Unified for Youth (U4Y) is our first ever youth conference, which will be held on July 17, 18, and 19 at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

This conference is presented for LGBT youth, straight allies, parents/family members, and GSA advisors with the goal of affirming and supporting the wellness of LGBT youth and their allies through workshops, networking opportunities, special guest speakers, and social activities.

We'll kick-off on Friday evening with a registration reception in the Lobby Gallery at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. This will give us an opportunity to meet new people while we take care of a few necessities, allowing us to jump right into things on Saturday.

Workshop topics include: “What is Gender Identity?”, “Becoming An Advocate“, and “Bullying - An Epidemic”. In addition to these workshops, one full session will be devoted to a group art project where participants will share their thoughts and feelings through words and visual media. We'll also present a panel discussion featuring current college students and parents on “Life After High School”.

Saturday evening we'll be treated to a "sneak preview" of the soon-to-be-released documentary film, OUT IN THE SILENCE, co-produced by Joe Wilson and his partner Dean Hamer, with support from the Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program.

The film and discussion with the filmmakers will explore the basis for the firestorm of controversy that was ignited in Wilson's hometown of Oil City, a conservative small town in the hills of western Pennsylvania, after his and Hamer’s wedding announcement was published in the local newspaper. Drawn back by a plea for help from the mother of a gay teen being tormented at school, Wilson takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through love, hate, and understanding in rural America.

More information will be posted as it becomes available so bookmark this page and check it often.

This event is now free to the public and we will provide all conference materials, as well as 3 meals on Saturday and 1 meal on Sunday free of charge. To register please use our online registration form.