For Parents

Thank you for supporting your child and your interest in WNC Youth OUTright. The following contains some frequently-asked questions from parents. If you still have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time by email or phone. In addition, while the local PFLAG chapter (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is no longer active, the former officers of this group have offered themselves as a resource to meet with any parents who would like to talk with other parents who are dealing with their children’s sexual orientation or gender identity and any issues that they as parents may be confronted with. Please sent an email or call and we can put you in touch with them.

What Happens at a Youth OUTRight Meeting?

Meetings are free, confidential and open to youth ages 14-23. Refreshments are served, and free educational pamphlets and newspapers are available for you and your kids to take home. Check our calendar on the front for upcoming programs! It’s a very casual, friendly atmosphere with 2 trained adult facilitators present at each meeting.

Q: Can I attend a YOR meeting with my child?
A: No. Youth OUTRight was created to be a safe space for youth ages 14-23 only. They need a space that is confidential, welcoming and based on a peer-only model. This is one of many social environments in which your child can develop. We encourage you to positively communicate with your child at home regarding LGBTQ issues, because it is important for them to have a clear, open line of communication with their parent(s).

Q: How do I talk to my child about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues?
A: We encourage open, balanced discussions at home, at a time that’s right for you and your child. Remember to listen with an open mind, ask questions to understand, and don’t be offended if your child doesn’t communicate everything to you immediately. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your child at home, try making an appointment with a local mediation center or getting together with a member of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) together as a family. See our Support resources for details.

Q: How do I know if a meeting is cancelled?

A: We will change the meeting status on the meeting schedule here on the website and post an announcement on the front page. We will also send a Twitter message and a message to our email list. Meetings will never be cancelled if we can help it, but it is a good idea to sign up for meeting updates via Twitter or email (or at least check the web site frequently).

Q: Can I enter the building at the end of the meeting to pick up my child?
A: No. In order to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the meeting attendees, we ask parents/guardians, or otherwise non-meeting-attendees to please wait outside in your car until the meeting is over. We will end at 9:00 p.m. every night.

Q: Can my child come to a meeting if he/she doesn’t identify as gay, lesbian, bi or transgender?
A: Yes. Plain and simple. We encourage all questioning youth and “straight allies” to attend.

Q: Can you recommend other local resources for my child?
A: We try to recommend local resources based on each individual situation, as each child has different needs. Please contact us by email or phone if you need further assistance.

Q: How do you recruit volunteers and group facilitators?
A: Volunteer recruitment is accepted on an ongoing basis. All volunteers must fill out a volunteer form and complete a training session. Youth group facilitators must complete a volunteer form, training session and official background check.

Q: Can you suggest some books and/or movies for my family?
A: We will have a library list posted soon on our Support resources page.