About Us
GLSEN Collier County
GLSEN Collier County is a local nonprofit that advocates for a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education for all students. With the support of a national network, this community-led chapter provides a variety of programming and events for queer youth in Collier County. In addition to providing support to local high school and middle school GSA clubs, we host monthly youth events at the Naples Pride Center.
In March, GLSEN Collier hosts an annual Youth Pride Conference in Naples, FL. In just its second year, YPC has become a highlight for many LGBTQ students in Southwest Florida. Then in April, we host an alternative prom called Night of Noise! This popular event follows GLSEN’s National Day of Silence and provides LGBTQ youth and their allies with a prom-like experience where they can dance the night away, free from fear of what others might say or do. Through these free events, GLSEN Collier seeks to support and empower our queer youth to be confident in all their identities and live life as their authentic selves.
GLSEN Collier County is committed to promoting policies and programs that are inclusive for all students by remaining engaged with our local school board, city council, and county commissioners. We collaborate with other LGBTQ organizations to fight back against local policies and state laws that attack the well-being of our queer students, and we advocate for safer schools and communities free of bullying and harassment, particularly targeted toward transgender and gender nonconforming youth. If you want to learn more about GLSEN Collier County or wish to get involved, please contact us here.
SHINE Team
The SHINE Team is a group of local high school student leaders who share a collective passion in queer advocacy and activism. First and foremost they seek to provide support to their LGBTQ peers throughout our schools and in the community. Under the direction of the GLSEN Collier County, the SHINE Team partners with other community organizations to affect positive change and oppose anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, policies, and laws.
The SHINE Team is made up of individuals from various types of high schools including public, private, and homeschool. Each member is required to submit an application with personal references and undergo an interview process before being selected to join the team. The team meets on a monthly basis for leadership development, team building, and planning.
Our students learn valuable life, leadership, and professional skills by working together to plan and organize our annual Youth Pride Conference. In addition, the SHINE Team assists GLSEN Collier County with youth programming and other special events throughout the year. If you want to learn more about our SHINE Team or you wish to get involved, please contact us here.