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.

Servicios para jóvenes

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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.

Evento proximo

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 Redes Sociales

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SMYAL

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SMYAL supports and 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.

hace 5 días

SMYAL
📢 ACTION ALERT: Protect Trans Passport Access!The U.S. Department of State is trying to limit trans people’s ability to update their passports. We must act now! Submit your comment to stop these discriminatory changes: transequality.org/news/freedom-fly-passport-access-action #FreedomToFly🚀 3 Steps to Take Action:1️⃣ Submit a comment on DS-82 (Passport Renewal)2️⃣ Submit a comment on DS-5504 (Name Change & Corrections)3️⃣ Submit a comment on DS-11 (First-Time Passport Application)Comment now: transequality.org/news/freedom-fly-passport-access-action ... Ver másVer menos
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Hace 7 días

SMYAL
Our In's and Out's for International Women's Day 2025:IN:-Bodily autonomy-Reproductive rights-Equal Pay and opportunity-Trans-inclusive spaces, events, and sports-Taking up spaceOUT:-TERFS 🤢-Misogyny-Exclusionary practices-Policing bathrooms-Barring trans athletes from playing-Gender essentialismAt the end of the day, girls just wanna have FUNdamental human rights.Spaces for women are spaces for ALL women. This means trans women, BIPOC women, lesbians, bi+ women, ASPEC women, fluid women, masc women, femme women, neurodivergent women, women experiencing homelessness, disabled women, queer women, and all those who identify with experiences of womanhood. We all belong in community together.#internationalwomensday #WomensHistoryMonth ... Ver másVer menos
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Hace 1 semana

SMYAL
Interested in finding queer peers, doing fun activities and making friends in a safe space? Check out our teen and young adult programs for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24. We offer both in-person and virtual programs.Go to SMYAL.org/TeenPrograms to sign up for a welcome session today and learn more about upcoming programs! ... Ver másVer menos
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Hace 1 semana

SMYAL
"Walking into a therapy session can trigger a medley of questions for members of the community...There are so many therapists — but you never know walking into a session, 'is this person going to see me fully? Are they safe? Can I trust them?'"SMYAL's Play Therapist, Matresa Flowers, talked to Axios about the importance of providing affirming mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate harmful and hateful executive orders. Learn more about the @trevorproject's findings from their 2024 Youth Mental Health Survey and how organizations like SMYAL are removing barriers to accessing affirming therapy.Read the full @axios article at the link in our bio! ... Ver másVer menos
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hace 3 semanas

SMYAL
This Black History Month, SMYAL is uplifting and recognizing organizers and leaders paving the way for Black queer and trans communities.This week we are recognizing Mulani Jackson, Roses Initiative National Organizer and current host of the Roses Podcast, a program under the GSA Network’s Gender Justice Leadership Program. The Roses Initiative and Roses Podcast focus on uplifting the voices trans girls of color and providing them a safe space.Jackson is dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of trans women and girls of color, using her platform to share their stories with the world and to create a positive environment for them to thrive.You can learn more about Jackson and the Roses Initiative @roses_podcast ... Ver másVer menos
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4 weeks ago

SMYAL
🏳️‍🌈 Lace up and hit the pavement for a cause! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️Join DC Front Runners’ Pride Run 5K on June 1st as they take over Pennsylvania Avenue for an unforgettable celebration of Pride! After a record-breaking year in 2024, this year’s race is bigger than ever—welcoming 5,000 runners in honor of World Pride.Best of all, your registration helps raise funds for SMYAL and other local nonprofits supporting the LGBTQ+ community! Sign up today at dcpriderun.com and run with pride! 🌟🏃🏳️‍🌈 # ... Ver másVer menos
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