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Who We Are

PYC unites young LGBTQ leaders from across the commonwealth within their schools and communities in order to create a responsive and organized statewide movement. Through connecting and empowering strong advocates, PYC helps ensure that the issues facing young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians are addressed in local and state government.
Young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians have varied urgent needs. Many LGBTQ youth experience violence and discrimination in their schools and communities. Through PYC, young leaders are able to advocate for effective policy solutions at the local and state levels. From city councils to school boards to the General Assembly, PYC champions issues in government.
PYC was founded in 2011 as a coalition of high school and college LGBTQ student organizations. Over 50 LGBTQ student groups have become members of PYC. These student organizations have direct access to leadership development, networking, and important advocacy opportunities. To find out more about becoming a member organization of PYC, <a href="https://payouthcongress.org/get-involved/member-organizations/">please click here</a>!
As an intersectional movement of young Pennsylvanians, PYC advocates for communities where all can thrive. PYC was created to ensure all marginalized LGBTQ youth have power in their communities. To that end we aim to center those most impacted by the harm being addressed and that they are directing the work. Together, PYC leaders envision a commonwealth that has no room for prejudice or discrimination - where all people can thrive regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other identities.
Since 2011, PYC has organized dozens of statewide forums for young LGBTQ leaders, including the Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference (YAC), which has become the largest annual gathering of young LGBTQ advocates in the state. From retreats in the northern tier to regional convenings, PYC believes in the critical importance of organizing in-person gatherings.
PYC firmly believes that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but that they are also the leaders of today. By empowering and training each other with the skills necessary to successfully take on local and statewide community work, PYC is continually investing in generations of strong civic leaders. PYC alums have been hired for important staff positions at LGBTQ organizations and have even made history by being elected to local government.

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Pennsylvania News

ACTION ALERT: Oppose Anti-Trans Youth Sports Bill

ACTION ALERT: Oppose Anti-Trans Youth Sports Bill
March 22, 2025

The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee is planning to vote on Senate Bill 9 on Wednesday, March 26th. It’s vital that we ensure constituents in the districts of the following Senators on the committee express their opposition ASAP! The following are members of the committee and would have a vote on […]

Full Statement
Trans Day of Visibility 2025 Across PA

Trans Day of Visibility 2025 Across PA
March 21, 2025

Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a day to celebrate transgender individuals and communities all around the world! The day was created in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, the Executive Director and co-founder of Transgender Michigan. While Trans Day of Remembrance is a solemn day held each November to mourn the lives […]

Full Statement
PYC Statement on South Side Petition to Reverse Statewide Regulatory LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections

PYC Statement on South Side Petition to Reverse Statewide Regulatory LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections
March 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 7, 2025 PA Youth Congress Responds to Cruel Petition in Commonwealth Court to Reverse Regulatory LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections in Pennsylvania HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Youth Congress has released the following statement in reaction to yesterday’s filing of a petition for review in the Commonwealth […]

Full Statement