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
September 12, 2019
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6-8 pm
SMYAL in Montgomery County
Join Councilmember Evan Glass and Former State Sen. Rich Madaleno to learn more about how SMYAL is working to create safe spaces for LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities in Maryland.SMYAL works closely with schools in Montgomery County, providing cultural competency training for administrators and consulting with student activists within their Gender and Sexualities Alliances. Through SMYAL’s Peer Health Fellowships, youth ages 13-24 from across the DMV, including many in Montgomery County, work with SMYAL’s Health and Wellness Coordinator to break down barriers to accessing health information in schools and peer groups. We also welcome multiple families from Montgomery County to our monthly Little SMYALs meetings for LGBTQ youth ages 6-12.As SMYAL builds our presence and resources for LGBTQ youth in Montgomery County, we hope you’ll join us to hear more about our existing programs, and engage in dialogue about how we can better serve LGBTQ youth in the area.
Silver Spring
8710 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
In the News
Happy first day of school to our friends in DC and Virginia!
SMYAL is committed to helping #LGBTQ students and their teachers create inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
Learn more about the work SMYAL is doing in schools like capacity building with GSAs and conducting cultural competency workshops for teachers and administrators.
smyal.org/trainings/
Join Councilmember Evan Glass and Former State Sen. Rich Madaleno on Thursday September 12th to learn more about how SMYAL is working to create safe spaces for LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities in Maryland and across the DMV!
RSVP here: smyal.org/moco
Our after-school programs are closed this week while the Programs team completes a week of professional development!
All after-school programs August 26-30 are cancelled, but we will re-open on Tuesday September 3rd!
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Thank you to Washington Blade for capturing the excitement at last week's event with Eireann Dolan and Sean Doolittle!
We are so grateful for the support we've received from both the LGBTQ community and DC's sports communit.
As Sean says, "To grow the game — to make it a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans — we as athletes and fans must challenge these exclusionary and outdated “norms.” Sports should be one of the last remaining true meritocracies: if you’re good enough to play, you should be able to play. The only cost of entry to being a fan of a sports team should be the desire to share in the pride and heartbreak that plays out on the field of the local team."
If you haven't already, check out the Blade's Sport Issue featuring a number of familiar faces from SMYAL!
www.washingtonblade.com/2019/08/20/photos-smyal-with-sean-doolittle/
PHOTOS: SMYAL with Sean Doolittle
Blade's Sports Issue unveiled at fundraiserLearn more about one of SMYAL's newest programs: #QChatSpace!
In partnership with CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Q Chat provides an online support group for LGBTQ youth 7 days of the week hosted by SMYAL and other support centers across the country.
Read all about it: www.metroweekly.com/2019/08/smyals-q-chat-space-is-a-new-platform-to-foster-online-discussions-am...
Thank you to Metro Weekly for this awesome article!
SMYAL's Q Chat Space is a new platform to foster online discussions among LGBTQ youth - Metro Weekly
Q Chat Space lets LGBTQ youth discuss relevant issues and make new friends