Orlando Youth Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1990. Our mission is to provide a safe space for LGBTQ youth in Central Florida.
The Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which provides a safe space for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth to gather, talk about issues and concerns that are important in their lives, as well as meet other gay youth. OYA is a peer based youth group with members ranging from the ages of 13 to 24. The Orlando Youth Alliance was first for
06/23/2026
IT'S TEAM UP TUESDAY!
OYA events, mtngs, drop-ins, and tablings!
6/24 - DND (Youth event!)
6/27 - Goblin Market (tabling)
6/27 - Pride Glow Party (Youth event)
6/28 - Osceola Pride (tabling)
SEE YOU THERE!
Check the link in bio to sign up for OYA events.
06/22/2026
✨️Motivational Monday✨️
Did you know?
In 1978, Gilbert Baker designed the original pride flag with 8 colors and each color represent an aspect of the LGBTQIA+ community?
The artist/activist had determined hot pink for s*x, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.
In 2018, Daniel Quasar updated the flag to the Progress Pride Flag! This nonbinary artist narrowed it down to use six colors (removing the pink and turquoise) to incorporates black and brown for people of color and light blue, pink, and white stripes for our transgender members!
In 2021, Valentino Vecchietti updated the flag one last time to the Progress Pride Flag 2.0! This flag includes inters*x individuals as well.
Throughout life, things change, update, and get stronger. Our community has had highs and lows, just like every community and person! Take time to reflect on how you've changed and "updated" throughout life! Embrace who you are and who you will become. Remember, you're going to keep evolving. ❤️
Happy pride!
06/21/2026
Happy Father's Day!
The LGBTQIA+ community sees A LOT of types of dad's. Gay Dads, "Seahorse" dads, q***r dads, ally dads, oh my! Our youth need the support from whoever can show them love ❤️
On a more somber note, we also know that a lot of the LGBTQIA+ community have been removed and cast out from their fathers, so days like this can be so difficult. This is one of the reasons OYA is so important. Many youth see father figures in volunteers that they may not see at home. If you feel that you have fatherly compassion and wisdom to share, please sign up to volunteer!
Also, sending love to those who are having a heavenly father's day. Take time to do something your dad may have enjoyed while cherishing the memories. ❤️
06/19/2026
Fun Fridays! 🎉 🎈
Don't forget about our events coming up soon!
We have a drop-in tonight (6/19) at 6pm!
OYA will also have a table at Shelf Life Bookstore on Saturday (6/20) for their Read With PRIDE event!
If you haven't RSVP'd for the Pride Glow Dance next week (6/27), get your tickets FAST!
Last but not least, OYA will be at Osceola Pride (6/28) to close out Pride Month! We hope to see you there!
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Can't attend any events? Help make them possible by scanning the QR code on the last slide or through the link in our bio!
06/18/2026
Throwback Thursday 🥳
One of the things that OYA is proudest of is giving our youth once-in-a-lifetime opportunities FOR FREE.
In 2024, volunteers Mike and Anthony took a group to Fun Spot! Not only was this a new experience for the youth, but it was for Anthony as well! Fun times were had all around and we can't wait to have more adventures!
06/17/2026
Putting In The Work Wednesdays 💪
Volunteer Spotlight - Mike!
Mike has been the Youth Engagement Coordinator for the Orlando chapter of OYA since 2021!
Before coming on as the Youth Engagement Coordinator, Mike worked on the Orlando Youth Alliance website. This sparked the passion to become a facilitator/chaperone and moving up in the organization.
He has become the trusted adult for not only our youth who will go to him with any problems, but also for other volunteers. From emotional support to taking the youth on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, Mike does it all.
So, shout out to Mike! Thank you for everything!
06/16/2026
Team - Up Tuesday! 😍
OYA! FREE events, meetings & drop-ins for Pride Month!
16(Tue): ages 18-23: Youth Group Meeting 6:15-7:45pm
17(Wed): ages 11-17: FREE Pride Party 6:30-9pm
19(Fri): ages 13-23: FREE haircuts! food & games drop-in 6-9pm
19(Fri): ages 13-23: FREE food, games & music 6-9pm
20(Sat): FREE event! ALL are welcome! Polk Pride Fest! 9am-2pm
Find more info with the link in the bio!
06/13/2026
The torch has been officially passed! Orlando Youth Alliance welcomes Sunny Moriello Flatts on as the Executive Director!
Sunny came on as the interim director in February and has brought great passion, communication, and downright LOVE into our organization. Not just does she have a youth in the organization, she came to us with nonprofit, outreach, and facilitation skills that have shown through brilliantly.
The greatest of appreciation to Michael Slaymaker for his years of helping OYA and hope he has a restful retirement!
It is with great PRIDE that OYA brings on Sunny!
-Photo provided from The Center Orlando’s 14th Anniversary Diversity Awards
06/12/2026
10 years ago, the lives of 49 people of our community were taken from us for having pride in who they are.
We remember, we mourn, we stand together.
Keep dancing, family. In Orlando, we all have one Pulse. ❤️
(Photo originally posted to Flickr by WalterPro4755)
06/11/2026
School dance? psh. SUMMER DANCE! OYA and Zebra Youth are working together to bring our youth a pride party like no other! Text the OYA text line to sign up and get more info!