Our work began with the creation of the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth in 1992. Governor William F. Weld responded to shocking statistics outlined in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that showed GLB (T was not included) youth were more likely than their heterosexual peers to attempt suicide. Governor Weld, rightly, termed the statistics an epidemic.
Governor A. Paul Celluci solidified the Commonwealth's commitment to protecting the health of all Massachusetts' youth by renewing the Governor's Commission with an Executive Order in 1998.
Under Governor Mitt Romney the Commission's importance dropped. Funding was cut dramatically and programs were forcibly discontinued. A core group of individuals involved in the community sought to continue the forgotten programs of the Commission and created "The Friends". The Friends has provided financial backing for Youth Pride since 2005. Later, in his last few months in office, Governor Romney abolished the Commission.
Although this was a huge blow to the Commission, lawmakers responded and the General Court of Massachusetts codified a new Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth on July 1, 2006.
Board of Directors Our Board of Directors is composed of youth, men, women, students, doctors, lawyers and community leaders. To learn more about our Board, or how to join us, please contact info@friendsofGLBTyouth.org.
