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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

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

Affirming Therapy

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

You are not alone.

Housing Support

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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.

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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

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

SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40YearsofSMYAL!The year is 2017 and SMYAL opens our first housing program to support LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness!Housing remains one of the most pressing needs facing queer and trans youth with 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ+.SMYAL saw an opportunity to bring our decades of expertise empowering LGBTQ+ youth to meet this vital need. At SMYAL, we know that shelter alone doesn’t end homelessness. That’s why our program takes a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of the youth we serve. The program works to identify the specific and develop a youth-driven plan to meet those needs.When we first opened our first youth house, we only had capacity to support 8 residents. Now, we serve up to 55 queer and trans residents and are the largest LGBTQ+ youth housing provider in the DMV area. Our program has also expanded to include different models of housing --like Rapid Re-Housing and Extended Transitional Housing -- but our commitment has remained steadfast.It's truly incredible how much we've grown in the last 7 years. ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

SMYAL
“We believe in the power of young people to determine their own lives, to use their voices, and to stand loud and proud as leaders for change.” 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️What an honor to stand with thousands outside the Supreme Court as arguments in US v. Skremtti were heard inside. Thank you to @aclu_nationwide and @lambdalegal for inviting us to speak with such an inspiring and powerful lineup of community leaders.Trans and nonbinary youth deserve access to life-affirming healthcare. It’s as simple as that. #ProtectTransYouth #TransRightsareHumanRights #SCOTUS ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

SMYAL
This #GivingTuesday, you can make an impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Your meaningful donation today helps build and sustain safe spaces for queer and trans youth! Be part of SMYAL's legacy and help us fortify for the challenges ahead. Together, we are building a more inclusive, empowering, and joyful world.Donate today at SMYAL.org/GivingTuesday or visit the link in our bio! ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
You can now bid on items from the Washington Capitals #Pride Night Auction through Dec. 12 at 3 PM. A portion of the proceeds will be benefitting SMYAL, so please take this chance to participate in this auction and win some cool prizes!Bid now at WashCaps.com/PrideAuction ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

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📣 SPEAK OUT AND SHOW UP FOR TRANS YOUTH🏳️‍⚧️@smyal_dmv is proud to join the Freedom to Be Ourselves Rally outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 4th from 10 am-1pm hosted by @aclu_nationwide and @lambdalegal! We'll be speaking during the rally and invite you to join us in the audience as we show up to defend trans youth!Across the country, politicians have targeted transgender people's freedom to determine what's right for our own families, bodies, and lives; and now the fight is in front of the highest court in the country in U.S. v. Skrmetti.On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Supreme Court will hear @lambdalegal and the @aclu_nationwide’s case on behalf of families and medical providers challenging a Tennessee ban on best practice medical care for transgender youth. This case is likely to have implications for the lives of trans people nationwide.Trans and queer youth are overwhelmingly powerful evidence of the possibility of change and hope. NOW is the time to come together to defend their right to healthcare!#SCOTUS #ProtectTransYouth #GenderAffirmingCare ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
SMYAL has been supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth for 40 years. Your generous donation on #GivingTuesday uplifts queer and trans youth through community building, housing, mental health counseling, educational support, and community outreach.Be part of SMYAL's legacy, foster queer and trans joy, and how your support for LGBTQ+ youth.Donate today at SMYAL.org/GivingTuesday or visit the link in our bio! ... See MoreSee Less

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