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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.

Youth Services

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From community-building programs to scholarships, we’ve got your back.

Affirming Therapy

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Connect to affirming, empowering, and accessible mental health counseling. 

You are not alone.

Housing Support

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If you’re looking for affirming housing support, you’re in the right place.

Empower LGBTQ+ Youth to Thrive

Since our founding in 1984, SMYAL has provided LGBTQ+ with safe, affirming, and empowering spaces where they can be fully themselves. And while the needs of LGBTQ+ youth have evolved over the last four decades, SMYAL’s dynamic work to best support young people has also evolved to meet the moment.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | MARRIOTT MARQUIS | 10:30 AM

 

SMYAL’s 40th Anniversary Fall Brunch

Tickets are now on sale to join us at SMYAL’s Fall Brunch in celebration of our 40th Anniversary!

SMYAL’s premier supporter event, the annual Fall Brunch, includes a cocktail reception featuring a fabulous silent auction, a three-course brunch, and a chance to hear from some of our community’s most inspiring leaders.

Every year, the Fall Brunch brings together LGBTQ+ and allied community members, friends, and families in support of the inspirational youth SMYAL works with every day.

SMYAL Social Media

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SMYAL

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

SMYAL

3 days ago

SMYAL
"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

3 days ago

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"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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3 days ago

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"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

3 days ago

SMYAL
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

4 days ago

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"It's hard - as someone who is trans myself I don't want my child to have to experience a world where I know she will have to work harder in order to be seen and accepted as the person she truly is, at the same time that she is already the bravest young person I know and I'm excited for the possibility of a positive future for her and other future trans adults."—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

4 days ago

SMYAL
"[My biggest dream for when I grow up is] To grow the biggest flower ever."—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 has supported and empowered LGBTQ+ youth for 40 years.

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