The Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (BAGLY) began in July of 1980 when youth members of the Committee for Gay Youth became frustrated with the adult leadership of the organization. These founders saw the need for an organization for the LGBTQ youth of Boston that was led by the LGBTQ youth of Boston. There were no other organizations or resources for the new BAGLY to reach out to for assistance, therefore the youth leaders with adult supporters formulated guidelines that would shape the organization for more than thirty years. BAGLY is an organization that is recognized as a trailblazer for the Boston LGBTQ youth and has influenced many national programs.

This groundbreaking, first of its’ kind organization, focuses on “social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ youth community.” When addressing social justice, the organization helps develop policies on hate crime violence and school bullying. Many of the LGBTQ youth have no one they are comfortable enough with to discuss many of the issues they find themselves facing. BAGLY strives to be there to educate and address any issue the youth has, in a safe nonjudgmental environment.

BAGLY also promotes social acceptance and encourages the LGBTQ youth community to come together in a safe social setting. BAGLY sponsors various activities for the LGBTQ youth. For instance there is an annual LGBTQ youth only prom. In 2009, the 29^th Annual BAGLY Prom that was held at City Hall had more than 1,700 attendees. Another social activity for the LGBTQ youth includes a monthly Open Mic Night. 

By: Jessica McKenzie 

Credits and Sources:

Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Youth. “Advocacy.” BAGLY Inc. Accessed October3, 2016. http://www.bagly.org/about/our-work/advocacy.

Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Youth. “Approach.” BAGLY Inc. Accessed October 3, 2016. http://www.bagly.org/about/our-work/approach.

Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Youth. “BAGLY History.” BAGLY Inc. Accessed October 3, 2016. http://www.bagly.org/about/our-history/bagly-history

Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Youth. “Queer Youth Movement Timeline.” BAGLY Inc. Accessed October 3, 2016. http://www.bagly.org/about/our-history/queer-youth-movement-timeline.