ABOUT US

The Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which provides a safe 
space for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth to 
gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives, as well as meet 
other gay youth.  OYA is a peer based youth group with members ranging from the ages 
of 13 to 20.  

The Orlando Youth Alliance was first formed in 1990 as a support group to assist at-risk gay, 
lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender youth under the moniker “Delta Youth Alliance”.  The 
group evolved into “GALIXY”, Gay And Lesbian Idea eXchange for Youth.  The group exists 
today as the Orlando Youth Alliance, Inc., (OYA) but maintains the same mission statement.  
Through the years, OYA has provided support to hundreds of Central Florida youth.  Beyond 
weekly meetings, the group has expanded its outreach into the Orlando community.  Even 
though the name has changed over the years, the mission has not.  We are committed to 
providing a safe place for GLBTQ youth to gather and be themselves in the self discovery and 
development phase of their teen years. 

The Orlando Youth Alliance has a vital purpose in the Central Florida community.  OYA is the 
only after-school option to meet other teens who are having the same feelings and dealing 
with the same problems that they are.  OYA also collaborates with other organizations and 
causes in the Central Florida area which empowers our GLBTQ youth to be advocates and 
leaders in the community.  

The Orlando Youth Alliance has wonderful resources at their disposal, one of which is the 
growing number of skilled volunteer adult facilitators.  These facilitators are community-
involved individuals who provide adult supervision during events and youth meetings. The 
facilitators are available to offer leadership, mentoring and to answer questions or concerns. 

There is no cost to being a member of OYA.  All costs associated with operations and 
marketing are covered through fundraisers, corporate, individual and foundation gifts.

The OYA is a peer based organization.  Though there is adult leadership, the group revolves 
around YOU!  YOUR issues and YOUR agendas - not those of the facilitators.