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We advocate for LGBTQ youth so they can seize each day and prepare for the future.

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.
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

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Need inspiration for your next GSA campaign? On the hunt for scholarships? We’ve got your back.

Giving Back

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From volunteering to donations, the opportunities to support LGBTQ youth are endless.

Housing

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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.

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SMYAL Supporter Events
 

Our team creates each event with the LGBTQ community in mind. That means providing a safe environment for those who identify as LGBTQ. While these experiences promote an inclusive and supportive community, for youth and adults, they also provide opportunities to learn and connect. Check out our events and get involved with our programs.

Interested in volunteering during one of our events? For more information, contact Tim Saxton at tim.saxton@smyal.org.

In the News

Amy Russell is at The Passenger.

2 days ago

Amy Russell
Come have a Vodka Colin! The Colin Foundation will donate $5 for each drink sold to be shared between SMYAL and Friendship Place Help us end LGTBQ+ youth homelessness ... See MoreSee Less

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Amy Russell is with Camden Unglesbee and 99 others at The Passenger.

2 days ago

Amy Russell
Today and tomorrow are my last shifts at The Passenger. All of my tips tonight and tomorrow will be donated between SMYAL and Friendship Place in honor of our sweet Colin Wolf who left us almost a year ago. He was an amazing barback not just for me but at a cpl spots the Summer of 2019. He bequeathed to me the title of The Drunk Whisperer after seeing me work at Dirty Habit. I would bring him into the OG Passenger when I worked brunch. He would get in nerf gun fights with my coworkers back in the train car. This year has been a roller coaster of heartbreak and joy. One of the things I could depend on was the love and support of my industry family and friends on the other side of the bar. Few supported me like my Passenger family. From Juan Claros and Nick Brown , letting me ugly cry all over their shirts, Cori Spencer being there for long talks, and Glenn for sending me funny memes at the perfect time I needed to laugh. A special heartfelt thanks goes to Tom Brown . Not only did you post the sweetest tribute to Colin, you gave me a home at The Passenger to help me heal. So, come by and cheers to my kiddo and to my Passenger family.Love you both forever ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

6 days ago

SMYAL
Do you have a birthday this month? Looking for ways to pay it forward to support LGBTQ youth? Host a Facebook fundraiser benefiting SMYAL!Not sure how to get started? We've created an easy-to-use guide here: bit.ly/FBFundSMYAL ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
We are so incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with JusticeAid in 2022!JusticeAid promotes justice through the arts & public engagement, and this year, they're turning their focus to uplifting and protecting LGBTQ youth civil rights. Follow along this year for opportunities to get involved with amazing concerts, forums, and community events! Learn more about our partnership at justiceaid.org/smyal/#SMYAL4Justice ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

3 weeks ago

SMYAL
Happy 2022 from all of us at SMYAL! It may be a new year, but LGBTQ youth still deserve:🏳️‍🌈 Affirming programs🏘️ Stable housing🧠 Accessible mental health care✊🏿 Empowering spaces at home, work, and school💜 Love, support, and community ... See MoreSee Less
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SMYAL

4 weeks ago

SMYAL
Your New Year's resolution to further support your community doesn't have to wait.Before the clock strikes midnight, make a 100% tax-deductible donation to support the future of affirming housing, accessible mental health counseling, empowering youth leadership training, and community-building programs for LGBTQ youth at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

4 weeks ago

SMYAL
Thanks to supporters like you this year, SMYAL has expanded housing services, hosted our largest youth leadership program to-date, and launched an innovative mental health program for LGBTQ youth.Help us start the new year off strong by making a donation before midnight to further support queer and trans youth at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

4 weeks ago

SMYAL
As the year comes to an end, residents in SMYAL's Youth Housing Program need your support today. SMYAL provides LGBTQ youth with stable housing, affirming case management, education and employment navigation, and community support 24/7. Make a tax-deductible donation today to sustain comprehensive housing services for queer and trans youth at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 month ago

SMYAL
“It is so much easier to focus on other parts of my life, like school, when I’m somewhere I know is safe, where I feel validated by the people around me.”SMYAL Youth Housing Resident, Ario, shares about their experience at SMYAL, lessons learned about themselves through programs like Breaking Ground, and what advice they offer other LGBTQ youth who are experiencing homelessness.Make a donation today at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth to support SMYAL’s affirming housing program that provides residents with more than a place to sleep- it’s a home where residents can focus on what they need to, be who they are, and know they have the support they need.youtu.be/tBBGansZ0lE ... See MoreSee Less

A Message from Ario

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SMYAL Youth Housing resident, Ario, shares their experience at SMYAL, lessons learned about themselves through programs like Breaking Ground, and what advice...

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SMYAL

1 month ago

SMYAL
“SMYAL has taught me that it’s ok not to be ok, but it’s also alright to reach out and ask for help. Someone is going to be there for you every step of the way.” -Ario, SMYAL Youth Housing ResidentBe there for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth ... See MoreSee Less

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For over 35 years, SMYAL has worked to empower LGBTQ youth.

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