| WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan on Saturday, February 4, 2023, for the 8th annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Series (OYES) presented by the City of Orlando in partnership with Zebra Youth and other LGBTQ+ community organizations. OYES empowers Central Florida’s LGBTQ+ youth with a participant-driven event to inspire future leaders in the community by creating a dialogue about current issues impacting them, while being supported by trained educators and facilitators.
“Adolescence is a challenging time for anyone, including LGBTQ+ youth. It is so important that in Orlando we host events like OYES and continue to remind young residents that they are seen, heard, accepted and valued,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "LGBTQ+ inclusion continues to be a priority for the city and events like this further Orlando's continued commitment to equity.”
The Orlando Youth Empowerment Series is designed to engage and amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ youth in Central Florida. The agenda has been determined by the youth in attendance and will include a selection of TED-style talks, small breakout groups and interactive artistic expression activities.
“Events like the OYES conference are more important than ever,” said District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. “While religious political extremists attack our LGBTQ+ youth, it is important for the City of Orlando and our partners to provide affirming and safe places and resources. You Matter!”
Also sponsoring the program again this year is local non-profit, Zebra Youth, whose mission is to empower LGBTQ+ youth to thrive.
"Zebra Youth is honored to join the City of Orlando and our community partners to host our annual Orlando Youth Empowerment Series, uniting LGBTQ+ youth through an interactive experience," said Heather Wilkie, Zebra Youth Executive Director.
For series workshop details and registration, please visit orlyes.org.
WHEN:
Saturday, February 4
8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
***12:15 p.m. - Mayor Dyer Interview Availability***
WHERE:
Credo Conduit Coworking Space
1001 North Orange Avenue
PARKING:
Parking is available in the adjacent lot of the building at 1001 North Orange Avenue.
MEDIA RSVP & INFO:
Media planning to attend, requesting interviews or access to photos from the event, please contact Deputy Manager of Multicultural Affairs & International Relations Luis M. Martinez at Luis.Martinez@orlando.gov or call 407.383.2073.
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