After a long day of reading, writing, doing algebra and other stressful assignments in school, LGBTQ teenagers need a safe and fun place to hang out and just be teenagers. Becoming active in the gay community is the first step to challenging the injustice that LGBTQ youth face every day. Thanks to the progressive nature and size of Philadelphia, there are several free activities and programs for LGBTQ youth to overcome the challenges they face.
Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP) is a community-based program that creates an environment of support and empowerment for youth in Philadelphia. Y-HEP provides the only LGBT youth drop-in center in Philadelphia. At the center a young person can hang out and get information on sexual health, emotional support and educational resources. The drop-in center is open Monday to Friday. Y-HEP also offers food, showers, a computer lab, job-skills training, one-on-one peer counseling and health care.
“We want them to feel supported as young people, empowered to achieve their goals and to find community with others in similar situations,” said Tiffany Thompson, Y-HEP program director.
Empowering youth is essential to bettering the LGBT community in Philadelphia. The Attic Youth Center ensures their young visitors are empowered and prepared for the world.
The Attic is the only organization in Philadelphia exclusively serving LGBTQ youth. The Attic provides weekly programs that focus on assisting youth in developing essential life skills in the areas of job readiness, academic and educational enrichment, youth leadership, arts and health.
With a population of 1.5 million, Philadelphia is one of the most diverse cities in America. Because of this diversity, there are certain youth-serving programs that target particular demographics.
The Outlet program at GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization is for LGBTQ Latino youth ages 13-24. Youth participating in the Outlet will receive individual counseling, take part in group discussions with their peers and help with a community-wide art project to foster their healthy development. In addition, providers serving the Latino community in North Philadelphia will receive enhanced education and training specific to the needs of Latino LGBTQ youth.
If you’re an artist, GALAEI is the place to be. This year, the organization will launch art “hubs” as part of its “Be Seen! Be Heard” program. This program will provide youth with the opportunity to create a committee to plan events that specifically showcase LGBTQ art and how it relates to activism.
“We desire to have a space to celebrate their everyday selves, to showcase their voices, lives and show that love matters,” said Nikki López, GALAEI youth coordinator.
Celebrating youth in the city and building leadership are the cornerstones of many after-school programs. The Mazzoni Center’s Ally Safe Schools program celebrates the diversity of youth and gives them a channel to express themselves in a safe space.
“Ally Safe Schools works with LGBTQ and ally youth in middle and high school in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs,” said Jaymie Campbell, Ally coordinator. “Ally Safe Schools creates a safe space for LGBTQ youth — which [also] makes all youth feel safe.”
The program works to make schools foster more welcoming and inclusive climates for LGBTQ youth. The youth leadership advisory board is the heart of Ally Safe Schools. This board is comprised of youth from across the city who create monthly events for young people. Any youth in middle or high school are welcome to join.
“Being a part of the student leadership board has provided me with a foster family,” said board member Tyunique Nelson. “When I was going through any issue, I went to a meeting and vented in a safe place.”
Another program at The Mazzoni Center is #A1pha. This weekly program is for men and trans-identified men of color under age 23. It provides a safe space for them to explore issues, and helps them develop their leadership skills and gain knowledge about sexual health and community building.
During this school year, leave your comfort zone and join one of the many after-school programs available for LGBTQ youth. Each organization provides food and tokens to and from their location for their programs. By taking part in these programs, you have the opportunity to discover yourself and gain support through your life’s journey. N
Resources:
Mazzoni Center
21 S. 12th St.
215-563-0652
Contact: Jaymie Campbell
Y-HEP
1417 Locust St., third floor
215-564-6388
Contact: Tiffany Thompson
GALAEI
1207 Chestnut St.
215-851-1822
Contact: Nikki López
The Attic Youth Center
255 S. 16th St.
215-545-4331
Contact: Tara Rubinstein
William E. Shelton II, 26, earned a master of arts in writing studies from St. Joseph’s University.