SAN JOSE, CA – Youth in Santa Clara County began LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a student-created and led event, the Unity Youth Conference. Held at the Santa Clara County Office of Education(SCCOE), the conference focused on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, sharing local resources, and highlighting art.
“It’s important that all young people are seen, heard, welcomed, and supported,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “The youth in our county continue to impress me with their passion for equity and unity.”
Youth from the SCCOE’s Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Peer Advocate Advisory Council (PAAC) and partner districts utilizing the SCCOE’s LGBTQ+ services, planned and coordinated the event to include local partners and organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. Partners included Galaxy Community Circle, HEART Program, Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s Community Advocate Teens of Today, DeAnza College, Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services, and Teachers Empowering Youth Activists. The conference was fabulously emceed by Ethereal Juju, Princess Blaysia, Pico D. Gallo, and Daisy Astrea.
“I was the graphics specialist for the conference,” said Wycoff, a student from the Campbell Union High School District. “I had a lot of fun making our designs and it was great to feel seen and heard and proud of the work that we did.”
At the conference, a youth activity book was debuted. A high school student in Santa Clara County designed and illustrated the activity book, which provides a brief overview of LGBTQ+ information and history, along with preventative tobacco resources. It was created in collaboration with the TUPE program.
