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Center Youth

Working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and allied youth ages 13-18

Center Youth includes:

LGBT Youth Peer Support Group
Advocacy Opportunities for Youth
Healthy Social Opportunities
Advocating for Youth
Queer Youth Chorus
CDGLCC Scholarship Application

LGBTQ Youth Peer Support Group

Meeting every Friday at 7pm at the CDGLCC, 332 Hudson Ave, this support group is a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth and their allies to discuss issues of coming out, school, work, and relationships in a group of their peers. Facilitated by trained volunteers, and supervised by CDGLCC staff and trained clinicians, the Peer Support Group empowers youth to become strong, independent, and community-minded.

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Advocacy opportunities

Working with LGBTQ youth and their allies, the CDGLCC empowers them to use their voice and tell their stories to elected officials on state and local levels in order to make change in our community. Because we are based in the seat of NYS government, youth members have a unique opportunity to make their voices heard on a state level. Opportunities include legislative visits and trainings, writing workshops and regional conferences on youth empowerment.

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Healthy Social Opportunities

Building positive relationships is essential to all youth, but for LGBTQ youth, many times opportunities are limited. The CDGLCC coordinates the LGBT Alternative Youth Prom each year, along with our community partners, and over 300 youth participate each year, along with almost 100 chaperones. This event, as part of Capital Pride week, gives participants a memory of a welcoming prom for years to come. Other social events include an annual Youth BBQ during the summer months, as well as other events throughout the year.

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Advocating for LGBTQ Youth

The CDGLCC works with over 20 school districts in the Capital Region to build welcoming environments for all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We also provide presentations and in-service trainings to local and regional community organizations and agencies on promoting positive LGBT youth development. If your agency is interested in working with the CDGLCC, please fill out a SPEAKER REQUEST FORM and we will contact you.

We have worked with the students, teachers, or administrations of:

Albany High School
Averill Park
Berlin High School
Bethlehem Central School
Ballston Spa High School
Brittonkill Central School
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District
Cohoes High School
Columbia High School
Emma Willard School
Green Tech Charter School
Hoosic Valley High School
Hoosick Falls Central School
Ichabod Crane High School
LaSalle School
Mohonasen High School
New Lebanon High School
Niskayuna High School
Saratoga High School
Schenectady High School
Scotia-Glenville High School
Shaker High School
Troy High School

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Queer Youth Chorus

The Queer Youth Chorus is designed to provide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies a fun way to express themselves, meet new people and sing their pride! The Youth Chorus provides youth opportunities through education, mentorship, leadership and musical responsibilities and creates an affirming social environment for youth regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We are still in the recruitment phase looking for young people ages 13-18 who are interested in having fun with music. No prior experience is necessary. Look for the Queer Youth Chorus as they perform at Alternative Prom, the Capital Pride Festival Main Stage, the Annual Awards Dinner and more! Contact CDGLCC Program Director Curran Saile at 462-6138 for more information!

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