BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The annual GLYS Youth Leadership Conference took place on Thursday at Williamsville South. This event provides a safe space for teenagers to access vital resources and build supportive relationships.
Grif, a nonbinary student, expressed gratitude for the GLYS organization, saying, "They helped me become my true self and realize that I don't have to apologize to anyone for being who I am. Your mental health improves a lot when you become proud of who you are."
Anaima Nieves Dejesus, originally from Puerto Rico, emphasized the importance of these gatherings.
"You come out to more people in high school," she said. "People are fine with it. They're like, 'All right, you're a bi person, but you're still you though.'"
The conference connects youth from all locations, allowing them to meet peers who share similar experiences.
Jack Kavanaugh, the executive director of GLYS, noted the significance of those interactions.
"For a lot of them, they're one of two or three kids at their whole school," he said. "They can build a relationship with other young people, not just those at their school."
