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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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Upcoming Event

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH | RED BEAR BREWING | 6-8 PM

 

SMYAL for the New Year

The SMYAL Young Donors Committee invites you to ring in 2024 and kick off SMYAL 40th anniversary year at the annual SMYAL for the New Year celebration!

We’re excited to be back celebrating at Red Bear Brewing Co. as we reconnect with old friends and meet new supporters. Bring a friend, raise a glass, and make a New Year’s resolution to support LGBTQ+ youth in 2024 by becoming a part of the SMYAL Champions monthly donor program. Join us to show up and show out for LGBTQ+ youth!

SMYAL Social Media

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SMYAL

SMYAL

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

SMYAL

2 days ago

SMYAL
Gender-affirming healthcare saves lives 🏳️‍⚧️On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed Idaho's ban on gender-affirming care for youth to go back into effect. At this time, the order is only enforceable in Idaho as the case proceeds in court. However, this is a monumental ruling as it is the first time SCOTUS has weighed in on gender-affirming healthcare. While this most recent order is a procedural decision, it no doubt is a message to trans and nonbinary youth and their families across the country. These continued attacks on the youngest members of our community are devastating and dangerous for trans and nonbinary youth.We must continue to fight for access, to defend healthcare, and protect bodily autonomy. SMYAL will not stop working to support trans and nonbinary youth. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

SMYAL
Introducing our SMYALstone Moments series as part of #40yearsofsmyal!We are kicking it off with the year that started it all-1984. In the photo above, you can see a group of youth, original SMYALers, holding a banner with our first logo.SMYAL (then, the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) was founded in 1984 when local youth service professionals and community activists organized a conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth issues after an LGBTQ-identifying youth was hospitalized. Through this conference, advocates founded SMYAL to meet the needs of LGBTQ youth in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. In the first year, SMYAL was mostly a referral-based service, and helped refer youth and their families to supportive professionals. The organization operated mostly out of basements/spaces of recreational centers -- we didn't get our current office space for quite a while! SMYAL realized after some time that there was a need for LGBTQ+ youth to meet and socialize with other LGBTQ+ youth to help reduce isolation, which led to them organizing support groups on Saturdays.These services were run by volunteers at the time -- such as teachers and mental health workers. Large group meetings for youth had structured curriculums like HIV prevention and how to come out to your Family/Friends/School. Eventually, a hotline service was added for youth as well as more educational programs and trainings for youth services professionals in schools, shelters, and hospitals. These programs were created by professionals and delivered by volunteers, who were required to take extensive training.SMYAL has come such a long way since then, and here we are, 40 years later! Stay tuned for other #smyalstonemoments on the way... ... See MoreSee Less

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3 days ago

SMYAL
The lottery for Camp Free2Be is this Friday, April 19! We will be offering two sessions this summer: July 15-19 and July 22-26. During initial registration, you should have picked one session that is your preference; you should’ve had the option to indicate if you were also interested in the other session. After our initial round of registration, we will release remaining slots to those who want to attend both sessions on a lottery system. This two-round system will help us ensure that everyone gets to attend Camp this summer for maximum fun!Please keep an eye on your emails if you win a spot via the lottery. You will have 5 days to claim the spot if you are still interested.See you all on Friday! ... See MoreSee Less

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3 days ago

SMYAL
📅 WEEKLY DROP-IN PROGRAMS FOR APR 17 - 20Tuesday 4/16, DROP IN PROGRAMS CANCELLED (Emancipation Day)Wednesday 4/17, 5:30-6:30 pm, Little SMYALS Virtual for Ages 10-13Thursday 4/18, 5-7 pm: Virtual Drop-In Programs on Discord for Ages 13-17Friday 4/19, 4-7 pm: Drop-In Programs for Ages 13-17Saturday 4/20, 10 - 11:30 am, Little SMYALS In-Person for Ages 6-9Saturday 4/20, 12 - 1:30 pm, Little SMYALS In-Person for Ages 10-13Learn more and join our programs for queer + trans youth ages 6-24 at SMYAL.org/schedule or click on the links in our bio! ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

6 days ago

SMYAL
SMYAL wants to uplift our community partners in the DMV!Today we’re spotlighting CASA DC @casa4kidsdc !CASA DC is a non-profit who was created to help advocate for youth involved in the juvenile justice or welfare system via volunteer work. Their mission is to promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused and neglected child in the DC foster care or juvenile justice system can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.If you’d like to learn more about CASA DC or get connected to their services, check out their website or follow them on instagram! Thank you for all your hard work @casa4kidsdc !! ... See MoreSee Less

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