GLYS Western New York, Inc.

11/27/2024

Edit: update! is holding an awesome event next weekend! If you are looking for help with name changes head on over! All of the details are provided on the flyer. If you have any questions, reach out to us ([email protected]) and we can get you more information!

11/22/2024

It’s the real deal y’all! We can’t wait to see you tonight 🪩💕✨

11/20/2024

Since the last Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, 2023, at least 36 transgender and gender-expansive people have been killed in the U.S. We say “at least” because reports very likely underestimate the number of transgender and gender-expansive people who were killed.

7 in 10 (75%) victims were people of color
7 in 10 (77.8%) of all victims were transgender women
6 in 10 (61.1%) of all victims were transgender women of color
Half (50.0%) were Black trans women

We will never stop fighting for their safety. We will continue to build communities where trans and gender expansive individuals can thrive and lead meaningful lives.

11/15/2024

Don’t forget to get your tickets! Our Homecoming dance is next week friday! Refreshments provided! get your tickets at givebutter.com/queertillion

For ages 12-20!

11/13/2024

If you’ve been unsure how to best support our transgender community right now, participating in Transgender Awareness Week is a great place to start!

Here are some ways to engage and support this week;

Educate Yourself!:
During this week, take time to read books, watch documentaries, and follow reputable resources that highlight transgender experiences. By educating yourself, you become a more informed ally and can engage in more supportive, respectful ways.

Amplify Transgender Voices:
Use your platforms, whether social media or within your community, to highlight the voices of transgender individuals. Sharing stories, art, articles, or posts by transgender creators and activists helps amplify their work and spreads awareness

Engage in Meaningful Conversations:
Creating safe spaces for open dialogue is crucial. Whether it’s in your workplace, community groups, or even among friends and family, engage in conversations that raise awareness about transgender issues. Encourage others to listen, learn, and question their assumptions.

Support Transgender-Led Organizations, Programs, and Initiatives:
Many transgender-led nonprofits and organizations are working tirelessly to provide resources, advocacy, and support for the transgender community. During Transgender Awareness Week, consider donating to these organizations or fundraising within your circles. If you’re looking for more active ways to help, volunteering or offering your skills can make a substantial difference.

Advocate for Trans Rights and Inclusion:
Advocacy extends beyond just one week, but Transgender Awareness Week is a powerful time to speak out in support of transgender rights. This can mean reaching out to local representatives, supporting inclusive policies, and working within your organization or community to push for transgender-inclusive policies.

Supporting the transgender community during Transgender Awareness Week is a step toward ongoing allyship. Let’s create environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

11/08/2024

We are taking time to remember our JOY. This week, we are feeling extra grateful for the warm community we experienced at our GAYLA this past October. You help make our work possible.

As we continue the fight for a better tomorrow, we know we have our community as our strength!

photos by Andrea Wenglowskyj
venue: The Powerhouse

11/06/2024

We are still here. You are welcome here.

10/28/2024

Our Executive Director, Jack Kavanaugh, was featured in The Buffalo News writing a column for Another Voice.

"Many of the young people we serve feel frustrated – they feel ignored and dismissed by politicians and society. They are not being given a voice, but rather publicly scapegoated on a national and local level by leaders who claim to care for them.", he says,
"Who are we, as a society, if we are unable to stand up to protect the most vulnerable youth among us?"

Read the full article below:

A disturbing trend looms over the LGBTQ+ community: the political scapegoating of transgender youth.

10/25/2024

Come on through!!!! Our place, 3-6pm

10/16/2024

10/15/2024

Today is the big day!! We are so excited to celebrate our 41st Anniversary GAYLA tonight.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, and those who were unable to attend, but donated the ticket value back to us!

It means the world to us to have the support of our community.

We are already halfway to our $20,000 goal! Please help us reach it! Visit givebutter.com/gayla24 to make a donation!

10/11/2024

We want to give an enormous thank you to Imperial Court Of Buffalo for their support! The Imperial Court has once again sponsored this year's GAYLA at the Philanthropist Level of $10,000+

We can only continue to do what we do with your generous support. Thank you for all you do for us and in the community!

10/09/2024

WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS! GLYS is hosting our very first HOMECOMING!!
Join us to make history! Like prom, this event is curated just for you! All LGBTQ+ youth and their friends and allies!
This special event is brought to you by Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski hosted by Town Ballroom with an incredible DJ set performance by Nor.th Star!

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

if you have any questions, email us at [email protected]
We hope to see you there!

10/07/2024

Join us tomorrow for our first PRISM workshop of the school year! This is going to be a great writing series and one that you won’t want to miss. If you have any questions email [email protected] See you there!!

10/01/2024

We are so grateful! Thank you Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Buffalo, NY

Music is the universal language of humanity. That humanity was on full display when several of Buffalo’s notable choirs and 500 people gathered at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on June 9, 2024 for a celebratory Choral Festival. Together, through our collective voices, we celebrated the power of community, love and acceptance for one another, and the wide welcome we believe God offers us and that we extend to everyone around us.

In a free-will offering, the audience that gathered that day donated an astounding $2,500 toward the work of Growing LGBTQ+ Youth Support (GLYS) of Western New York. That gift was presented by leaders in the music community to Jack Kavanaugh, executive director of GLYS WNY on September 26. Mr. Kavanaugh said that he is thrilled with the financial support and grants GLYS has received and that allow them to do significant work for LGBTQ+ young people in the Greater Buffalo Community. There are items such as gender-affirming clothing, literature, and supplies that are not covered by grants.

If you would like to learn more about GLYS, please visit their website at www.glyswny.org.

Pictured are Rob Strauss (Artistic Director, Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus), Jack Kavanaugh (Executive Director GLYS WNY), Tim Socha and Joe Spino (Greater Buffalo Friends of Music), Justin Pomietlarz (Director of Music, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church), Pr Rich Neal and Pr Jeff Wilson (Pastoral Leadership, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church)

GLYS Western New York, Inc.
Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus
Greater Buffalo Friends of Music
Incipio Singers
Vocalis Chamber Choir
St. Louis Church Choir

09/30/2024

Your last chance to buy your tickets is...NOW!

Be sure to get your tickets to celebrate 41 years of community with us!
Tickets available here: givebutter.com/gayla24

For any questions, email Leah at [email protected]

09/24/2024

We were thrilled to receive support from our friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church • Buffalo! Thank you for thinking of us for your Pride fundraiser, and for everything you do in the Buffalo community!

Shout out to our LGBTQ+ committee for raising $1,000.00 through t-shirt sale during Gay Pride and then donating the profits to GLYS!