On April 19th, 2025, ten high school GSA (Genders & Sexualities Alliance) clubs from Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties came together at the NWESD for the 1st annual GSA Summit.
The GSA Summit at NWESD was created with the intention of bringing together high school GSA clubs from across the region to foster connection, joy, affirmation, and a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ youth. By hosting an annual event that youth can rely on, we aim to strengthen community building and create a space where students can see themselves reflected in others, feel celebrated, and know they are not alone.
The summit responds to the real and persistent challenges LGBTQ+ youth face—including discrimination, bullying, family rejection, and high rates of anxiety and depression. These issues are often magnified for LGBTQ+ youth of color and those with neurodiversity, who experience added barriers like racism, sensory and communication differences, and limited access to affirming care and support.
“I think the GSA Summit is important because I’ve thought this and I’ve heard it from many others: we love the community we’ve found, I think that this is an amazing way to bring people together and remind ourselves that we are not alone and we have a voice.”
~ student participant
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of engaging and affirming activities designed to build resilience, foster connection, and celebrate identity. Resiliency workshops were led by NWESD’s Behavioral Health & Prevention Services Student Assistance Professionals, a Mental Health Professional, Prevention Coordinators, and the Common Goodness Project.
The summit began with community-building activities that encouraged students to get to know one another and connect across school GSA clubs. Youth collaborated on creating small group storybook projects, which allowed them to creatively explore shared experiences. Outside connection games helped break the ice and build trust. In small rotating groups, students reflected on personal and collective experiences by discussing real-life scenarios and challenges LGBTQ+ youth often face. They also engaged in queer history trivia and open discussions, learning from one another as well as from guest speakers. During lunch, students were able to meet with local, state, and national LGBTQ+ resources for support. A spontaneous, all-youth gathering outside sparked laughter, joy, and a deepened sense of belonging. The day concluded with a heartfelt lavender cord ceremony honoring graduating seniors. For many participants, the summit became more than an event—it became a home, a chosen family, and a celebration of who they are.
The event was made possible thanks to donations from local organizations such as PFLAG–Skagit, NWESD Workforce Diversification and Equity Department, and generous contributions from community members. This event was also inspired, in part, by similar gatherings such as the GSA Summits hosted by PFLAG-NYC in New York City and a GSA Summit in Portland, which demonstrate the power of regional events to foster leadership, resilience, and solidarity among LGBTQ+ youth. For many youth, the summit was not just a one-day gathering—it was a reminder that they are seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
With huge thanks to the following partners for showing their support:
Regional:
- GLOBE
- Northwest Youth Services/Queer Youth Services
- United General District 304
- Whatcom Health & Community Services
- Common Goodness Project
- Oak Harbor Youth Coalition
- PFLAG: Skagit
- PFLAG: Whidbey Island
State:
National:
