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SMYAL

7 days ago

We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40YearsofSMYAL!The year is 2015 and SMYAL launches our first scholarship program: the LGBTQ+ Youth Leadership Awards!The initial funding for the first three years of awards was donated by current Major Donor and former SMYAL Board Member, Neil Starkey. Neil shared that he wanted to create the scholarships to “encourage and embolden that young person who, as a result of coming out, may have had to deal with adversity or struggled with their identity, family life or academics but has emerged as a leader and role model to their peers.When the scholarships first launched, recipients only received up to $2000, but now winners receive up to $5000. In 2021, SMYAL founded a second scholarship fund in honor of Sophie Magerl called the "Sophie's Live Out Loud Award" which recognizes young leaders who are pursing creative fields.To date, SMYAL's scholarships have provided 61 students with $198,000 in financial assistance, with $35,000 awarded in 2024.SMYAL is looking forward to helping more queer and trans youth pursue higher education in the future! ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40YearsofSMYAL!The year is 2013, and SMYAL officially rebrands including moving from our old smiley face logo (Shannon) to our more recent modern logo, introducing our signature SMYAL magenta, as well as changing the acronym meaning of SMYAL.In 2013, SMYAL released a new brand identity which says as much about ourorganization’s future as it does about our past. The SMYAL acronym, which wasoriginally Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League, was redefined, Supportingand Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders. Alongside the updated acronym is a remodeled logo that portrays all the energy and life of SMYAL with the forward- thinking tagline: empowering LGBTQ youth.These changes reflect a greater shift in SMYAL’s trajectory, staying close to its roots as a safe space of belonging and inclusion but now playing a much larger role in peer-led leadership and community advocacy.Today, SMYAL has dropped the meaning of our acronym and unveiled a new mission statement this year that more broadly encompasses our critical social services in addition to our advocacy. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

"Well, I have a LOT of dreams. When I was in first grade, I wanted to be a pilot and take my kids all around the world. But now I want to be a scientist and a historian. I really love science and I love reading historical fiction. And I think I might want to be a singer, too, but maybe not as a job, I haven’t really decided about that part yet!"—a Little SMYALs YouthICYMI: SMYAL's Transgender Awareness Week campaign will feature messages about the hopes and dreams of trans Little SMYALs youth and their parents & caregivers.We at SMYAL recognize the significance of sharing trans stories, which is why this #TransAwarenessWeek we are highlighting the humanity of trans youth and their families by sharing messages of hope and love.Especially now more than ever, we feel that this is a good moment to remind people that trans youth are powerful, beautiful, and full of possibility. At the end of the day, trans youth have hopes and dreams just like their peers, and they deserve to see those dreams come to fruition too. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

"Being the parent of a trans kid fills me with immense pride! To have a child who knows themself so well and is so confident to tell the world is the greatest joy of my life."—a Little SMYALs CaregiverICYMI: SMYAL's Transgender Awareness Week campaign will feature messages about the hopes and dreams of trans Little SMYALs youth and their parents & caregivers.We at SMYAL recognize the significance of sharing trans stories, which is why this #TransAwarenessWeek we are highlighting the humanity of trans youth and their families by sharing messages of hope and love.Trans youth are powerful, beautiful, and full of possibility. Their families of trans are on this journey with them, learning what it means to navigate this world as a queer and trans person, and they should be able to support their youth without worry. As we empower trans youth, we also know that it's imperative for us to support their parents and caregivers who want what all parents want: to see their children thrive. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

"I am so proud to be the mom of my beautiful non-binary child. They have taught me so much about being unapologetically oneself and bringing endless love and joy to the world."—a Little SMYALs CaregiverICYMI: SMYAL's Transgender Awareness Week campaign will feature messages about the hopes and dreams of trans Little SMYALs youth and their parents & caregivers.We at SMYAL recognize the significance of sharing trans stories, which is why this #TransAwarenessWeek we are highlighting the humanity of trans youth and their families by sharing messages of hope and love.Trans youth are powerful, beautiful, and full of possibility. Their families of trans are on this journey with them, learning what it means to navigate this world as a queer and trans person, and they should be able to support their youth without worry. As we empower trans youth, we also know that it's imperative for us to support their parents and caregivers who want what all parents want: to see their children thrive. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

This Transgender Day of Remembrance feels especially heavy. We take today to remember, mourn, and honor the lives of our trans and nonbinary siblings we lost in the last year.We also must reckon with the climate that has allowed misinformation and fear-mongering to fuel hatred and violence against our community. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for protections, inclusion, and rights. To build a world where no more lives are lost from hatred.We at SMYAL are dedicated to creating safe spaces for trans youth to find community with one another and foster joy.So today and every day, we remember the lives of our trans siblings who were taken from us much too soon and commit to work harder than ever before for those who are still with us. 🏳️‍⚧️ ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL supports & empowers LGBTQ+ youth.

We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.

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