About

History

In 1984, 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.

How?

By creating leadership development opportunities, after-school programs, and counseling services designed to empower LGBTQ youth and educate their local community. Our organization strives to help these young leaders build advocacy skills and access crucial resources they need to succeed. We also provide education and training programs for youth service providers working in schools, runaway shelters, local government agencies, and hospitals.

Committed to social change, SMYAL continues to build, sustain, and advocate for programs, policies, and services that serve LGBTQ youth as they grow into adulthood.

Mission Statement

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. 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. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

In the News

Major Donor Spotlight: Lamar Braithwaite
This September, it is our honor to highlight major donor, Lamar Braithwaite.Lamar is a dedicated member of the Fall Brunch Committee where he serves as a co-ch…
Press Release: SMYAL & Gender Spectrum Announce Partnership
Major Donor Spotlight: Raffi Freedman-Gurspan
This July, it is our honor to highlight board member and major donor, Raffi Freedman-Gurspan.Raffi joined SMAL's Board of Directors in 2019. She currentl…