The Queer Youth (QYou) Initiative at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-20. At QYou, we work to collaborate and provide youth with a network of support and opportunities to express themselves, make new friends, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
QYou Drop-IN: Youth ages 11 to 20 are invited to socialize in our Living Room, a safe space where they can receive positive identity affirmation and engage in peer-to-peer empowerment. A daily check-in discussion is held alongside a meal or snack. Ample unstructured-time is offered so youth can socialize with each other through arts & crafts, games, and guided activities. Accessing important resources, making friends, and promoting community involvement are cornerstones of the program.
QYou Drop-IN is also available virtually from 4:30pm to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
You are welcome to join us for Drop-IN programming at any time before or after completing the registration form. You do not have to wait for a coordinator's approval. We look forward to meeing you!
QYou Lorain County: A youth-focused program of The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland and is designed to support Lorain county based organizations who serve LGBTQ+ youth. We offer support through providing general consultative services, assisting with program facilitation plans, and enabling connections with the Center and community partners for special programming. Click here to learn more!
#PowerUpPowerOut is a 13-week series of leadership modules designed to educate youth on how to become better advocates for the LGBTQ+ community (as well as other marginalized populations) within their schools and communities. The program is open to diverse youth aged 14 to 19.
Registration is ongoing. Join at anytime. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
QYou Ambassadors: Youth who have completed the #PowerUpPowerOut series become eligible to be QYou Ambassadors. The QYou Ambassadors program is an opportunity to create social, cultural, and policy change for the LGBT+ community through direct volunteership with the Center’s work.
QGen is an intergenerational arts & culture program between QYou and Rainbow Pioneers (a Center program for LGBTQ+ elders aged 50+). The group meets routinely for a variety of exciting media based events! Recently we have conducted sessions on notable LGBT+ music, and queer representation in film.
QZine: Providing a platform for LGBT+ youth to creatively express themselves is the goal of our community run publication, QZine. Young artists are invited to submit their writings, drawings, photographs, and other endeavors to our quarterly zine. More information about the QZine launch will be available soon.
TransYou: In partnership with Colors+ Youth Center, TransYou is a for trans/gender divers/gender expansive youth. This casual community discussion group is for youth ages 11-20 with a main focus on providing a safe space for affirmative friendships and supportive community to grow.
The group meets every Tuesday from 4PM to 5PM. To register for this virtual group email [email protected]
QYou Additional Resources
MEET THE TEAM
