Each year, local and state-wide politicians come out to show their support for the Queer Youth Leadership Awards. These politicians recognize that the QYLA is a special event that brings together families and communities. At the QYLA, the immense work that queer youth and their allies are doing to make our county safer and more welcoming for everyone is honored. Below are some videos from speeches at previous events.
Welcome Message from Aptos High School Principal Casey O’Brien
Casey O’Brien
Principal, Aptos High School
The Aptos High School Mission Statement begins by saying “The Aptos High School community embraces its mission of providing appropriate educational opportunities, within a safe and nurturing learning environment, for each student in our culturally rich population.” I am proud to say that the term “each student” really means each student. We are proud and excited to host the 2016 Queer Youth Awards at AHS this year as one simple way to show our commitment towards equal rights for each student and particularly for the LGBT student community – to educate and celebrate all – without exception. The Queer Youth Awards celebrates the fantastic accomplishments of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender student community and we are proud to be a part of that at Aptos High!
Mark Stone, Fifth District Supervisor
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
“Queer Youth Leadership Awards Honor Remarkable Young People”
“As a father of two Scotts Valley High students and the Supervisor for the District, I want to welcome the Queer Youth Leadership Awards to the Fifth District.
Since the first QYLA in 1998, over twenty LGBTIQ youth and youth and adult allies have been nominated from Scotts Valley, and we are proud that the QYLA, which travels around the county to recognize the community’s support for the tenacity of young people, is coming to Scotts Valley.
Each year, parents, siblings, youth groups, religious organizations, and politicians come together to help break down the discrimination that is a barrier to all LGBTIQ people and their friends, families, and allies. They are an inspiration to us and we look forward to hosting the 12th Annual Queer Leadership Awards in our community.”
Emily Reilly showing her support for the Queer Youth Leadership Awards at a rally in 2008 supporting same sex marriage. Emily Reilly has been a judge on more than one occasion for the QYLA and has been an avid supporter of the event.
John Laird giving a speech dedicated to the parents of LGBT youth at the 2007 Queer Youth Leadership Awards at Harbor High School. Assembly Member Laird speaks of the importance of family support for LGBT youth and talks about his own relationship with his family.
Then Mayor Emily Reilly speaks at the 2007 Queer Youth Leadership Awards at Harbor High School. She delivers a proclamation from the city of Santa Cruz honoring the QYLA and thanks the community for being courageous and making a difference in an important time.
Ellen Pirie, Second District Supervisor and Richard Hill, Capitola City Manager, welcome everyone to the 11th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards. Ellen Pirie speaks of the importance of queer youth feeling safe and welcomed at their schools. Richard Hill talks about Capitola’s support for the next generation of community leaders.
Mark Stone, Fifth District Supervisor
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
A statement from 2007 about the 10th Annual QYLA:
“Queer Youth Leadership Awards Honor Remarkable Young People
The annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards give the community an opportunity to show our admiration and respect for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexed and questioning youth. On this 10th anniversary of the Queer Youth Leadership Awards, we can clearly demonstrate our support for the courageous actions of our young people who are willing to face threats, slurs, and physical harassment for just being open about who they are. We have the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made in this community and to think about what we have not yet achieved. The young people being honored by this award have distinguished themselves with their leadership in breaking down the barriers of discrimination and negative attitudes on behalf of all gay and non-gay people. They serve as an inspiration for all of us.”