In 2023, Jefferson County Public Library's GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) Teen Advisory Board was formed after a group of teens from the Library's Youth Development Program pitched the idea to JCPL leadership of bringing LGBTQIA+ and safe space events — planned by teens, for teens — to libraries across Jefferson County. Over the last three years, GSA TAB has grown into a highly motivated, engaged group of teens that plan an event each month, present at statewide events like the Colorado Teen Lit Conference, and publish a quarterly zine.
"It's a place for community," Ollie, GSA TAB's first-ever member, says. "I've met so many amazing and nice people in TAB and formed lifelong connections."
Lily agrees: "The community we've made means so much to me. It makes me really happy to be part of something bigger."
Teen Outreach Librarian Tori facilitates group meetings and helps make the events that TAB plans a reality.
"They are such a special group of teens who are able to be their authentic selves, and that brings out the most joy," Tori says. "There's something so special about how kind and how caring and how inclusive they are to new teens who join and new teens who come to our events."
"They are the most enthusiastic, diligent and community-centered teens I know, and I love to see how supportive they are of each other and their peers," Patron Experience Associate Kelly adds. "It's clear how much they care about the roles they play in the Library, and we're lucky to be able to have people like them involved in what we do."
Each member of GSA TAB brings unique skills and life experience to the group, but one thing each of them has in common is a desire to create a safe and inclusive environment for their community.
"I think that there are so few places that are just for queer teens, especially outside of Pride Month," Maya says. "Having events like we do all year round is just really important and empowering for teens."
While most Jeffco public schools have a GSA, some teens want to get more involved.
"Library GSA is different than a school GSA," Hattie explains. "We get to talk to new people, have more opportunities, and be more involved than a school GSA."
"It's definitely a lot more structured than a school GSA," Novalyn agrees. "We do a lot more events. Public school GSAs are kind of a hanging-out club."
One of the most popular GSA TAB events is the Glitter and Gay dance, which was attended by 150 teens this past February.
"Watching over a hundred teens at the Glitter and Gay dance scream-singing 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan is the most wholesome, joyful life moment I've ever experienced," Tori remembers. "It replays in my heart and mind all the time. I wish for more of that."
Beyond all the fun they have at events, TAB members agree that the group has helped them practice important skills and feel more prepared for their future.
"I've learned how to work better with other people while setting up and prepping for events," Sophie says.
"TAB has improved my communication skills," Novalyn adds. "There's a lot of hands-on communicating and talking. It's improved how I speak to others and how I respond to their ideas."
Public speaking causes anxiety for many teens (and adults), but GSA TAB members get to face their fears by presenting a short pitch for their favorite books at the Colorado Teen Lit Conference each year.
"I like going to the Colorado Teen Lit Conference and presenting," Abi says. "Even though it's scary at first, it's also really fun."
They also get to meet teens from across the state at the conference, deepening their connections in the community and building relationships between schools. Connecting to peers from other schools is a huge draw for the GSA TAB members, as well as teens who drop in to attend events.
"It has improved my quality of life in all ways, having an inclusive place I can go to," Lily concludes. "It makes everything better."
Thank you to our GSA TAB members for creating a safe and welcoming space for all teens!
Are you a middle or high school student and want to get involved? Apply to join GSA TAB or attend one of the JCPL's many upcoming Pride events.