About The Program
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. Accessing important resources, making friends, and promoting community involvement are cornerstones of the program.
Questions? For more information contact the QYou team at [email protected].
qyou Resources
Mon | wed | fri 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
QYou Drop-In
At QYou Drop-In, 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.
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 meeting you!
Mon | WED 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
slay: Stonewall Leadership
academy for youth
Stonewall Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY) is a 13-week series of leadership modules - open to diverse youth aged 14 to 19 - 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.
QYOU AMBASSADORS
Youth who have completed the Stonewall Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY) 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.
register your gsa
Does your school have a Gay, Straight Alliance/Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)? Help us build a network of GSA’s across Northeast Ohio. Registering your GSA allows us to reach out with resources and events that we think would be of interest to LGBTQ+ youth and allies, as well as connect with other GSA’s. Information provided remains confidential.
QUEER PROM
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland proudly presents an annual Queer Prom for youths ages 14-20, encouraging attendees to come as they to be who they are! The event is held annually in June. Stay tuned for details for Queer Prom 2024!
Pride in the cle®
PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP
The Pride Scholarship is awarded annually in June to 2 eligible applicants on The Main Stage at Pride in the CLE®. Applicants must be between the age of 17-25, who are residents of Ohio, and are seeking scholarship money to any university, community college, technical school, art school, or para-professional program. While only 2 recipients are awarded each year, applicants may apply annually as long as they are eligible for consideration.
2023 APPLICATIONS HAVE CLOSED: Stay tuned for 2024 information!
COMMUNITY Resources
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
COLORS+ Trans You
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.
WEEKDAYS VARIOUS TIMES
SCHOOL OF ONE
In Partnership with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), School of One is the first of its kind in the nation. SO1 is an on-site public school with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth, providing them an affirming safe environment.
Additional community resource guide
The Center remains a hub of resource and connection. We have collected a guide for youth to utilize when needed - from immediate crisis to mental health professionals to legal assistance.
The Team
Autumn Franz
(They/Them)
Madeline Swanbeck
(They/Them)
