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
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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
Have you ever wanted to learn more about what it takes to be a youth activist? Are you looking to find community with other young, queer movement leaders and organizers?
Then check out “Rise Up!: A National Conference for Queer and Trans Youth Organizers.” Open to youth ages 13-24, Rise Up! has workshops for young leaders at every stage of their activist journey, from understanding power and privilege, to exploring the possibilities of healing justice, to unpacking intersectional allyship and more!
The conference is 100% FREE and will be held virtually from July 13th through 19th.
Explore workshops, learn more, and register at SMYAL.org/rise
✊🏿✊🏾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.
Every Wednesday from 5-6 pm, SMYAL will host 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
Have you ever wanted to learn more about what it takes to be a youth organizer? Are you already a young, queer leader and want to find community with others? Then check out “Rise Up!: A National Conference for Queer and Trans Youth Organizers.”
Open to youth ages 13-24, Rise Up! has workshops for youth leaders at every stage of their activist journey, from understanding power and privilege, to exploring the possibilities of transformative justice, to exposing the realities of the prison industrial complex.
The conference is 100% FREE and will be held virtually from July 13th through 19th.
Find out more and register at SMYAL.org/rise
As Pride month comes to a close, we're participating in #GiveOUTDay, the only national day of giving for the LGBTQ community. We invite you to make a meaningful donation in honor of the last day of Pride Month that will help support critical programs and resources for queer and trans youth.
Your support on Give Out Day will help SMYAL continue our work providing support to LGBTQ youth through the pandemic by offering daily virtual community spaces, leadership development, and housing, supportive services, and emergency funds for youth experiencing homelessness.
Make a donation at SMYAL.org/Donate
We are less than 30 minutes away from our virtual Pride Happy Hour with Matthew Shepard Foundation hosted by Miller Lite!
Tune in at 5 for a special evening with Judy and Dennis Shepard with entertainment by Washington Heights - Drag Queen!
Watch live at www.millerlite.com/pride
