Little SMYALs is a group designed for LGBTQ youth ages 6-12 to find a safe(r) space to hang out and meet new people, access resources, and gain support.
We welcome everyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or gender nonconforming, and those who are exploring or questioning their identities.
During programs, we play games, read books, make arts and crafts, learn about the LGBTQ community and its history, and celebrate being wonderfully, uniquely ourselves!
If you are new to Little SMYALs, you must also fill out our one-time Intake Form at: https://bit.ly/
Little SMYALs is currently operating in a hybrid format, offering programs both in-person and virtually. Programs meet on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can find more details on our general monthly Little SMYALs schedule.
If you plan to attend programming in-person, please review SMYAL’s COVID-19 Safety Protocols.
Where: Virtual
Time: 10-11 am ET
Ages: All ages (breakout rooms split by age)
Where: In-Person
Time: 10-11:30 am ET
Ages: All ages
These sessions will focus on our younger audience (suggested ages 6-9). Each session might incorporate arts, crafts, songs, games, and unstructured play time in an affirming environment.
Where: In-Person
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm ET
Ages: Suggested ages 6-9
Calling all daydreamers, fantasy lovers, fiction adventurers, and comic extraordinaires! SMYAL is starting a new book club, full of diverse LGBTQ+ stories.
Where: Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)
Time: 5:30-6:30 ET
Ages: Suggested ages 10-13
We invite caregivers to stay for the first 5 minutes to meet the staff and make sure their child is ready to participate. We then encourage caregivers to give their child some space to allow their child to meet new friends and participate fully in this environment (some have enjoyed getting coffee down the street together during in-person programs).
Note: Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us on field trips and special events.
Little SMYALs is free of cost for all attendees.
Registration is required for all Little SMYALs programs. If you are new to Little SMYALs, you must also fill out our one-time Intake Form at: https://bit.ly/
Click Here to Register for Saturday Sessions
Click Here to Register for Creative Kids
Click Here to Register for Middle Grades Queer Book Club
Ty Kitchen, SMYAL’s Community Engagement & Youth Leadership Manager
Ty comes to this work with over 4 years of experience at youth-serving organizations in Washington, DC. Originally from Massachusetts, they studied Elementary Education, Community Action, and Latin American Studies at Connecticut College and student-taught in a bilingual sixth-grade classroom. Ty has worked with youth ranging in age from PreK-undergraduate in classrooms, afterschool programs, summer camp, and legal advocacy settings. They believe strongly in the power of youth-led change, and strive to create spaces where youth can be seen as their whole authentic selves.
Please bring an ID, health-insurance card, and be prepared to fill out a registration form for your youth.
For more information please contact Ty Kitchen at ty.kitchen@smyal.org
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