Report: E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit on April 12-13

by Tyler Titus

The E3 Youth LGBTQA Summit took place on April 12-13, 2019 at Strong Vincent Middle School. The event was possible because of the two prime sponsors Community Care Behavioral Health and Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, as well as several other local donors (Systems of Care, Erie Education Association, Giant Eagle, and State Farm). The focus of the Summit was to strengthen the supports for LGBTQA Youth in the community through engagement and education. The event kicked off with a free concert on Friday evening with opening act DreamStates, a duo based in Akron, Ohio taking the stage before the headliner, award-winning Ryan Casatta, a California-based musician.

The Summit hosted approximately 70 youth, allies, and community providers on Saturday for a day of education and empowerment. Presenters traveled in from all over the Commonwealth and New York to share information on self-care, advocacy work, policy change, safe sex, youth empowerment, and building ally networks. Three sessions were able to provide Continuing Education Credits for Licensed Social Workers, Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists.

Amanda Carter, singer, songwriter, educator, and executive director of City Art Space in Harrisburg, PA was the featured keynote speaker. Her message was poignant, powerful, and impactful. She lifted up the voices of those in attendance and left a lasting impression.

If anyone is interested in being apart of the planning team for E3 Summit 2020 they are encouraged to email the planning committee at e3summiterie@gmail.com