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The event, designed to educate youth about the struggles LGBTQIA people face, encouraged students to support the rights of those individuals and inspire them to advocate for change within their communities.
A number of Irvington High School students, including junior Barbara Robertson, described the event as positive, enlightening and worthwhile.
"I think that today was incredible,” she said. “It was a really good environment to discuss different LGBT things, like the media and stereotypes. I got to meet some really interesting people and hear their different experiences and perspectives.”
Sophomore Zoe Mermelstein said she appreciated that the conference helped her “understand how to help my friends and loved ones in the LGBT community.”
She added that after the experience, she views overall equality as a larger human rights issue.
More than 600 students were in attendance from across Westchester County, all for the purpose of creating a sense of community for LGBTQ youth and their allies.
Participants attended lectures, plays and discussion round tables about various topics in the community. Workshops ranged from “Queer Representation in the Media” to “The Bible and Sexuality: Believers take a Fresh Look.”
“The conference was an amazing opportunity for the students in the LGBTQIA club to bond, explore issues and network with a larger community,” said club advisor Julie Ippolito.
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