Queer and Allied Youth Summit

Six years ago, four students shared a bowl of popcorn and penned the mission of their new club: to create a school that was safe and affirming for all students.  When they hung up their “Gay-Straight Alliance” posters in the hallway, those that weren’t immediately torn down elicited a spectrum of responses ranging from giggles to derogatory slurs.  The founding members of Lamoille Union High School’s GSA responded by making bigger signs and using more tape.  Since then, the club has grown to 31 members who proudly wear their flaming orange t-shirts through hallways filled with noticeably less homophobia.  Now, we need your help taking their next bold move.

In our ongoing attempt to influence our school culture, our GSA will host Outright Vermont’s Queer and Allied Youth Summit on May 9th and 10th.  In the history of Outright Vermont, it is the first time that the statewide conference attended by 150-200 VT teenagers will be held in Lamoille County and certainly the first time it has taken place in a town as small as Hyde Park.   Through workshops, performances, networking, and fun, queer-identified students will learn how it feels to not be “other” and straight allies will learn how to be even better advocates. 

It’s hard to put a value on the experience of the summit, but it is easy to identify a price.  Historically, the cost of providing three meals, program materials, t-shirts, and decorations for the queer-affirming prom amounts to $2200, and it is the goal of LUHS to raise all of those funds.  It is for that reason that we earnestly ask you to consider sponsing the event.  Please help us continue to  the work of making LUHS a safe and affirming place for all students.