Unified for Youth (U4Y) is presented by the following organizations:

GLSEN Pittsburgh The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

PFLAG has more than 500 chapters nationwide, over 200,000 members, supporters, and affiliates, representing the largest chapter network in the struggle for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights. We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Only with respect, dignity and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively.

Persad Center is the nation’s second oldest licensed counseling center specifically created to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. In addition, Persad Center is an AIDS Service Organization providing counseling to persons with HIV Disease. Persad Center is committed to helping GLBT and HIV+ individuals and the people who love them. Our staff of mental health professionals are trained to respond to the emotional needs of the GLBT community in a caring way that is sensitive, non-judgmental and culturally specific. Persad Center offers a variety of Clinical Programs and Services to fulfill our mission to increase the well-being of the community.

Dreams of Hope is a troupe of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight youth (13-21), may be Pittsburgh’s most courageous performing arts group. Creating and performing new works of drama, music, song, dance, and poetry, all based on their lives, taking their show to venues throughout the region. Not shy to take on thorny topics such as religion and school bullying, this year the youth are focusing on labels and stereotypes. Each performance concludes with a youth led discussion of LGBT issues.