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.
Learn MoreGiving Back
From volunteering to donations, the opportunities to support LGBTQ youth are endless.
Get Involved With SMYALHousing
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.
Learn MoreEmpower 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.
Upcoming Events
June 25, 2020
//
6 pm EST
SMYAL for Summer 2020
The SMYAL Young Donors Committee invites you to the 8th Annual SMYAL for Summer!SMYAL for Summer, hosted virtually this year, brings our community together and highlights the achievements of outstanding LGBTQ youth leaders. Join us for the announcement of the recipients of this year's SMYAL Youth Leadership Awards.The event this year will feature local drag star, Shaunda Leer, other entertainment, and special guest star Tatianna of RuPaul's Drag Race!
Virtual Platform
Link to be shared on day of event
In the News
SAVE THE DATE: September 18-26, 2020
If you're under 25 living in DC and do not have stable housing, take a Youth Count DC survey! You get a $10 Visa gift card. The Youth Count goes live September 18th!
By taking a survey you help us to understand what youth like you need to gain safe and stable housing.
#youthcount2020
*PROGRAMS SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR AUG.10-14*
SMYAL will be holding limited programs between August 10th and 14th. Our updated schedule is below:
•Monday, August 10th- No programs
•Tuesday, August 11th- Trans and Non-binary Support Space, 5:30-6:30 pm EST
•Wednesday, August 12th- Little SMYALs for ages 6-12, 10-11 am EST
•Thursday, August 13th- No programs
•Friday, August 14th- SAFE 5-6 pm EST & Mindfulness 5:30-6:30 pm EST
We will be back with our regular schedule on Monday, August 17th! For program descriptions and link to join these programs click the link in our Instagram bio or visit SMYAL.org
✊🏿✊🏾TONIGHT✊🏽✊🏼
In the wake of the national uprisings in defense of Black lives, SMYAL has decided to form racial affinity groups for queer and trans youth who identify as Black, non-Black people of color, and white people, respectively. Affinity groups have long been upheld as key educational tools for young people experiencing marginalization, to connect with others, build support systems, and find empowerment.
*TIME CHANGE* Groups will now only be hosted the FIRST Wednesday of each month from 5-6 pm EST.
SMYAL's three affinity groups that aim to create safe community and education spaces for Black youth looking for healing and community, and their non-Black youth allies.
Each group will meet at the same time in separate Zoom breakout rooms:
~A support space for Black queer and trans youth to process the Black Lives Matter protests
~A solidarity and support space for non-Black queer and trans youth to process the protests AND discuss ways to be in solidarity with Black youth and dismantle their anti-Blackness
~A solidarity space for white queer and trans youth to discuss the protests, find ways to be in solidarity with Black youth, and dismantle their racism and anti-Blackness
To join, follow the link in our bio or visit SMYAL.org/schedule
#blacklivesmatter
SMYAL is now accepting applications for the newest cohort of Peer Health Fellows! Queer and trans youth ages 13-24 in the DC area are invited to attend an information session on Monday, August 3rd from 4-5 pm EST via Zoom.
Fellows will be working with the Health & Wellness Coordinator to find out how LGBTQ+ youth, especially those of color, struggle to access health-related services and how to break down those barriers that create the inaccessibility to those services. The fellowship will take place over the course of 6 months and during that time fellows will give workshops to service providers, conduct conversations with their peers, and refer youth to services. This is a PAID opportunity!
Join the information session by visiting SMYAL.org/schedule.
Questions? Reach out to jhirbron.tonge@smyal.org
If you've got an August birthday, now is a great time to call on your network to support a cause close to your heart through hosting a Facebook fundraiser!
We've created a toolkit to help you plan the perfect event to support #lgbtq youth at bit.ly/FBFundSMYAL
