Expression Not Suppression (ENS) is a free, annual conference in the Fresno area for LGBTQ and straight ally youth (ages 13-21) who are dedicated to creating safer schools and building the GSA movement in the Central Valley. ENS is open to middle and high school students, teachers, and GSA advisors, as well as the larger community. The ENS conference is a chance for LGBTQ and straight ally youth to network and enjoy free workshops on activism and topics related to queer life and safe schools. 

Expression Not Suppression 2012 will be held on Saturday, March 24th at Big Red Church in Fresno from 9:00am to 9:00pm!

Click here to register! 

IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, please print out this page and have your parent/guardian sign the Photo Release and Notification of Personal Risk, and then bring the signed form with you to Expression Not Suppression 2012. Be sure to share that this is a LEADERSHIP SUMMIT with great tools for you to grow as a student and community member. Click here to download the Release Form!

Questions? Email Victoria Benavides, the Central Valley Program Coordinator. 

Past Events

Expression Not Suppression 2011

Expression Not Suppression 2011 was held on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The youth conference included speakers,workshops and a youth dance and drag show.

Featured Speakers Included:

Andrew McIntosh, openly gay collegiate athlete, featured in “The Advocate” and “OUT” magazines.
Robin McGehee, LBGT Rights Activist, co-founder of GetEqual.org, and one of “The Advocate” magazines people of the 2010 year.

Tabling Organizations Included:

      Peter Robertson,The Bulldog Pride Fund
      Caitlin Ryan, Family Acceptance Project
      Matt Mazzei, The Rainbow Delegation.org
      The Trevor Project
      Planned Parenthood
              S.A.F.E.

Youth Workshops Presented Included:

• How to have a kick-ass GSA by GSA Network
• Fight for your rights by GSA Network
• Campaigns and Days of Action by GSA Network
• An LGBT Survival Guide by The Trevor Project
• A Safer Sex workshop for youth by Planned Paren thood
• Healthy Relationships by Community Link
• Quistory, Our Own LGBT History in the Central Valley
• Coming out 101
• LGBT Spirituality
• OMG, I’m GAY...fitting in
• Getting it together....Creating LGBT Youth Happenings

Expression Not Suppression 2010

Expression Not Suppression 2009