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Youth Pride Conference

What is YPC?

The Youth Pride Conference is a free, student-led event for LGBTQ+ youth in grades 6-12. It offers a space to explore issues they face today and encourages confidence in their identities. GLSEN Collier County believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and inclusive K-12 education.

Event Details

When: Saturday, October 25, from 10 am to 4 pm

Where: 5200 Crayton Rd. Naples, Fla. 34103

Who: Students in grades 6-12 may attend

Cost: This is a free event by GLSEN Collier County

What to Expect

  • Food provided
  • Event t-shirt for all participants
  • Live music performance
  • Breakout sessions
  • Keynote speaker
  • A place to make new friends
  • Licensed mental health professionals available on-site

 

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Ready to be, free to be? Register today!

Don't miss out on a day of fun and enlightenment, while making memories that last.

Featured Entertainer

Janice Robinson
Janice Photo 7 (1)

Janice Robinson (she/her) is an international singer, songwriter, and performer best known as the voice and writer behind the Euro-dance anthem Dreamer, a global No. 1 hit with Livin’ Joy in 1995 that remains a dance classic. Born in New Jersey and the daughter of the late Dr. Rev. J.J. Robinson, she began her career as a backup singer before joining Snap! and later forming Livin’ Joy with Italian producers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi.

Her solo debut album, The Color Within Me, was released on Warner Bros. in 1999, earning praise and landing her an opening spot on Tina Turner’s Twenty-Four Seven world tour. Over the years, Robinson has collaborated with Wyclef Jean, Taylor Dayne, Kristine W, David Morales, and Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren, among many others. Her work has spanned pop, house, gospel, and inspirational music, with more than 30 singles recorded worldwide.

Robinson’s career was revitalized after her powerful audition on The X Factor UK in 2018, where she performed Dreamer to a standing ovation. Today, she tours internationally with the Ministry of Sound Classical Orchestra and continues to inspire audiences with her powerful voice, honest songwriting, and enduring message of resilience and hope.

Keynote Speaker

Ollie Saunders

Ollie Saunders (they/them) is a third-year political science major at Florida State University, where they also serve as the Political Action Coordinator for the university’s Pride Student Union.

They have an extensive history of service, advocacy, and community organizing for queer and other marginalized communities, including acting as the Pride Student Union’s Programming Coordinator for the 2024-2025 academic school year, coordinating the 2023 Youth Pride Conference as Co-President of the GLSEN Collier SHINE Team, working as a research assistant for Florida State’s Collegiate Recovery Program, and representing GLSEN in their 2022-2023 National Student Council.

They aspire to become a civil rights attorney to affirm fundamental civil liberties and advocate for beneficial policy changes on behalf of Florida’s queer community.

Students, vendors and volunteers participate in the 2023 Youth Pride Conference sponsored by GLSEN Collier County on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Naples.