About YLAP
The COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program debuted in 2002-2003 in the San Francisco Bay Area in response to a request from COLAGE's membership for more structured and diverse youth development opportunities for kids of LGBT parents. For four years, the program offered a 10 month leadership and creative expression program for youth ages 13-19 with one or more LGBT parents.
In its first year, fifteen youth with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) parents and allies participated in the pilot of the program gaining skills and practice in leadership, public speaking, media literacy and advocacy while focusing on two action projects selected by the group. For their Education Project, YLAP youth provided panels, workshops and trainings to a diverse spectrum of people in the Bay Area, including: students ranging from 3rd grade through college age, prospective LGBT parents, LGBT parents with younger children, social workers, pediatricians, and teachers. In all, the youth shared their experiences and views with several thousand people. YLAP also created the Respect All Families poster series and That's So Gay: Art by Youth with LGBT Parents. In addition to these focus projects, the 2002-2003 YLAP group also participated in a Media and Public Speaking training, developed Steps for Making Schools Safer for Students with LGBT Parents, worked with magazines, newspapers, and television to promote awareness, and managed to still have a fabulous time!
In its second year, YLAP turned its focus to printed mediums and edited an anthology of writing and art by youth with LGBT parents. After learning both about the editing and layout processes for zines and books as well as creating their own pieces of work, YLAP's sophomore effort was debuted: Focus on MY Family: A Queerspawn Anthology. More information about this collection is available here.
In 2004-2005, YLAP youth become film producers. Working with local film maker Jen Gilomen, YLAP created In My Shoes: Stories of Youth with LGBT Parents an award winning 30 minute documentary profiling youth ages 12-17 with one or more LGBT parents.
In the 4th year of the program, COLAGE YLAP worked with Fringe Benefits and wrote a play – MYTHSmashers which debunks many of the false stereotypes about youth with LGBT parents. Stay tuned to the COLAGE website for more information about this theatrical resource.
Learn more:
