Search
Close this search box.
Twitter Facebook Instagram
Donate

SMYAL supports & empowers LGBTQ+ youth.

We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.

Youth Services

rainbow_dots

From community-building programs to scholarships, we’ve got your back.

Affirming Therapy

rainbow_dots

Connect to affirming, empowering, and accessible mental health counseling. 

You are not alone.

Housing Support

rainbow_dots

If you’re looking for affirming housing support, you’re in the right place.

Empower LGBTQ+ Youth to Thrive

Since our founding in 1984, SMYAL has provided LGBTQ+ with safe, affirming, and empowering spaces where they can be fully themselves. And while the needs of LGBTQ+ youth have evolved over the last four decades, SMYAL’s dynamic work to best support young people has also evolved to meet the moment.

Our services are made possible by the generous contributions of our community.

Help SMYAL continue to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.

Make a Donation

Upcoming Event

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | MARRIOTT MARQUIS | 10:30 AM

 

SMYAL’s 40th Anniversary Fall Brunch

Tickets are now on sale to join us at SMYAL’s Fall Brunch in celebration of our 40th Anniversary!

SMYAL’s premier supporter event, the annual Fall Brunch, includes a cocktail reception featuring a fabulous silent auction, a three-course brunch, and a chance to hear from some of our community’s most inspiring leaders.

Every year, the Fall Brunch brings together LGBTQ+ and allied community members, friends, and families in support of the inspirational youth SMYAL works with every day.

SMYAL Social Media

Cover for SMYAL
5,347
SMYAL

SMYAL

SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24.

SMYAL

2 weeks ago

SMYAL
"When I was 16, I figured out that I was bisexual. I only told close friends, my aunt, and my mother at the time. I found out about SMYAL originally when the housing office was by my house 6 years ago. I visited the main office in 2019 but didn’t become a youth here until 2021. During the pandemic, I went through several pronoun changes, thinking I was genderfluid for a while only realizing last year that I’m nonbinary. Throughout the past year and a half, SMYAL has been a safe space for me after work or if I need to get out of the house for a couple of hours. I’ve met some great friends at the drop in programs and learned more about myself at my time here. Recently my brother outed my sexuality out to my dad. My dad yelled at me the morning I injured my knee and I said I needed to figure myself out. He apologized about that later on. I’m grateful to have friends and family to accept me for who I am and I hope to be that someone to a youth who isn’t or doesn’t feel accepted by anyone. I’m grateful for SMYAL and the friends I’ve made here so far."-Trevour, (they/them), Age 22, Current SMYAL Youth....Do you have a story of how SMYAL has impacted your life? We want to feature you in our #MySMYALStory campaign! Share yours today at SMYAL.org/shareyourstory or click the link in our bio#40YearsofSMYAL #MySMYALStory ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

SMYAL

2 weeks ago

SMYAL
ICYMI: 2024 marks SMYAL's 40th anniversary and we've been collecting stories, testimonies, quotes, and more from our community, but we'd love to hear more from you, the youth we work with! Tell us how SMYAL has impacted your life or what SMYAL means to you aka share YOUR SMYAL Story! Check the link in our bio or visit SMYAL.org/ShareYourStory! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

SMYAL

3 weeks ago

SMYAL
The results are out and SMYAL won 'Best Non-Profit' for Washington Blade's 'Best of LGBTQ D.C. Readers' Choice Awards 2024'! We want to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us--it means the world to be doing the work that we do and that we've gotten to do it for 40 years. It's been a privilege to serve the LGBTQ+ youth in our community, and we look forward to continuing our mission to do so. You can read more in the official article here: bit.ly/3YuXdDE ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

SMYAL

3 weeks ago

SMYAL
Hoy es El Día Nacional Latino para la Concientización del SIDA (NLAAD por sus siglas en inglés) es una campaña nacional de mercadeo social que une a la comunidad Hispana/Latina alrededor de el VIH, la promoción de la prueba del VIH, la prevención y educación sobre diferentes temas de salud como la hepatitis viral, enfermedades de transmisión sexual y tuberculosis.El 15 de Octubre de cada año, NLAAD moviliza a organizaciones comunitarias, líderes de la comunidad latina, departamentos de salud y los funcionarios electos para difundir el mensaje de educación del VIH, llevar a cabo mejoras en las prácticas de salud, y poner en el centro de atención los rostros latinos detrás de la epidemia.[EN: today is The National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD)!NLAAD is a national community mobilization and social marketing campaign that unites the Hispanic/Latino community in efforts to raise HIV awareness, promotion of HIV testing, prevention, and education; in addition to other critical health issues such as viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis (TB).Annually on October 15th, NLAAD mobilizes community-based organizations, leaders of the Latino community, health departments, and elected officials to spread awareness within the Latino community about HIV&AIDS, and bring about improvements in HIV related health practices by building capacity, developing and disseminated resources, utilizing media channels, and casting the spotlight on Latino faces behind the epidemic.]#NLAAD #HispanicHeritageMonth #AdelanteHIVSummit@StopHIVTogether @HIVgov @WhiteHouse ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

SMYAL

4 weeks ago

SMYAL
Dear self,On this #NationalComingOutDay, remember:You don’t have to rush.You don’t owe anyone a timeline.There will be days when you feel unsure—remember, that’s normal.Your story is yours to tell, when and how you choose.Coming out is not a one-time event, but an ever-evolving journey. Celebrate every moment of courage, every step toward self-love, and every reminder that you’re worthy exactly as you are. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

SMYAL

4 weeks ago

SMYAL
Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay!Access to affirming mental health support remains one of the most pressing issues LGBTQ+ youth face. That's why SMYAL offers free, affirming, and empowering therapy for queer and trans youth.Our team of compassionate and understanding therapists is well-versed in the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face, and we are here to help you navigate those challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re struggling with self-acceptance, coming out, or dealing with discrimination, SMYAL is here for you.Get connected and learn more at SMYAL.org/clinicalservices or click the link in our bio ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Donate
Twitter Facebook Instagram
Twitter Facebook Instagram
Donate

© 2021 SMYAL | 410 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.546.5940 | [email protected] | Accessibility Policy

English
Spanish English
Donate
Twitter Facebook Instagram
Main 40th Anniversary Logo

SMYAL has supported and empowered LGBTQ+ youth for 40 years.

Explore and Join Our Youth Programs

Connect to Mental Health Services

Support Our Work