The Alliance is proud to host the annual Youth Leadership Summit this month in Bloomington, Illinois. As reported in the Illinois Eagle by Caleb Sneeden:

The focus of the 2025 Youth Leadership Summit is LGBTQ+ issues, primarily the creation and support of Genders & Sexualities Alliances (GSAs, student-led queer focused groups),  preparation for Junior high and high school students are able to register and attend, although Jay Diaz, the coordinator for the ISSA,  described the content as more geared towards high school students.

Flores stated a primary importance of the summit as the students being able to “see themselves represented by adults in the LGBTQ community” who have found stability and leadership roles. He also said it could serve as a support system if students lack one in their private lives, and serve to raise awareness about various queer issues and educate students on differing experiences and identities. 

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Learn more here about how the Alliance collaborates with and supports LGBTQ+ youth.