Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
WISH LIST: $100: 1 outreach session on bullying and harassment in area schools; $500: 1 month of weekly support group counseling; $1000: HIV testing, counseling, and referral for 20 LGBTQ youth
We've come a long way in the last quarter century, but for many young people SMYAL is the only place where they can openly and safely be themselves. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at greater risk than their heterosexual peers for physical abuse, homelessness, suicide, HIV infection, substance abuse, and dropping out of school. SMYAL's Youth Center provides a supportive environment for those who are rejected by their families and isolated from their communities. Counseling sessions explore self-esteem, health, sexual activity, drug abuse, anger management, and violence protection. A training program teaches young people to prevent the harassment of their LGBTQ classmates at school and gives them the confidence they need to effect change. A group for men focuses on the intersection of race and homophobia; and a women's support group teaches life skills and leadership development. Free HIV and STD testing, counseling, and referral are offered to everyone. Some young people believe that assault and sexual harassment are the real facts of life. We know better.
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