GLSEN NJ Youth Advisory Council
The GLSEN NJ Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group comprised of young people, between the ages of 13-18, from across the state.
Identifying as either a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, these young leaders have worked together to create this year's GSA Forum. From researching LGBTQ+ friendly resources, to suggesting & contacting speakers, to creating a social media platform, to designing the website you are currently viewing, the YAC has worked tirelessly to create an exciting, entertaining and educational event!
Meet Tarun!
Tarun is a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. He is a member of several advocacy-based organizations. He is extremely proud to be leading this group of extraordinary human beings. He has been a part of planning two NJ GSA Forums and is helping to lead the charge on this year's forum. He is incredibly impressed with the work these students were able to pull off. He is thrilled to work alongside these students as the Co-Chair of GLSEN New Jersey's Youth Advisory Council.
Meet Zain!
Zain Zaidi is an Honors and AP junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. He is an advocating member of several marginalized communities and is a part of several such activities, clubs, and organizations. He is incredibly honored to lead this inspired group of students to advance the place of the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey and beyond through meaningful connections between educators, schools, and programmers. Zain has worked on the past 3 NJ GSA Forums and is one of two taking point on the Forum for 2022. He is incredibly humbled in doing so and is thrilled to be working as the Co-Chair of GLSEN New Jersey’s Youth Advisory Council.
Meet Swara!
Swara Sanghvi is a 9th grader at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. Swara was introduced to the LGBTQ+ community in fifth grade, and, soon after, gained more interest. She then joined the GSA at her middle school and was the president of the club in her 8th grade year. Swara has always enjoyed being able to work with people and enjoys working with groups while being able to share her ideas. Swara also enjoys many different types of art mediums, whether it be painting, sketching, or writing. She has recently also found to have been working with and enjoying online art, and understanding how cartoon characters are made.
Meet Jayani!
Jayani is an 11th grader at Monroe Township High School. They are constantly advocating for many communities, especially the LGBTQ+ community, along with expressing their personality through their artistic abilities. They want to major in biomedical sciences in college. They are also involved in sports such as swimming along with participating in multiple clubs that are involved with helping improve their school and the community outside of it. Jayani is incredibly grateful to be a part of the GLSEN Youth Advisory Council and is even more grateful to have met such incredible people throughout the course of organizing this forum.
Meet Ben!
Ben (they/them) is a non-binary, gay, and aromantic sophomore. This is their second year with the YAC, and they are extremely excited to be a part of it. They love writing, drawing, and music. They are also passionate about environmental and LGBTQ+ activism. They also enjoy learning about cultures and languages. They hope to one day be a lawyer or psychologist.
Meet Daniel!
Daniel is a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. He is an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and loves participating in extracurriculars and volunteering in his community. Daniel is currently the vice president of his school’s GSA as well as a member of a variety of other clubs. He is a part of his school’s marching band as a color guard member and he also does throwing in track and field. He has been a part of this wonderful team for three years and can’t wait to see everyone at the forum!
