“Right now is a time to recognize the impact of positive school climates on students and teachers: Environments where diversity is celebrated and respect is valued can change lives for the better. It's also a time to remember that we cannot stop fighting for these safe and affirming learning environments for all students, including LGBTQ and other at-risk students.” Read these youth stories at GLSEN … [Read more...]

‘This is not retreat, this is not defeat’ “In this time it is not enough to just stand for LGBTQ rights, as many different communities we come from and call our own are also under attack. This is a time to stand together. This is a time to build coalitions. This is a time to find new allies. “ Visit GSA Network to view these resources … [Read more...]

To promote effective writing by, about, and/or for queer youth, Queer Foundation offers to the winners of the twelfth annual high school seniors English essay contest $1,000 scholarships to attend the U.S. college or university of their choice in the 2017–18 academic year to study queer theory or related fields. Examples of related fields are queer medical, legal, or social issues. Visit The Queer Foundation for more information and to submit your work! … [Read more...]

“Camp Lightbulb, which promises participants a chance to “express themselves without hesitation in a fun, carefree environment,” will welcome queer youth between the ages of 14-18 for its first-ever “Winter Camp.” Read the full article in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]

“A comprehensive look at transgender murders since 2010. The number is rising — and likely far higher than we know.” Read the full article at Mic Read, remember, share and mobilize. … [Read more...]

“Here are some wise and empowering words offered by some of our favorite queer women in 2016 to give you hope for humanity in the new year.” Read the full article in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]

“We celebrate kindness by putting it into action! Every year for No-Name Calling Week, GLSEN provides students and educators with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to challenge bullying and name-calling in their communities. This No Name-Calling Week begins on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and ends on the Presidential Inauguration. It is an important opportunity to show allyship to LGBTQ students, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) students, as well as LGBTQ students of color.” For more … [Read more...]

Saturday, May 13, 2017 5:30 PM Pájaro Valley High School, Watsonville We hope you'll save-the-date and join us in celebrating 20 years of honoring local queer youth, allies and organization's that have worked to make our community a safer place. Over the next year, we'll be sharing highlights of the last two decades as we prepare for a grand celebration. QYLA is proud to be working with the Pájaro Valley High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), one of the largest GSA's in Santa Cruz County, and the Pájaro Valley Unified School … [Read more...]