Youth OUTright’s GSA Summit is back! Get ready for a day-long conference for and by LGBTQIA+ youth. Engage in workshops on topics that affect your community and meet fellow Queer and Trans middle school students, high school students, and youth advocates from across Western North Carolina!

In 2019, Youth OUTright and Campaign for Southern Equality held the first GSA Summit in Western North Carolina at A.C. Reynolds’s high school. Over 100 LGBTQIA+ youth attended educational workshops, presentations, and community discussions.

This year, the GSA Summit will be held at Warren Wilson College on April 22nd from 8am-5pm. All presentations will be led by high school-age youth and college-age young adults.

Submit a Proposal

High school youth (14-18) are invited to present at this year’s GSA Summit. Presenters will be mentored by a Warren Wilson College student and paid a stipend of $150 in 3 waves once they've accomplished the following:

Application is submitted & accepted
Met with their mentor to work on their presentation
Gives their presentation at the Summit

To submit an application to present, please fill out this form.

FAQs

Can adults attend the GSA Summit?

Yes. Adults in youth-serving roles and parents of LGBTQIA+ young people are welcome to attend. That being said, the summit is by and for Queer and Trans youth and will center their voices.

Is the GSA Summit free?

The summit is free for all attendees under 24. Adults are encouraged to make a suggested donation of $25 to attend, which helps keep the summit free for all young people. No one will be turned away because of a lack of funds.

Is childcare provided?

We are looking into ways to provide childcare but are not able to confirm availability at this time. If you are seeking childcare in order to attend the summit, please email info@youthoutright.org and we can explore solutions together.

Will food be provided?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided for free.

What should I bring with me?

We encourage attendees to bring:
-A notebook or note-taking device (we will have blank paper & writings utensils available)
-A reusable water bottle
-A coat or layers
-Device chargers

Is there free parking?

Yes. There will be free parking available on campus. We encourage folks to carpool as they can.

GSA Summit 2023: Youth Rising