Stonewall Youth

Founded in 1991, Stonewall Youth is a youth-led organization that empowers LGBTQ+ youth to speak for themselves, support each other, educate our communities, and work for social justice. Stonewall Youth supports LGBTQ+ youth to survive and thrive through an integrated model of support services, leadership development programs, community education, community organizing, and intentionally counteracting oppression in all our work. Stonewall Youth serves three primarily rural counties in southwestern Washington. Over 300 youth access our programs annually. We primarily serve youth ages 21 and under. Stonewall Youth (SY) provides an array of programs to LGBTQ+ youth ages 21 and under: peer su... read more Founded in 1991, Stonewall Youth is a youth-led organization that empowers LGBTQ+ youth to speak for themselves, support each other, educate our communities, and work for social justice. Stonewall Youth supports LGBTQ+ youth to survive and thrive through an integrated model of support services, leadership development programs, community education, community organizing, and intentionally counteracting oppression in all our work. Stonewall Youth serves three primarily rural counties in southwestern Washington. Over 300 youth access our programs annually. We primarily serve youth ages 21 and under. Stonewall Youth (SY) provides an array of programs to LGBTQ+ youth ages 21 and under: peer support groups; drop-in hours four days/week; ongoing art and writing programs; advocacy and mentorship; safe and sober social events (such as dances and performances); an annual 4-day youth leadership development and organizational planning retreat; opportunities for youth to educate themselves and our community on issues that LGBTQ+ youth face; and professional development through staff positions, fellowships, internships, and Board membership. We also provide limited programs for youth up to age 25. Stonewall Youth centers youth voices and empowers youth participants to take leadership roles in our organization, support each other, and educate the community. We have a staff collective of eight people: five youth (ages 22 or under) and three adults (ages 25, 29 and 56). Half of our Board and Staff Collective are people of color. Youth interns and Fellows lead components of all programs. Our work is rooted in social justice and anti-oppression values. We address the root causes of oppression while providing access to services and activities that alleviate the stresses of marginalization and assist youth to survive and to build sustainable lives. As an organization we know that racism, homophobia, transphobia, adultism, sexism, and ableism are interconnected oppressions that deeply affect our vision for LGBTQ+ youth, as well as the health and well being of all members in our communities.