SMYAL’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. Select the program you are interested in below to learn more about how to join an upcoming group.
If this is your first time attending a SMYAL program, please create an account in SMYAL’s Youth Programs Portal.
Little SMYAL’s is a group for queer and trans 6-12 year olds 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.
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.
SMYAL’s youth programs are supportive and affirming spaces where queer and trans youth can build community, find support, and be themselves. SMYAL’s youth drop-in programs are being held virtually and in person at our Youth Center in Washington, DC.
We welcome all youth ages 13-24 who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those who are exploring or questioning their identities. Some programs are open to all youth within this 13-24 age range, while others are designed for high-school ages (13-18) or young adults (19-24).
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 scholarships and apply today!
Ever wanted to learn more about what it means to be a youth organizer?
Are you already engaging in organizing and activist work in your community, and want to find community with other youth organizers? Then check out Rise Up!
Rise Up! is a four-day, free, online conference that explores what it means to be a young queer organizer today. The conference is open to any queer, trans & nonbinary, and ally youth ages 13-24 years old.
You’re invited to join us for Youth Pride DMV, a day-long event where LGBTQ+ youth take center stage and celebrate their identities with pride and joy! Youth Pride features workshops, live performances, activities, a resource fair, and community connections.
Youth Pride DMV is designed for LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-20, but we welcome allied friends, family, and caregivers to join in the fun.
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.
SMYAL works to provide inclusive sexual health education to LGBTQ youth. Knowledge is power and helps to encourage healthy behaviors.
Join SMYAL in our efforts to make sexual health more inclusive and accessible by becoming a Peer Health Fellow. The Peer Health Fellowships are paid 6-month positions.
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.
If you are looking for connections to housing in DC, please visit SMYAL.org/housing.
If you are looking for resources around mental & physical health, community & family support, or guides about identity, visit our resources page.
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