In August 2005, then 16 year old Tully Satre started a simple MySpace profile that has now become one of the largest networking efforts for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, transgender and intersex (LGBTQI) and straight allies in the nation and possibly in the world.

Satre’s EqualityMySpace (http://www.myspace.com/equalitymyspace) garnered over 800 “friends” in its first few days of operation. Ever since, the group has grown by leaps and bounds, standing now at over 12,100 members.

What started as a simple test subject on how best to network and connect LGBTQI and straight ally youth has grown into an internet force and those in charge of it say they are ready to take it to the next level.EqualityMySpace, now a project of its new parent group The Voice Project for LGBTQI Equality, Support & Inclusion, is determined to grow and become the premier source for advising, assisting and supporting LGBTQI youth in their lives, their coming out and school and community organizing.

According to The Voice Project’s website, the group intends to be “a national, web and community-based organization that ensures the dignity, equality, and rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) youth are protected, and celebrated.” The group’s website features national and state-by-state resource listings, a quick 5-step guide on how youth can make a difference, tips on organizing a gay-straight alliance and a guide to community organizing.

The Voice Project offers assistance and advising for youth who need help in organizing in their schools and communities. They say they are ready and able to help in any area, including how to work with the media, creating talking points, advise in creating coalitions, networking and empowerment.

Right now, the group is busy building its base and getting its more than 12,000 members activated and involved in helping to create the vision and direction of the group. They are soliciting conversation in their web forum, where youth can also talk about news, politics, youth rights and life issues like coming out, dating and safer sex practices.

For more information on The Voice Project visit their website.

Cross-posted at IQN – http://network.interstateq.com/archives/128/