The LGBT Network hosted its annual youth conference Monday at Suffolk Community College.

Over 400 people came out to the event for a day of learning and advocacy.

Participants say the conference helps them become more empowered and educated to advocate for positive changes in their own community.

"We need to be aware of if we're safe or not," says Charlyse LaMantia, of Lindenhurst. "It's sad, but it's good to be educated on the fact that I am safe."

The LGBT Network says the conference is particularly important at a time when anti-LGBT legislation is being enacted in other states.