Because When We Create Safe Spaces for Them to Shine, They Do: LGBTQ+ Youth in Central Florida
Creating Safe Spaces, Changing Young Lives: The Vital Work of Orlando Youth Alliance
Since 1990, Orlando Youth Alliance (OYA) has stood as a quiet but powerful force in Central Florida, offering life-affirming support to LGBTQ+ youth long before such efforts were widely embraced. What began as a single peer-to-peer support group has grown into a regional network of safe, welcoming spaces where young people are not only accepted—but celebrated.
At the heart of OYA’s mission is a simple truth: when LGBTQ+ youth are given a place to feel safe, seen, and supported, they thrive. And in a world where those spaces are not always easy to find, OYA has spent more than three decades making sure they exist.
Are you between the ages of 13 and 23? Are you curious about your sexuality or gender identity? Do you feel alone? Do you feel isolated at school? Do you want to be part of an organization that emotionally supports LGBTQ members in a positive, non-threatening, non-judgmental environment? Click here
Today, OYA operates four weekly peer support groups across Central Florida—in Orlando, Lakeland, Kissimmee, and Longwood—bringing together LGBTQ+ teens for connection, conversation, and mutual understanding. Beyond the weekly meetings, the organization also hosts monthly social and educational activities, career exploration sessions, mental health referrals, and LGBTQ+ history and cultural education classes. These opportunities are designed not only to educate but to empower, helping young people build confidence, community, and a foundation for the future.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. Nationally, LGBTQ+ youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. OYA’s approach—centered on peer connection and affirming support—creates a life-saving sense of belonging. Developing this “nucleus of friends,” as the organization describes it, is key to ensuring that no young person ever feels alone.
“No LGTBQ youth should ever feel alone. That’s why I’m a big fan of the work the Orlando Youth Alliance does in this community. For three decades now, OYA has been providing support for kids and young adults who don’t know where else to turn,” shares Scott Maxwell, OYA Emcee for the Stars Come Out at Night. He continues, “There is a lot of darkness and division in the world today, which is why I’m proud to support an organization like OYA that has long been a beacon of light and hope”
Each year, OYA’s impact is brought into focus through The Stars Come Out at Night—a joyful celebration of purpose, pride, and possibility. More than just a fundraiser, the event serves as a public testament to the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth and the transformative power of community.
Held this year on August 25, 2025, at Harry P. Leu Gardens, the evening is anchored by the beloved Celebrity Server Challenge, a high-energy fundraising experience where five local leaders pair up with OYA Youth Ambassadors. These youth, many of whom are graduates of OYA’s programs, represent the very best of what the organization stands for—courage, growth, and authenticity. As each duo takes the stage to share their stories, guests witness firsthand the impact of safe spaces on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
“The Stars Come Out at Night is the most meaningful night of the year for us—not because of the spotlight, but because of what it represents. It’s a moment when our entire community comes together to show LGBTQ+ youth that they are seen, valued, and never alone. As a leader, it’s deeply moving to witness our Youth Ambassadors share their stories with such courage. This event reminds us why our mission matters—because every young person deserves to shine in a space where they feel completely safe and celebrated.”
— Cynthia Webster, CEO, Orlando Youth Alliance
Meet the 2025 Celebrity Servers include —each bringing their own personality, passion, and purpose to the event. They won’t just be hosting tables—they’ll be rallying their teams in a color-themed fundraising challenge that infuses the night with energy, emotion, and unity.
Representative Dr. Anna Eskamani, Ethan Suarez, CEO Pineapple Healthcare, Andrea Montanez, Transgender Immigrant Leader, Varesh Patel, MD and Darcel Stevens (Harmony Healthcare)
But it’s the Youth Ambassadors who take center stage, serving not only as storytellers, but as living proof of the power of OYA’s mission. Their reflections—heartfelt, candid, and brave—are what make The Stars Come Out at Night such a vital moment in the organization’s year. Guests aren’t just asked to donate—they’re asked to understand, to connect, and to act.
In the end, The Stars Come Out at Night is about more than a single evening. It’s a mirror of OYA’s year-round work, a celebration of what’s been accomplished, and a recommitment to what still needs to be done. For the youth who walk through OYA’s doors each week, for the allies who show up to listen and support, and for the community that continues to believe in a more inclusive future—this night is a beacon of what’s possible.
As OYA reminds us: when we create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to shine, they do.
