The Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which provides a safe space for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth to gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives, as well as meet other gay youth. OYA is a peer based youth group with members ranging from the ages of 13 to 24. The Orlando Youth Alliance was first formed in 1990 as a support group to assist at-risk gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender youth under the moniker “Delta Youth Alliance”. The group evolved into “GALIXY”, Gay And Lesbian Idea eXchange for Youth. The group exists today as the Orlando Youth Alliance, Inc., (OYA) but maintains the same mission statement. Through the years, OYA has provided support to hundreds of Central Florida youth. Beyond weekly meetings, the group has expanded its outreach into the Orlando community. Even though the name has changed over the years, the mission has not. We are committed to providing a safe place for GLBTQ youth to gather and be themselves in the self discovery and development phase of their teen years. The Orlando Youth Alliance has a vital purpose in the Central Florida community. OYA is the only after-school option to meet other teens who are having the same feelings and dealing with the same problems that they are. OYA also collaborates with other organizations and causes in the Central Florida area which empowers our GLBTQ youth to be advocates and leaders in the community. The Orlando Youth Alliance has wonderful resources at their disposal, one of which is the growing number of skilled volunteer adult facilitators. These facilitators are community- involved individuals who provide adult supervision during events and youth meetings. The facilitators are available to offer leadership, mentoring and to answer questions or concerns. There is no cost to being a member of OYA. All costs associated with operations and marketing are covered through fundraisers, corporate, individual and foundation gifts. The OYA is a peer based organization. Though there is adult leadership, the group revolves around YOU! YOUR issues and YOUR agendas - not those of the facilitators.
