Swearing-in held for Mass. LGBT youth commission

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick held a swearing-in ceremony for members of an independent commission seeking to improve state services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

Patrick administered the oath of office on Jan. 9 to members of the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth. The independent commission promotes better use of private and public resources.

Patrick, during the ceremony, highlighted progress made by his administration in improving the lives of LGBT youth.

“I am proud to join the members of the MA Commission on LGBT Youth to celebrate the progress we have made in improving conditions for LGBT youth and to look ahead at the work that needs to be done,” the governor said.  “We do what we do as a matter of conscience – all young people should have a chance to thrive.  In that spirit, we will continue to work with the Commission to promote healthy, safe environments for all youth, provide health education and services to meet the needs of the LGBT population and continue to affirm the dignity of every human being.”

Commission Chair Julian Cyr said, “Growing up as an ‘out’ teen on Cape Cod not long ago, there was no GSA at my high school and nearest LGBT youth resource was an hour drive away. I was fortunate – I had a supportive family and adult role models – but too many LGBT young people in Massachusetts are not. Gov. Patrick has been a true partner to the Commission and a leader for improving the lives of young people across the Commonwealth. We look forward to continuing that momentum as we work with state agencies to advance changes in service delivery and education policy to close the gaps that still persist for LGBT youth.”