Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:

What ages are considered youth?

Youth are ages 13-25 for this council.

When are applications due and when will youth be appointed?

Applications will open March 11th through May 15th for appointments in June. Interviews will begin after the priority deadline on April 15^th and will continue through May. 

Who can apply?

We encourage all interested 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who live in Washington to apply! Youth who live in rural communities and cities and towns outside of the I-5 corridor, Indigenous LGBTQ and Two-Spirit youth, disabled and neurodivergent LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ youth who are active military servicepeople or veterans, and LGBTQ youth of mixed, Desi, Black, Latina/o/x, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander racial and ethnic identities are encouraged to apply.

What will the Youth Advisory Council do?

The primary function of the YAC is to provide an opportunity for youth to advise the Governor, executive branch state agencies, and legislative branch on their lived experience and expertise regarding LGBTQ youth issues. The Youth Advisory Council will operate as a program within the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. Youth will have opportunities for professional development like conferences and training. Youth will be working with the program manager, Sam Fennell to coordinate meetings, 1:1’s and anything else they might need. Youth will have the opportunity to engage with state LGBTQ Commissioners and other relevant stakeholders in their role on the council.

Will there be compensation?

Yes! Appointed youth will be paid through a lived experience stipend and necessary travel expenses will be covered by the WA State LGBTQ Commission. For youth under the age of 18, this includes a parent or guardian. 

For more information on Community Compensation guidelines, visit the Office of Equity website here.

How many youth will be appointed to the council?

12 youth will be appointed the first year, with the hope to expand the council in the future.

Where will work take place?

Work related to the YAC can be done in-person or virtually. Any associated travel costs will be covered by the WA State LGBTQ Commission.

How often will meetings take place?

Meetings will be hybrid and will occur a minimum of 5 times per year. The youth who will be appointed to this will help determine when and where meetings will be held, and will determine the frequency of meetings.

Do youth need a guardian's permission to participate?

All youth 17 and younger will need a guardian's permission to participate in the council.