GAYLA! for Teens Held Friday at R-FH

It's time for the third annual GAYLA! And Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (R-FH) is this year's host.

All teens from the ages of 13 to 19 are cordially invited to attend the comprehensive teen school community event celebrating the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. In cooperation with Make It Better for Youth, the Monmouth County Consortium for LGBT Youth, the event will be held in the R-FH cafeteria from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, May 10.

"We look forward to another phenomenal evening in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere," said Kate Okeson, R-FH art teacher and co-founder of Make It Better for Youth.

With a different high school hosting the event each year, this is the first for R-FH.  Previous events were held at Middletown South and Monmouth Regional high schools, with 130 participants last year.

"At all of these events, everything just meshes beautifully and the students have a wonderful time," said Ms. Okeson, adding that many new friendships are forged through the event. "The level of volunteerism from parents, teachers, and the surrounding communities is just amazing."

Okeson noted that county and regional police officers who are members of GOAL — the Gay Officers Action League — will be handling security at the doors. Parents from Jersey Shore PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Monmouth Country PFLAG plan to volunteer at the check-in desk, and teachers will act as chaperones. Local restaurants and eateries will provide refreshments and snacks, and dance tunes will be in the capable hands of volunteer "DJ Mister Zero."

Although there is no formal dress code for the evening, students attending past events have mostly sported dressy but not overly formal attire. The cost to attend is $20 at the door, and funds collected will be used to produce future Make It Better for Youth events to be held throughout the year.

Students attending GAYLA! need to submit a permission form online, bring a signed permission slip to the event, or have a parent or guardian sign a permission slip at drop-off. The permission form and more information can be found at MakeItBetter4Youth.org.

Students not attending R-FH must provide proof of age and/or a photo identification at the door as well. All GAYLA! attendees must have their own transportation to and from the school, and must leave the school premises by 10:15 p.m.