.gay Community Spotlight on Seacoast Outright

Seacoast Outright is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving, supporting, and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and beyond. Founded in 1993, Seacoast Outright has been committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for Queer and Trans youth, where they can be themselves without fear of violence or discrimination.

Learn more about their important work in our conversation below. 

How would you describe your organization’s mission?

Seacoast Outright’s mission is to serve, support, and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast Area of NH and beyond. Above all else, Seacoast Outright strives to protect and foster community, empathy, and security. From 1993 to today, we have always known the importance of supporting those who need it most, and we hope to go forward to build a brighter future where everyone is understood, valued, and protected.

Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?

We reach our mission in two ways:

1. Direct groups with LGBTQ+ youth and a caregiver support group, as well as events for youth and connection to area GSAs (Gender Sexuality Alliances). Fun events include an annual alphabet prom and Halloween party. This year we are also running a week-long summer arts camp. We provide referrals to other organizations, including mental health,

2. Events/ Outreach- We conduct training with nonprofits, schools, and other groups in the community to provide an understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and how folks can support LGBTQ+ youth in their work and in their personal lives. We also run community events and fundraisers, including the annual Portsmouth Pride event.

What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?

LGBTQ+ youth in our area would have less access to direct support, as would caregivers.

The community, especially schools, would also likely go without the training they need to ensure that all youth are safe and can thrive at school.

What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?

A big part of our funding is donations. Individual donors matter! If folks are in the area we look for volunteer presenters and facilitators. Support your local LGBTQ+ center!

Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?

Visibility is the key to inclusion, to folks feeling safe to come out, and to breaking down the cisheteronormative assumptions and stereotypes that limit our wellbeing. Visibility shows that we are here and will not be silent.

In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?

Safety is the ability to be oneself without fear of emotional or physical violence and to have supportive people in the lives of each and every LGBTQ+ youth.

Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes?

“Sacred are the queers who came before me.” Each and every person who has been themselves in years past has made a difference. The kids today fighting for their rights are also my heroes.

If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?

You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.

Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?

At our yearly pride event, there are youth who attend who have never seen such a large expression of queer joy. This is immensely powerful. So often, groups focus on preventing harm, which is absolutely critical. However, people can become so focused on preventing the negative that we forget to remember the joy and on the beauty in our community. Such an expression of queer joy is immensely powerful.

Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?

Your words matter. When you see discrimination or bias, stand up and say something, even if it’s uncomfortable. Please also remember to be an ally to marginalized groups of which you are not a member. LGBTQ+ people do not exist in a silo, so we must work for justice on issues that affect our intersectional communities. We are not free until all of us are free.