Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth

The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ youth advises others in state government on effective policies, programs, and resources for LGBTQ youth. Our 50-member Commission and its staff:

• Issue annual recommendations, which are available here
• Work in partnership with 21 state entities
• Hold community events and listening sessions

The Commission also produces the Safe Schools Program with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program:

• Provides training and technical assistance to schools across the state
• Organizes the statewide network of Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs)
• Works to make schools safer for all students

The Commission was originally founded in 1992 by Governor William Weld. The original Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth was designed to respond to high suicide risk among gay and lesbian youth in the Commonwealth. That original Commission transformed in 2006 into an independent state agency established by law. Today, we are the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth.