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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 Social Media

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SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24.

SMYAL

4 days ago

SMYAL
Haven't gotten your ticket to SMYAL's Fall Brunch yet? Don't worry. We have extended our Early Bird discount until the end of the month! ☀️🐦🌈Join SMYAL at our largest fundraising event of the year! This event brings LGBTQ+ leaders, advocates, supporters, and allies under one roof as we reflect on another incredible year of fostering queer and trans joy. Visit SMYAL.org/BRUNCH to get your tickets! ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
SMYAL is wishing our LGBTQ+ Latine/Latinx community a happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Now through October 15th, we will be celebrating and honoring the queer Latine/Latinx community by highlighting SMYAL’s services and programs that support Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ youth here in DC! Keep an eye out for messages from our staff about our Bilingual Street Outreach Program, bilingual therapy, and housing services. We’ll also be covering some local and national queer Latine/Latinx history in our final week of Hispanic Heritage Month, so stay tuned! ¡Estamos aquí y estamos orgullosos!------------------------------¡SMYAL le desea a nuestra comunidad LGBTQ+ Latine/Latinx un feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!¡Desde ahora hasta el 15 de octubre, celebraremos y honraremos a la comunidad queer Latine/Latinx destacando los servicios y programas de SMYAL que apoyan a los jóvenes LGBTQ+ de habla hispana aquí en DC! Esté atento a los mensajes de nuestro personal sobre nuestro programa bilingüe de extensión callejera, terapia bilingüe y servicios de vivienda. También cubriremos algo de la historia queer Latine/Latinx local y nacional en nuestra última semana del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, ¡así que estén atentos! ¡Estamos aquí y estamos orgullosos! ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

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SMYAL Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Perry SovichPerry Sovich (they/he/she) showcases how leadership is about advocating and protecting one’s community through their work in their high school’s GSA. In his search for clarity and belonging, Perry took on the role of Vice President for the GSA during the pandemic. They created servers and spaces to keep their GSA connected despite the social distancing, giving their peers a place to come for support while quarantining with potentially unsupportive family members. Upon returning to school in person, Perry took to protecting her community even further than their meetings; she created resources for school staff to use to become better allies for their queer students. Perry gathered resources for the GSA, taught LGBTQ+ history, and mentored younger members to prepare them for when they’d take over the club in their absence. Perry will be attending the Maryland Institute College of Art as a First Year Fellow in Creative Entrepreneurship this fall.#SMYALScholarships ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

3 weeks ago

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SMYAL Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Kadin ElwainKadin Elwain (he/him) focuses his leadership and activism on the autistic community. As someone with autism, Kadin is motivated to help create and fund programs that will support his peers. This past June, Kadin and his class organized a fundraiser for the Autism Society of America, gathering $1,020, which would help create special education programs, gather more resources, and hire more counselors. Kadin’s advocacy also extends to raising awareness around opioid usage/addiction and gun violence. Kadin is going to be attending Kent State University this fall 2023.#SMYALScholarships ... See MoreSee Less

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

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