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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

14-Year-Old Transgender Girl Pauly Likens Brutally Murdered in Western PA

14-Year-Old Transgender Girl Pauly Likens Brutally Murdered in Western PA
July 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 6, 2024 Contact: info@payouthcongress.org Phone: 717-743-1035 14-Year-Old Transgender Girl Pauly Likens Brutally Murdered in Western PA Mercer County officials arrest suspect; state officials continue the search for remains SHARON, Pa. — Mercer County officials have confirmed that Pauly Likens, a 14-year-old transgender girl from Sharon […]

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Marriage Equality Bill Passes PA House for First Time in State History

Marriage Equality Bill Passes PA House for First Time in State History
July 3, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 3, 2024 Contact: info@payouthcongress.org Phone: 717-743-1035 Marriage Equality Bill Passes PA House for First Time in State History HB 2269 Passed the PA House in a 133-68 Vote HARRISBURG, Pa. — The PA House passed a bill anchoring marriage equality within a state statute in […]

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Gettysburg Area School Board Continues to Block Reappointment of Beloved Head Tennis Coach Because She is Transgender

Gettysburg Area School Board Continues to Block Reappointment of Beloved Head Tennis Coach Because She is Transgender
August 22, 2023

GASD Engages in Lavender Scare to Target Transgender Staff GETTYSBURG, Pa. — The Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) board last night voted for the second time to remove cherished head tennis coach Sasha Yates from the regular reappointments list as proposed by the school administration. Gettysburg Area students will start […]

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