We advocate for LGBTQ youth so they can seize each day and prepare for the future.

We advocate for LGBTQ youth so they can seize each day and prepare for the future.

Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy.
Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy.

Youth Services

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Need inspiration for your next GSA campaign? On the hunt for scholarships? We’ve got your back.

Giving Back

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From volunteering to donations, the opportunities to support LGBTQ youth are endless.

Housing

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LGBTQ youth deserve a place to live, learn, and grow. That’s why our transitional housing program includes mental health services, networking, mentorship, and more

Empower LGBTQ Youth to Thrive

With 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identifying as LGBTQ, our mission has never been more clear. From transitional housing to leadership development, SMYAL serves at-risk youth as they overcome the challenges associated with their identity. Our services are made possible by the generous contributions of our community. Help SMYAL continue to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth.

Upcoming Event

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH | RED BEAR BREWING | 6-8 PM

 

SMYAL for the New Year

The SMYAL Young Donors Committee invites you to ring in 2024 and kick off SMYAL 40th anniversary year at the annual SMYAL for the New Year celebration!

We’re excited to be back celebrating at Red Bear Brewing Co. as we reconnect with old friends and meet new supporters. Bring a friend, raise a glass, and make a New Year’s resolution to support LGBTQ+ youth in 2024 by becoming a part of the SMYAL Champions monthly donor program. Join us to show up and show out for LGBTQ+ youth!

SMYAL Social Media

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SMYAL

SMYAL

SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24.

23 hours ago

SMYAL
"SMYAL is where I realized that I could be my true, authentic self. I had just left an abusive housing situation, where I could be queer but I couldn’t be mentally ill. SMYAL taught me that not only was I okay being queer, mentally ill, and disabled, that I didn’t need to APOLOGIZE for ANY of that. If it weren’t for SMYAL…I might be alive, but I wouldn’t be nearly as happy, or nearly as radically kind to myself and others in the way we all deserve."-Nolan (he/she/xe), Age 25, SMYAL Alum....Do you have a story of how SMYAL has impacted your life? We want to feature you in our #MySMYALStory campaign! Share yours today at SMYAL.org/shareyourstory#40YearsofSMYAL #MySMYALStory ... See MoreSee Less
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3 days ago

SMYAL
📅 WEEKLY DROP-IN PROGRAMS FOR MAR 26 - 29Tuesday 3/26, 4-7 pm: Drop-In Programs for Ages 13-24Wednesday 3/27, 5:30-6:30 pm, Little SMYALS Virtual for Ages 10-13Thursday 3/28, 5-7 pm: Virtual Drop-In Programs on Discord for Ages 18-24Friday 3/29, 4-7 pm: Drop-In Programs for Ages 18-24Learn more and join our programs for queer + trans youth ages 6-24 at SMYAL.org/schedule or click on the links in our bio! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

SMYAL
🪩 Queer and trans students are invited to dance the night away and celebrate queer joy at Pride Prom DMV! 🪩📅 Saturday, May 11⏰ 6-9 PM📍 NW Washington, DC🎟️ FREEPride Prom DMV is open to all LGBTQ+ students ages 16-19 (or equivalent to a junior or senior-status at school)Building on last year’s incredible DC Pride Prom for LGBTQ+ students, Pride Prom DMV promises a vibrant atmosphere, diverse music, and a supportive community— Pride Prom DMV is not just a celebration; it’s a declaration of identity and resilience. Through laughter, dance, and shared experiences, attendees create lasting memories and forge bonds that extend beyond the dance floor. As the night unfolds, it becomes a testament to the strength and joy of LGBTQ+ youth, proudly asserting their right to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.Snag your tickets and learn more at SMYAL.org/PrideProm or click the link in our bio!Help us choose a theme! Vote in our poll or suggest a theme below ⤵️ ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

SMYAL
The Washington Capitals Pride Night Auction presented by @giantfood is open for bidding for ONE MORE DAY at WashCaps.com/PrideAuction. The auction features autographed player-used sticks with Pride Tape, signed Pride pucks, Giant groceries for a year and more! Proceeds benefit SMYAL with a portion of proceeds earmarked for Team DC and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. Auction closes TOMORROW March 21 at 3 p.m. - so get your bids in NOW! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

SMYAL
📅 WEEKLY DROP-IN PROGRAMS FOR MAR 19 - 22Tuesday 3/12, 4-7 pm: Drop-In Programs for Ages 13-24Wednesday 3/13, 4:30-6 pm: Virtual QChat Programs for Ages 13-19Wednesday 3/6, 5:30-6:30 pm, Little SMYALS Virtual for Ages 10-13Thursday 3/14, 5-7 pm: Virtual Drop-In Programs on Discord for Ages 13-17Friday 3/15, 4-7 pm: Drop-In Programs for Ages 13-24Learn more and join our programs for queer + trans youth ages 6-24 at SMYAL.org/schedule or click on the links in our bio! ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

SMYAL
It has been just over a month since Nex Benedict—an Indigenous, 16-year-old, nonbinary, high school student in Oklahoma—passed away.In the weeks since, our community has experienced immense feelings of grief, anger, frustration, and injustice. For so many of us, this grief is layered—it is personal, it is communal. At the same time, we have seen our community come together to lean on one another, raise our voices, call for accountability, and process—in real-time—the loss of a young person’s life.This week, the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office released their summary autopsy report ruling Nex’s death as suicide. The report provides little other context or information, and leaves many of us already hurting with more questions and more layers of grief. Regardless of the specifics, Nex should still be here.SMYAL joins the calls for continued investigations into the events surrounding Nex’s death. As we search for answers in the details, we must name and address head-on the root causes that perpetuate bullying, violence, and transphobia. This latest report highlights what many of us already know: LGBTQ+ youth are in crisis.(Cont. in comments) ⬇️ ... See MoreSee Less
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