WNC YouthOUTRight is a youth advocacy and leadership program dedicated to providing affirmation, information, support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth between the ages of 14 and 23 in Asheville, NC and the surrounding areas. Our vision is to empower LGBTQ youth to be confident and vital members of our diverse community.

Our History

A group of Asheville professionals met in July of 2006 and began a discussion about the gap in services for LGBTQ youth, an at-risk population often targeted for bullying and hate crimes. In May 2008, Youth OUTRight became a program of PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) in order to begin providing services.

Today

Youth OUTRight received its 501(3)c non-profit status in July 2009. We are expanding into a private non-profit organization to better serve the needs of youth throughout western North Carolina. We provide a weekly program for youth, as well as special events and educational programs, guest speakers and community outreach. Our program is comprised of trained volunteers and facilitators.

Our Contact Information

WNC Youth OUTRight

P.O. Box 1893

Asheville, NC 28802

#828-545-8693

info@youthoutright.org

Board of Directors:
Our Board of Directors is made up of a wide variety of business, social work, and other professionals from the community. It is a diverse group sharing a strong common belief in the mission of our organization. Board meetings are held twice per month.

Our board members for the 2009-2010 year are:

Stephen DerMargosian–Chairman

Matthew Menne–Vice Chairman

Dee Dee Allen–Secretary

Ralph Lambert–Treasurer

——Members At-Large——

Ron English–Development

Candrice Thul–Volunteer Coordinator

Will Smith, Carlos Vargas–Youth OUTright Advisory Board

Raz Camby–Marketing/Youth Member

Porscha Yount–Marketing and Communications

PFLAG & Youth OUTRight at Asheville Pridefest 2008