Empowering LGBTQIA+ Youth
As the only LGBTQIA+ youth advocacy and leadership non-profit in WNC, we need your support!
It is estimated that there could be more than 4,000 LGBTQIA+ youth in the 18-county region of Western North Carolina we serve. And given those numbers are from the 2010 census, we know they are likely much higher.
At Youth OUTright, we strive to cultivate Resilience, Compassion, and Confidence in the youth community and engage in intersectional and intergenerational dialogue with a particular focus on Gender & Racial Justice. Our work includes direct services, technical assistance for youth-serving organizations, and advocacy for local, state, and federal policy that protects LGBTQIA+ youth.
But we can’t do this work without your help! Consider making a donation to Youth OUTright to support this work in our community.
Youth OUTright T-Shirts
supporting the Rapid Relief Fund
The limited-edition Youth OUTright t-shirt is here! Designed by youth artist, Reagan Petto, this super-soft, unisex t-shirt is ready to make its way into your wardrobe for just $15.
And guess what? All t-shirt proceeds will support the Rapid Relief Fund, which makes our Youth Direct Payment Program (DYPP) possible.
Life can be hard. And sometimes, we need a little help. Whether a young person needs support paying rent, or can’t afford their prescription, or even are in need of a winter jacket – the Youth Direct Payment Program is there.
In 2020, DYPP awarded more than $14,000 in grants to LGBTQIA+ youth in need. We hope you will DYPP into your pockets and get a t-shirt to support this important program!
Weekly Programs
Through Galaxy and Web Social, we offer three weekly support spaces for youth to socialize, create art, reflect on current events, and explore together. These spaces are facilitated by and for LGBTQIA+ youth and allow a variety of ways to engage.
Additionally, we also offer monthly programs, like Continuum, our digital intergenerational community-building space.
Paid Leadership Opportunities
Whether we hire youth for positions like our Youth Fellows or recruit youth to lead educational spaces like the Trans Youth Movement in Education (TYME), we believe they deserve to be paid. TYME participants are paid $25/hour for this important and vulnerable work.
GSA Outreach
In 2021, we worked with local schools to register more than 45 Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA) in Western North Carolina.
Throughout the year, we support GSAs by facilitating educational spaces, building relationships with school administration, and sharing resources.
We are proud to partner with Ink Pusher to produce our t-shirts! Putting people over profit, Ink Pusher believes in ethical and sustainable business practices. We are grateful to work with values-aligned local businesses!