Upcoming Event
July 11 9:00 a.m – July 14, 2019 4:00 pm
Activist Camp
Activist Camp is a four day, three night camp for high-school age LGBTQ+ and ally-identified youth across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This year’s Activist Camp primes campers to jump into activism of their own! Through workshops, guest speakers, and field trips across the city, we will unpack what it means to do political advocacy, grassroots organizing, arts activism, and archival activism (preserving history!).
SMYAL
410 7th Street SE, Washington, DC
SMYAL After School Programs
Designed for LGBTQ youth like you, our programs offer the opportunity to express yourself. You’ll also develop leadership skills and connect with other LGBTQ youth, all in a safe environment. Our programs range from discussion groups and self-care workshops to fields trips and vouging, and everything thing between.
Youth Leadership Award
Are you paving the way for your fellow LGBTQ students at your school? Do you organize school initiatives? Then you’re improving the future of our community and we want you to get the support you need. As you pursue your dreams of secondary education, learn more about our award and apply today!
Join Our Youth Council
Are you a leader in your GSA or LGBTQ organization at school? Connect with like-minded students during our monthly Youth Council meetings. As you learn how to make your school safer and more inclusive, you will also have the opportunity to discuss specific issues at your school. Interested in joining? Please email programs@smyal.org.
Activist Camp
Are you interested in how to be a leader in your community? We’ve created a four-day retreat just for you! During our Activist Camp, you’ll learn how to lead your community while championing inclusive school policies. Get the tools you need to create a safer environment for you and your LGBTQ peers.
While the Activist Camp primarily addresses high school students, it is open to all students from high school to 21, especially those advocating for LGBTQ youth at school. Sound like you? Fill out our questionnaire and apply today!
Little SMYALs
Little SMYAL’s is a group dedicated to 6-12 year olds, that meets the last Saturday of each month from 10am – 11:30am to provide young people a safe(r) space hang out and meet new people, access resources, and gain support from staff while connecting youth and their families to community resources and services. Join us for art and crafts, enrichment activities, story time, food, field trips, and all-around fun!
Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA)
The Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network empowers queer, trans, and allied youth leaders to organize and mobilize a movement that advocates for safer schools and healthier communities. By providing leadership and activist training, we support the next generation as they lead the charge for LGBTQ rights and social justice.
Our Youth Council also meets to support campus leaders as they organize initiatives to create a safer learning environment. In doing so, we bring the voices and perspectives of youth to the forefront of the LGBTQ movement while educating community members and school faculty.
Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground is a summer program for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults that utilizes theatre arts and music to discuss complex challenges, successes, and topics. Through acting, singing, and dance workshops, the youth develop a full length musical production based on their real life stories.
Sexual Health
SMYAL works to provide inclusive sexual health education to LGBTQ youth. Knowledge is power and helps to encourage healthy behaviors.
Youth Crisis
If you are a youth in crisis, please visit our resource page to find the best place for you to reach out for help.
