SMYAL Programs
For many young people, SMYAL provides the only safe space in their world. LGBTQ youth are at greater risk than their heterosexual peers for many negative health outcomes, including HIV infection, violence, substance abuse, physical abuse, homelessness, and suicide.
Our youth programs, which occur both in our Youth Center and in area schools, are designed to build participants' capacity, specific to knowledge and skills that build greater self-efficacy, improve their physical and emotional health and to increase their sense of self-worth and place in their community. SMYAL's core expertise is identifying and developing strengths in LGBTQ youth, helping youth through the "coming out" process and fostering positive self-esteem.
Counseling and Group Support
Our counselor and staff members give youth the support they need to make informed decisions about their health, sexual activity, drug and alcohol use/abuse, anger management and violence prevention through individual counseling and weekly support groups.
Youth Advocates Program
Youth Advocates develop advocacy campaigns for equal rights and treatment of themselves and/or their LGBTQ peers. The
goal of the Youth Advocates Program is to provide opportunities for
youth to develop leadership skills, raise awareness about the LGBTQ
community, help make safer spaces for LGBTQ youth and allies and
advocate for positive social change.
HIV Testing, Counseling and Referral
SMYAL provides free HIV testing, counseling and referral for youth. Our Health Program Manager connects youth who test positive for HIV to the care they need through a partnership with Children's National Medical Center and provides limited case management. We also provide free testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Chat it Up!
This group provides an outlet for youth to learn about current events and share their opinions, for discussion about topics such as race, gender, politics, sex, LGBT rights, violence, and other issues that apply to youth.
Brotherhood University
Our CDC-funded Brotherhood University program uses the proven effective DEBI (Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Intervention) "Many Men, Many Voices" to provide young gay and bisexual men of color with HIV prevention education.
Recreational Night
Providing safe social activities for LGBTQ youth to be themselves is an integral part to our work. Every Friday, we open our Youth Center for regular social activities such as dances, movie nights, and games nights. We also work with community partners to hold large-scale events throughout the region.