for them to exist in and feel safe as an individual that has known they were trans since they were 10 years old. Everyone is valid and heard, and I want to spread that message.”
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Ian
he/him
Board Member“I chose to be on the youth board because I wanted to be a part of safe spaces in my community and have my voice--as well as many others' in Visalia--to be seen and heard.”