Young Gay Americans, an all-volunteer group out of Halifax, Novia Scotia, that sponsors a wide array of programs to reach gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in small towns across North America—including an interactive website, road trips aimed at chronicling stories of queer youth, and filmmaking to focus public awareness of the risks and opportunities facing such young people—return to New York for several days this weekend.
On Thursday night, June 24, at 7 p.m., the LGBT Community Center will screen YGA’s “Jim In Bold,” the story of Jimmy Wheeler, a gifted young poet and painter who grew up in rural Pennsylvania amidst a loving family, but who took in his own life in 1997 after suffering from depression compounded by his sense of isolation among his peers. The YGA team interviewed Wheeler’s family and friends, and also spoke to local queer youth who were eager to examine how to avoid such personal tragedies in the future. The screening is free.
The following evening, YGA hosts a discussion about their website, gayamerica.com, that publishes transcripts of youths’ stories that the group collects on its period road trips, along with testimonials that other young people submit for posting. The event, also at the Community Center, is at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.
Throughout July 16, the Center will host YGA’s touring photo exhibition, “Exhuberance!” that documents the group’s road troops.
