The Queer Youth Leadership Awards is an inspirational and emotional event that brings together Santa Cruz County for a night of good food, entertainment, music and, of course, celebration! QYLA is an opportunity to honor and recognize today's queer youth leaders and their individual and organizational allies.

The QYLA proves that queer youth are outspoken, dynamic and amazing members of our community who make it the vibrant and accepting place it is. The queer youth honored at the QYLA come from all aspects of community involvement, from activists to athletes to artists, these brave people are leading the way for other queer and questioning youth to come out and be accepted.

Every year we award four queer youth leaders, one ally to queer youth, and one organizational ally to queer youth. Each of the queer youth awardees receive $250 and receive $500 to donate to a queer-friendly non-profit!