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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.

Make a Donation

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 supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24.

SMYAL

3 days ago

SMYAL
We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40yearsofsmyal!The year is 2021 and SMYAL opens our mental health counseling program!Let's paint the picture: we're coming out of the height of a global pandemic, fresh off a damaging and terrifying presidency that targeted LGBTQ+ protections. Mental health, particularly LGBTQ+ youth mental health, was in crisis.The Trevor Project's 2021 Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health reported that nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth reported that they wanted mental health counseling but were unable to receive it.With early support from the Kiwanis Club of Washington, D.C., SMYAL opened our Clinical Services Department which was designed to help remove barriers to accessing mental health support by providing free, affirming therapy to LGBTQ+ youth.Three years later, this program has only continued to grow and can support up to 50 youth and their families a week through individual and group therapy, bilingual therapy, and play therapy. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

3 days ago

SMYAL
Affirming mental health counseling is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth.This support is needed now, more than ever. The recent surge of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric has created a pressure-cooker moment that has devastating effects on youth’s emotional health. Youth do not have to face this alone.Make a meaningful donation by December 31st to help SMYAL continue providing robust, affirming mental healthcare to queer and trans youth by making a donation at SMYAL.org/EmpowerYouth or visit the link in our bio. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

1 week ago

SMYAL
We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40YearsofSMYAL!The year is 2019 and SMYAL introduces a new program for queer and trans youth between ages 6-13 called "Little SMYALs".Little SMYALs was one of the first programs of its kind in the country for LGBTQ+ youth under the age of 13 and marked a turning point in our programmatic history.Since its founding, Little SMYALs has grown to include over 90 families! Little SMYALs is a program filled with joy: we've hosted holiday parties, walked in marches and parades, started a book club, and even run a summer camp for trans and non-binary youth! Little SMYALs not only supports youth, but the communities around them, providing resources to parents and caregivers, teachers, and other youth-serving professionals. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

SMYAL
📅 WEEKLY PROGRAMS FOR DECEMBER 7Saturday 12/7, Drop-In Programs for Ages 13-17Saturday 12/7, Drop-In Programs for Ages 18-24Learn 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

2 weeks ago

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🏳️‍🌈 SMYAL PROGRAMS FOR DECEMBER 2024 🏳️‍⚧️Take a look at SMYAL’s upcoming programs for queer and trans youth ages 6-24 for the month of December!View full descriptions and find links to our welcome sessions at SMYAL.org/schedule or click the link in our bioSMYAL’s programs are designed to provide queer and trans youth ages 6-24 with a safe space to express themselves and build community.Programs are being held virtually and in person at our youth center in Washington, DC.#lgbtq #queer #queeryouth #trans ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL

2 weeks ago

SMYAL
We are back with another SMYALstone Moment for #40YearsofSMYAL!The year is 2017 and SMYAL opens our first housing program to support LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness!Housing remains one of the most pressing needs facing queer and trans youth with 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ+.SMYAL saw an opportunity to bring our decades of expertise empowering LGBTQ+ youth to meet this vital need. At SMYAL, we know that shelter alone doesn’t end homelessness. That’s why our program takes a comprehensive approach to meet the needs of the youth we serve. The program works to identify the specific and develop a youth-driven plan to meet those needs.When we first opened our first youth house, we only had capacity to support 8 residents. Now, we serve up to 55 queer and trans residents and are the largest LGBTQ+ youth housing provider in the DMV area. Our program has also expanded to include different models of housing --like Rapid Re-Housing and Extended Transitional Housing -- but our commitment has remained steadfast.It's truly incredible how much we've grown in the last 7 years. ... See MoreSee Less

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SMYAL has supported and empowered LGBTQ+ youth for 40 years.

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