California's youth unite for LGBTQ equality at state Capitol
GSA Network News | Thu, 04/29/2010 - 9:22am | Login to bookmark or commentSACRAMENTO -- Nearly 100 LGBTQ and straight ally youth from all over California helped make history at the 5th annual Queer Youth Advocacy Day on Monday, April 26. They were fierce lobbyists, proud activists, and courageous youth leaders.
During the weekend preceding Queer Youth Advocacy Day, the youth participated in the GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA), an intensive three-day training focused on the legislative process, policy and administrative advocacy, media activism, and other important leaderships skills for students fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools.
On Monday, April 26, youth took to the hallways of the Capitol, and spoke with legislators about several bills that would improve student safety, health, and educational opportunities.
• Mental Health Access for Youth At-Risk (SB 543)
• Hate Crimes Protection Act (AB 1680)
• California Educational Opportunity Index (AB 2273)
Youth leaders spoke to the media during a press conference, which also featured Assemblymember Lori Saldaña of San Diego, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, and Assemblymember Tom Torlakson.
"GAYLA was an incredible experience - learning the skills to effectively advocate for safety, equality, and social change was invaluable. The entire experience was motivating. Having the opportunity to work with my peers on issues I truly believe in and personally connect to really made me believe in my potential," said Lily Amodio, a junior at The Met Sacramento.
Tyler Beltran, a senior from La Quinta High School in Southern California said, "GAYLA was a great experience for me. I actually have decided to minor in politics [in college]."
"At GAYLA I learned about three bills that are very important for the safety of youth, and I went to the Capitol to lobby legislators about them," shared Karissa Doll from Oak Grove High School in San Jose. "Not only was it an amazing learning experience but an amazing bonding experience with many youth all over California. This was a weekend I will never forget."
Andrew DeSoto, a senior from nearby Santa Teresa High School echoed the sentiment. "I learned that I can be a part of making a change. I learned skills for speaking to legislators and how to lobby. GAYLA is a family, and we are all there for the same thing, which was to lobby for bills and talk to school administrators, to make change for everyone."
In addition to lobbying, a few students met with education officials at the California Department of Education and the
During the weekend preceding Queer Youth Advocacy Day, the youth participated in the GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA), an intensive three-day training focused on the legislative process, policy and administrative advocacy, media activism, and other important leaderships skills for students fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools.
On Monday, April 26, youth took to the hallways of the Capitol, and spoke with legislators about several bills that would improve student safety, health, and educational opportunities.
• Mental Health Access for Youth At-Risk (SB 543)
• Hate Crimes Protection Act (AB 1680)
• California Educational Opportunity Index (AB 2273)
Youth leaders spoke to the media during a press conference, which also featured Assemblymember Lori Saldaña of San Diego, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, and Assemblymember Tom Torlakson.
"GAYLA was an incredible experience - learning the skills to effectively advocate for safety, equality, and social change was invaluable. The entire experience was motivating. Having the opportunity to work with my peers on issues I truly believe in and personally connect to really made me believe in my potential," said Lily Amodio, a junior at The Met Sacramento.
Tyler Beltran, a senior from La Quinta High School in Southern California said, "GAYLA was a great experience for me. I actually have decided to minor in politics [in college]."
"At GAYLA I learned about three bills that are very important for the safety of youth, and I went to the Capitol to lobby legislators about them," shared Karissa Doll from Oak Grove High School in San Jose. "Not only was it an amazing learning experience but an amazing bonding experience with many youth all over California. This was a weekend I will never forget."
Andrew DeSoto, a senior from nearby Santa Teresa High School echoed the sentiment. "I learned that I can be a part of making a change. I learned skills for speaking to legislators and how to lobby. GAYLA is a family, and we are all there for the same thing, which was to lobby for bills and talk to school administrators, to make change for everyone."
In addition to lobbying, a few students met with education officials at the California Department of Education and the