OUR STORY

Youth-Led LGBTQ+ Youth Liberation Since 2006

Members of iNSIDEoUT’s first Board – Siobhan Burke-Siegemund (Homeschooled), Brandon Byers (NC School of Science and Math), Lena Eckert-Erdheim (Durham School of the Arts), and Ashleigh Pippin (Sanderson High School) – began working together in the Spring of 2005. In October 2005, with the support of their undergraduate advisor, Robert Wells (UNC-Chapel Hill), and their adult allies, Amy Glaser and Dale Wolf, they organized a statewide rally and march to advocate for the passage of the School Violence Prevention Act. In March, 2006, on the lawn at Weaver Street Market, they chose the name iNSIDEoUT, envisioning something even bigger, something they knew had only just begun. In May of that year, iNSIDEoUT gathered their peers from 19 high schools in the Triangle for the First Annual iNSIDEoUT Banquet and Gaiety, elected a new board for the coming year, and together formulated a mission and vision. In 2009, iNSIDEoUT created Outside In, an adult-run 501(c)3, to provide legal backing and increase capacity. In 2011, they started UPSIDEDOWN, a group for those under 13 years old.

ABOUT iNSIDEoUT 180

Mission

iNSIDEoUT is a youth-led network of safer spaces, resources, and opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to unite and organize. We elevate and celebrate the voices and knowledge of LGBTQ+ youth from all backgrounds as forces for justice, liberation, and the eradication of all systems of oppression!

Purpose

We seek to create a safer space for all LGBTQ+ youth, both near and far. We work to connect Gay-/Queer-Straight Alliances with one another to strengthen our community. Throughout the year we host multiple events to help people feel accepted and supported for who they are.

We Believe

A grassroots, youth-run structure is essential for harnessing the exponential power of youth organizing.

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Our Values

Youth are clearer in their vision of liberation

Youth know better than anyone else what youth need and want.

Youth have underutilized potential as agents of social change.

Schools are a powerful asset for organizing.

Youth leadership is good for youth leaders.

MEET OUR LEADERS

iNSIDEoUT is run by a 5- or 6-person youth board, alongside a larger, ever-expanding GSA/QSA Senate. The Senate is composed of representatives from local GSA's and QSA's, offering a chance for these leaders to connect and support one another. The Board and Senate receive support from 2 or 3 adult staff and are backed legally and financially by a 501(c)3,Outside In.

The iNSIDEoUT Board is a group of members responsible for organization, planning, and ensuring the aspirations of iNSIDEoUT and it’s participants can be fulfilled! We spend time organizing events and learning from each other as we work towards justice and liberation for all. The Board is elected every year by the previous Board through an application process. Meet our 2019-2020 Board!

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