LGBTQ Youth Groups
Link to schedule
Youth Pride 2006 Story
Facts: Gay and Lesbian youth in schools
77.9% of LGBT students in public high schools report regularly hearing homophobic remarks from their peers.
82.9% of LGBTQ youth say teachers and staff never or only sometimes challenged negative comments made towards them.
LGBT youth are 7 times more likely to be threatened or injured with a weapon at school.
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Mission Statement
The Mission of The Q Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth is to promote the health, safety and empowerment of LGBTQ young people.
We further strive to end all forms of violence and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity through supporting legislation and educating the public. Through outreach to the broader community, parents, guardians, religious institutions and schools, we aim to make all spaces safer for LGBTQ youth.
We respect young people and take a holistic approach to supporting their growth and development through providing caring adult role models, information and education on living healthy lives, issues of equality, and tools for empowerment.
We work toward and have hope for a world where all youth are safe and valued, regardless of their sexual identification, HIV status, gender identity and expression, educational enrollment, disability, race or ethnicity.
Youth Pride 2006 Story
What seems routine to most high school age youth - a party to get together with people who accept you, meet new friends, and have a great time in a safe environment - is a foreign experience for many LGBTQ young people. This year, as a part of the Central New York Pride celebration, the youth of the QCenter hosted the first ever Pride event for young people. The youth marched in the Pride Parade and then returned to the Center to prepare for their party. Youth Pride 2006 began in the afternoon with games that included relay races and LGBTQ trivia, Karaoke, Step dance lessons taught by group member Robert Johnson, lots of food, a presentation by member Lauren Ford on LGBTQ civil rights, and a Family Feud game hosted by ACR's Bob Forbes and Richard Larche which presented HIV education and information on the contributions of LGBTQ people throughout history. The party wrapped up with a dance with popular DJ "Remo." The event was a huge success with 65 youth attending and the support of volunteers. The youth are already talking about Youth Pride 2007!