Over three decades of activism
Advocates for Youth has worked with LGBTQ young people for over three decades, including founding the first online space for LGBTQ youth to help and support one another. Now, we work with schools and youth serving professionals around the country to ensure LGBTQ youth are safe in schools; included in sex education lessons; and above all, celebrated for who they are.
“Knowing that there are voices that are silenced and need a platform keeps me motivated to continue the work.”
– Rikki, Youth Resource
YouthResource
Through YouthResource, Advocates recruits, trains and supports a cohort of young people passionate about LGBTQ health and rights.
YouthResource is a group of LGBTQ+ youth of color between the ages of 13-24 that are actively involved with a youth-serving community-based organization, a student group or any other organized group. YouthResource leaders are responsible for providing their communities, and communities around the country, with information, resources, and education to address LGBTQ+ health and rights.
Queer and Gender Equity Project (QGEP)
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth of color are at disproportionate risk for negative sexual health outcomes and face stigma related to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. This stigma places LGBTQ youth of color at risk for contracting STIs and HIV, violence, and substance abuse. In order to be part of the solution, Advocates launched its Queer and Gender Equity Project (QGEP) almost 10 years ago, formerly known as the Anti-Homophobia and Transphobia Project. The QGEP seeks to build the capacity of organizations interested in and committed to improving the sexual health of all young people, including LGBTQ youth of color. Past partners include a number of adolescent health and sexuality education organizations.
The goals of Advocates for Youth’s Queer & Gender Equity Project are to:
- Build the capacity of youth-serving professionals to serve LGBTQ youth of color;
- Create safe spaces for LGBTQ youth of color; and
- Redress homophobia and transphobia within the local community (i.e., schools, agencies, community, etc.)