.gay Community Spotlight on Youth Pride, Inc.
On this week's edition of our .gay Community Spotlight, we chatted with Youth Pride, Inc. — the only nonprofit in Rhode Island dedicated to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth 23 and under.
Learn about their inspiring mission below and find out how you can get involved here.
How would you describe your organization’s mission?
Youth Pride, Inc. is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work, and play.
Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?
The Drop-in Center is the heart of YPI and provides a safe and fun environment that uplifts youth and connects them with LGBTQIA+ peers. YPI staff with a diverse range of lived experiences provide guidance and affirming support. We host over 15 hours of in-person and virtual support groups, run by peer facilitators and/or clinicians. Our basic needs pantry supplies youth with food, toiletries and school supplies. We distribute up to 150 lbs per week of these necessities to area youth.
What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?
YPI provides queer-and-gender affirming and celebratory drop-in space, basic needs, services, and advocacy in a unique environment with staff with lived experience. There are so many times when a youth simply needs a safe harbor, to feel their feelings or process difficulties at home, a tough encounter or the vitriol/harm targeting them on multiple platforms.
For the past 30 years, YPI has been at city hall, the state house, online, and out on the streets standing against white supremacy in all its forms. With our community partners, YPI not just seeks to aid LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth in their hour of need, but to remove obstacles to success from the root.
What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?
We are small and mighty but could be even mightier with monetary donations that allow us to grow and expand our capacity and services by hiring more staff. Volunteer!
Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?
Seeing other community members, on the streets, in businesses, and in media can give young people the space to imagine life. For community members who are maybe less young, being visible means creating opportunities for connection with others.
In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?
Safety and support for LGBTQ+ folks means the system in place protects the physical and mental well-being of those in the community. This takes the form of inclusive policies, low barrier access to support services, and education to the wider community.
Who is one of your LGBTQ+ heroes?
Janelle Monae.
If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?
Your people are out there! Keep exploring and living in your truth and you will find them. If you’re wondering if you are queer enough, trans enough, nonbinary enough, gay enough, bisexual enough, asexual enough, etc., you ARE! You belong in the LGBTQ+ community, you are welcome in queer spaces, and so many of us go through periods of self doubt. There are unlimited ways to be LGBTQ+ and the way you feel and identify is real and valid.
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?
Seeing youth go from living in homophobic and unsupportive homes to building a community of supportive peers around them and finding safe and affirming housing through our support has been really great. Getting to witness youth find a community of friends and feel affirmed in their identity at YPI has been extremely rewarding.
Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?
Stand in solidarity with your community members at every opportunity. Discrimination and oppression affect a wide range of intersecting identities and none of us are free until all of us are free. Together we can take care of our communities.
