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
March 30, 2019
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10:00 AM
Leading with Pride
Leading With Pride is an annual event for LGBTQIA+ youth and their peer allies (ages 13 – 24), their caregivers, and GSA advisors. While we do provide resources and programming for adults (i.e., caregivers and GSA advisors), this event is intentionally youth-centered.
Franklin HallCardozo Education Campus
1200 Clifton St NW, Washington, DC 20009
In the News
Join the DC Progressive Dinner for an unforgettable afternoon raising funds for LGBTQ youth in the DC metro area.
Don't miss this fun event as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring while supporting our area's most vulnerable youth. We are at a new location this year--Pitchers -- and they're going to be serving up some great drink specials just for us!
You can purchase your tickets here: tiny.cc/SMYAL4Spring.
app.etapestry.com
Raffle tickets for cash prizes and local bar and restaurant experiences valued over $5,000! Ticket experience includes special drink pricing at one of DC's most exciting venues.Join us on March 30 for the annual Trans Visibility Community Festival as we come together to celebrate the journey of the trans community. SMYAL will be tabling, hosting interactive games, and distributing free information and giveaways. For more information, visit: ow.ly/5pBD30o2OO9
transvisibilityfestival.com
The Trans Visibility Community Festival is an annual event, held for the first time in 2019. It is an inclusive festival for the local community to come together and celebrate the journeys of trans fo...The SMYAL LGBTQ Youth Leadership Awards are scholarship grants of up to $5,000 for self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer individuals who have graduated high school, or obtained their GED, and are looking to continue their education.
If you know a young person that would be interested in applying for SMYAL's LGBTQ Youth Leadership Award, please direct them to www.smyal.org/scholarship for more information.
We're excited about this year's Leading with Pride! DCPS in partnership w/ SMYAL and other community orgs, invites #LGBTQ students, their families, teachers and school staff to this annual conference and resource fair on March 30.
SMYAL is excited to serve as a host site for the DC Summer Youth Employment Program. As one of the few #LGBTQ youth serving organizations in DC, SMYAL has partnered with DC's Department of Employment Services to serve LGBTQ youth for the several years. DC residents between the ages 14-24 are encouraged to visit www.summerjobs.dc.gov to apply.
summerjobs.dc.gov
