Welcome to SMYAL!
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SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Did you know? April 10 is National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD). Check out our video to the left to see how HIV/AIDS impacts youth across the country, and then take action! Visit http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/youthaidsday to sign a petition urging President, Obama, Congress, and the Department of Health & Human Services to officially recognize NYHAAD, and come visit SMYAL for our special testing and awareness event on 4/10 from 3-5 PM (or during our regular testing hours) for a free, confidential way to know your status.
SMYAL Featured in the 2012-2013 Catalogue for Philanthropy
SMYAL is honored to be a part of this year's Catalogue for Philanthropy, an annual publication featuring 75 of the best community-based nonprofits in the Greater Washington area - now in its 10th year! Learn more about the Catalogue and our fellow honorees at the CFP website.
SMYAL wins elizabeth taylor award for best nonprofit contingent in capital pride parade!
SMYAL received the Elizabeth Taylor Award for Best Nonprofit Contingent in the 2012 Capital Pride Parade for our "SMYAL's Drag Race" float! Thank you to all of the youth who marched alongside us and cheered us on!
What is SMYAL?
SMYAL is a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies! We provide after-school programming at our Youth Center, located just steps from the Eastern Market metro station, and work with other community organizations for special events throughout the area.
Visit our Programs page to learn more about what we offer, including support groups, free and confidential HIV testing, internship opportunities, movie nights and more!
You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for daily updates about programs and exclusive access to opportunities such as paid survey participation, upcoming dances and free "field trips" to events both in and outside of the DC metro area.
Do You or a Friend Need Help?
The Trevor Helpline is a free and confidential service that offers hope and someone to talk to, 24/7. The Trevor Helpline's trained counselors will listen and understand without judgment.
If you or someone you know would like to talk to one of Trevor's highly trained counselors, dial 866-4-U-TREVOR.