Programming
Virtual Open Mic
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 7–8 pm
Join us for an opportunity to share your art and voice! Link will be shared after registration.
Queer Quotes Traveling Library
Flow State Art Gallery
Garden State Equality’s Youth Advisory Board is proud to introduce Flow State, an art gallery for LGBTQ+ youth and allies. The theme “Fluidity of Identity and Community” is meant to encourage advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth as well as inspire deeper thought on the ways the concept of “identity” differs from person to person.
Artists should provide visual works of art that they have made which share something about themselves, their unique identities, experiences, and/or interests. If you are submitting more than one piece, please fill out a separate form. Artists can submit a maximum of three pieces.
The physical gallery will take place in two locations and dates, on May 30th at the Garden State Equality Ball (gallery open to youth) and June 8th at North Jersey Pride. For any questions, contact [email protected].
About the Youth Advisory Board
In an effort to make, and to continue to create, safe spaces for our youth, Garden State Equality launched a Youth Advisory Board in 2023.
Now in its second year, the Youth Advisory Board program allows students who are passionate about the rights and liberties of all people and who would like to expand their leadership experience to play a pivotal role in informing, planning and expanding our youth-focused programs throughout the state of New Jersey. These advisors will have the opportunity to be a part of the Garden State Equality family and lend their voices to our mission of creating a safe and inclusive state for all New Jerseyans. All high schoolers are eligible to be nominated for the Youth Advisory Board.
To date, Youth Advisory Board members have developed a “How to Start a GSA” guidebook and created a webinar series that is completely youth-led, focusing on history and the inclusive curriculum, mental health, student rights and self advocacy, and queer representation in the media!
Each school year, Garden State Equality will hold application submissions for new members of the Youth Advisory Board. Applications will be opened in July.
It is imperative for us to have diversity throughout all facets of our work. Since many of our projects directly affect young adults, we want their voices to be reflected as a part of our advisory team. We know that young people are often at the forefront of every important social movement and this is especially true when it comes to human rights issues. We will ensure our Youth Advisors will have opportunities to meet other changemakers across the state, partake in community learning opportunities and advance their educational and emotional outcomes.
Interested in learning more about our Youth Advisory Board?
Email Hime Thomas at [email protected].