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
December 19, 2018
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4:00 PM
Youth Holiday Party
Join us for a holiday party!There will be food, beverages, games, and gift card giveaways.
SMYAL
410 7th Street, SE
In the News
Youth between the ages of 13-21 are encouraged to join SMYAL on Wednesday, December 19 to celebrate the holiday season. There will be food, cookie decorating, prizes, and fun activities. Festive attire is recommended but not required. Registration for the event can be found here: bit.ly/2PB1SgD. Join us as we reflect on 2018 and look ahead to all that 2019 has in store.
Thanks to Greater Greater Washington for publishing this amazing story on SMYAL's housing program and our recent Youth Homelessness Panel! Be sure to check out out the story here: ggwash.org/view/70154/homelessness-is-a-queer-issue-washington-dc-youth-are-also-entrepreneurs.
Help us continue to expand our support of homeless LGBTQ youth by making your year-end contribution here: tiny.cc/Smyal.
LGBTQ youth disproportionately experience homelessness. Some are also entrepreneurs.
ggwash.org
Homelessness impacts people from many backgrounds, so it may not seem like an LGBTQ issue. However, the District's 2017 Homeless Youth Census found that 31% of young people experiencing homelessness s...Congrats to Jorge Membreño, SMYAL's Director of Youth Housing, for being sworn-in as a commissioner on the Interagency Council on Homelessness.
The Interagency Council on Homelessness guides the District’s policies and programs in meeting the needs of individuals and families who are experiencing, or at imminent risk of, homelessness. The ICH Council includes representatives of key government agencies, service providers, advocates, constituents, and the Continuum of Care (CoC). Jorge will serve a three year term on behalf of SMYAL as a Service Provider advocating for LGBTQ youth homelessness.
Thanks to WAMU 88.5 - American University Radio for this great article featuring SMYAL's own Addison Moore!
“If you don’t identify with male or female and you see those two options, you’re going to disconnect, because you’re going to know walking into this environment, you’re not a part of the group of people they try to work for,” says Moore, who now works for the local LGBTQ advocacy group SMYAL.
Read the entire article here: bit.ly/2EpR188
School Districts Expand Gender Options To Include Transgender And Nonbinary Students | WAMU
wamu.org
Nearly all public school districts in the D.C. region include gender identity as a protected class in their non-discrimination policies. Now, at least three local districts are beginning to tackle wha...This week we’re highlighting our Peer Health Fellows & why they joined the program. Peer Health Fellow Jordan joined the program “because I wanted to learn more about health in general and learn how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.” We appreciate you, Jordan! #lgbtqhealth
