October 27, 2011

>GLSEN Student Ambassadors Launch Official YouTube Channel

>Throughout the year we introduce you to these remarkable middle and high school students whose efforts to make schools safer for LGBT youth are showcased in media interviews and at GLSEN events. Rarely, however, are we given the opportunity to hear them speak candidly about their experiences and why they have chosen to partner with GLSEN.

That is, until now.

This year’s ambassador team has launched an official GLSEN Ambassador YouTube Channel as a platform for speaking directly to their peers and supporting those interested in working with their school’s Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to create school climates where every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression feels safe.

Student Ambassador Lily G. explains why this channel is so befitting for LGBT youth.

Social media is exploding, and students are increasingly engaging with one another on platforms like YouTube every single day. There are lots of LGBTQ youth out there who turn to YouTube to gain awareness and support. And if they can see our channel, and see confident students just like them talking about the issues that matter to us, then that’s a huge deal. Articles and text resources are one thing, but it can also be such an assurance to see actual people’s faces. You feel more of a connection when you feel like people are sharing important information with you directly. I remember that in my own coming out process, it was so comforting to go onto YouTube and see people telling their stories. It’s a very safe way to start reaching out to the community if you don’t have the ability to speak to your family and friends about those sorts of topics just yet.

And that’s really what we aim to accomplish over the next year. We want our channel to be a space where we can post the kinds of personal and informative videos that others will find valuable. Whether the viewers are looking to become more active in their communities, seek advice on making their schools safe for all students, cope with bullying, or just have some more room to figure out their identities, we want them to come away empowered. We want to try to get in gear to start posting consistently with our take on topics ranging from how to talk to your principal about implementing a safe space kit, to how to discuss gender identity with a friend, to how to celebrate the Day of Silence. Eventually we’ll have a powerful archive of our diverse experiences as LGBTQ youth from all different backgrounds and parts of the country.

This YouTube Channel reminds all of us that you don’t need a tidal wave of fury to make change, just a group of young people who are willing to lend their voice and experience to others for a greater cause: to educate and unify communities through differences.

These students have something to say; we should listen.

Now, without further ado, our 2011-2012 GLSEN Student Ambassadors.

   

About Elizabeth Free

       

Elizabeth Free is the communications manager at GLSEN--the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Elizabeth joined GLSEN in 2009 to make schools safer for all students and says one of the best parts of her job is working with GLSEN's Student Ambassadors. She is originally from Texas and has a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Houston.