Queer Youth Leadership Awards

www.QYLA.org

The Queer Youth Leadership Awards is an annual event that honors and recognizes the work and advocacy of young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Santa Cruz County.

Each year we give out monetary awards to LGBT youth who are dedicated to creating safe environments for LGBT people. We also recognize the work of Allies to Queer Youth and Organizational Allies.

The mission of the QYLA is to improve the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth by increasing the positive awareness of Queer Youth leadership, and increasing safe and welcoming environments in home, school, and community.

The Queer Youth Leadership Awards is produced by the Santa Cruz County Task Force for LGBTQ Youth. This Task Force, also known as the Queer Youth Task Force (QYTF) is an affiliate of the Diversity Center, a community center which serves the LGBT community of Santa Cruz County.

1. LGBT youth are doing amazing and inspirational work that deserves recognition.

2. The entire community has an obligation to make schools, services and public spaces safe for all people.

3. By honoring the work of young LGBT people we are creating empowerment and giving voices to those who can't speak out.