Queer Youth Speak Out 2024
Students Share Their Stories in Today’s Florida
Queer Youth Speak Out Event Details:
Who: All community members
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: Cornerstone United Methodist | 8200 Immokalee Rd, Naples
Challenges Faced by Queer Students
Queer Youth Speak Out is an event co-hosted by GLSEN Collier County and the Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida. Collier County, with its picturesque beaches and vibrant communities, is home to a diverse student population. Queer students are facing an increasingly challenging school environment due to new legislative measures and anti-LGBTQ policies. Yet, in the face of adversity, many of our community’s queer students are rising above. They're forging connections, creating safe spaces, and sharing their stories to shed light on the real-life implications of these policies in our schools and throughout the community.
The Resilience of Queer Youth
On November 14, high school students will share personal stories about the effects today’s social and political landscapes have on them directly. Their stories will bring you to tears as you grapple with the fear, the pain, and the turmoil our queer youth face on a daily basis. You will come to terms with how this environment has been created, and how it permeates our schools. And you will have the chance to ask them questions through a Q&A at the end of the event. But most of all, you will walk away amazed.
The resilience of today’s queer youth is nothing short of inspiring. These students are not merely navigating the educational landscape; they are striving to survive while also actively shaping a more inclusive future for those who come after them. Their tales underscore the importance of understanding and empathy, especially in times of societal division.
A Call to Action
As the debate around LGBTQ+ rights continues here in Florida, the stories of these students stand as powerful reminders. Behind every policy, every piece of legislation, are real individuals with genuine experiences. These students are not just defined by their queer identities; they are trailblazers, advocates, and above all, they represent hope in the face of adversity. And it is time that everyone in our community listens as they share their stories.
"Empowering queer youth is not just about amplifying their stories; it's about acknowledging their existence, validating, their experiences, and shaping a world where love and acceptance are not bound by labels."