We advocate for LGBTQ youth so they can seize each day and prepare for the future.
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.
Youth Services
Need inspiration for your next GSA campaign? On the hunt for scholarships? We’ve got your back.
Giving Back
From volunteering to donations, the opportunities to support LGBTQ youth are endless.
Housing
LGBTQ youth deserve a place to live, learn, and grow. That’s why our transitional housing program includes mental health services, networking, mentorship, and more
Empower LGBTQ Youth to Thrive
With 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ, our mission has never been more clear. From transitional housing to leadership development, SMYAL serves at-risk youth as they overcome the challenges associated with their identity. 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.
JULY 28 - AUGUST 1, 2021
Rise Up! Youth Organizing Conference
Ever wanted to learn more about what it means to be a youth organizer?
Are you already engaging in organizing and activist work in your community, and want to find community with other youth organizers?
Are you interested in learning more about movements for social change like climate action, police-free schools, and gun control?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should register for Rise Up!: A National Conference For Queer and Trans Youth Organizers.
In the News
Gather with LGBTQ youth leaders like you for our 2nd annual Rise Up! youth organizing conference from July 28-31st!![]()
![]()
Rise Up! is:![]()
💸 FREE![]()
💻 ONLINE![]()
🗣 YOUTH-LED![]()
![]()
Register today at SMYAL.org/Rise
👀Take a look at some of our #RiseUp2021 workshops happening NEXT WEEK!![]()
![]()
Register to join these incredible session and more at the 2021 Rise Up! youth organizing conference at SMYAL.org/Rise![]()
![]()
✊🏾 Decolonizing Queerness-Thursday, July 29th @ 1:30 pm EST![]()
![]()
🔮Queer Futurity- Thursday, July 29th @ 3 pm EST
✊🏽✊🏿We rise till we win!✊🏽✊🏼![]()
![]()
Gather with queer and trans youth leaders like you for our 2nd annual Rise Up! youth organizing conference from July 28-31st!![]()
![]()
Rise Up! is:![]()
💸 FREE![]()
💻 ONLINE![]()
🏳️🌈 YOUTH-LED![]()
![]()
➡️ Register today at SMYAL.org/Rise
Rise Up! A National Conference for Queer and Trans Youth Organizers - SMYAL
smyal.org
Rise Up!: A National Conference For Queer and Trans Youth Organizers What: A FREE, ONLINE conference Who: Queer and trans/nb youth (and allies) between the ages of 13 and 24... Continue reading Rise U...
🗣️ Calling all SMYAL supporters!![]()
![]()
We invite you to follow us on our new community supporters Instagram page to stay up-to-date with all the latest news from SMYAL! ![]()
![]()
Follow us at instagram.com/smyal_supporters for Follow along for event invites, important programmatic updates, and ways that you can join us as we empower LGBTQ youth!![]()
![]()
For any of our youth-facing programs, events, and opportunities we’ll still be posting over at instagram.com/smyal_dmv!
HAPPY FRIDAY! It's a great day to #PayItForward!![]()
![]()
SMYAL provides development opportunities, counseling services, housing programs, and leadership programs for LGBTQ+ youth, and we want to honor their dedication by donating $2,000 towards their mission! ![]()
![]()
To read more visit www.easterns.com/blog![]()
#payitforward #fox5 #consciouscapitalism #AtEasternMotors #consciouscapitalismdc
Join SMYAL for a virtual organizing conference for queer and trans youth activists. Rise Up 2021 is taking place Weds. July 28-Sat. July 31. This conference is open to all queer and trans activists and allies ages 13-24, whether seasoned organizers or new to the game-- we need all voices working together towards justice!
Rise Up! A National Conference for Queer and Trans Youth Organizers - SMYAL
smyal.org
Rise Up!: A National Conference For Queer and Trans Youth Organizers What: A FREE, ONLINE conference Who: Queer and trans/nb youth (and allies) between the ages of 13 and 24... Continue reading Rise U...
The sun is shining and we're SMYALing!![]()
![]()
Get your tickets today for our in-person SMYAL for Summer event hosted on the beautiful Hi-Lawn rooftop at Union Market on July 28th!![]()
![]()
Purchase tickets at SMYAL.org/SMYAL4Summer![]()
![]()
All proceeds help support leadership programs and educational opportunities for LGBTQ youth.
smyal.org
Join us for the ninth annual SMYAL for Summer, hosted by the SMYAL Young Donors Committee! We will be on the beautiful rooftop of Union Market at Hi-Lawn while enjoying... Continue reading SMYAL for S...
For marginalized populations in our community, talking about mental health can be taboo, and reaching out to a therapist may not be possible due to inequities in health care access. United Way of the National Capital Area is on a mission to improve the health, education and economic opportunity for all community members in our region. We know health is about more than physical strength or nutrition—mental health is equally important for overall wellness. That’s why we’ve partnered with Talkspace, an online therapy tool, to provide therapy and mental health resources to veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and low-income residents in our community with the help of Prince George's Community College's Veterans Services Office, SMYAL and Bread for the City. To learn more about United Way NCA’s partnership with Talkspace, visit untdwy.org/3rh7RM0.
Talkspace and United Way NCA Partner to Increase Mental Health Equity
unitedwaynca.org
The partnership brings free mental health access to veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and low-income residents in the National Capital Area.
📢 Calling all July birthdays! Looking for the perfect gift that gives back? Set up a Facebook birthday fundraiser to support LGBTQ youth!![]()
![]()
We've made an easy-to-use toolkit to help you plan! Check it out: bit.ly/FBFundSMYAL
The SMYAL Young Donors Committee invites you to come celebrate the season and the incredible accomplishments of of LGBTQ student leaders at our 9th annual SMYAL for Summer on July 28th!![]()
![]()
We're so excited to see our wonderful community of supporters back in-person on the Hi-Lawn roof at Union Market.![]()
![]()
Get your tickets today at smyal.org/SMYAL4Summer
smyal.org
Join us for the ninth annual SMYAL for Summer, hosted by the SMYAL Young Donors Committee! We will be on the beautiful rooftop of Union Market at Hi-Lawn while enjoying... Continue reading SMYAL for S...
