YouthPride

From TransGeorgia

Information copied from www.youthpride.org

• Discussion Forums

YouthPride feels offering weekly discussion groups is one of the most valuable services it can provide. All groups are facilitated by trained adult and youth volunteers and operated according to a set of rules developed by YP Staff, Board of Directors, and Youth. Every group begins with a review of group rules. All information exchanged during meetings is confidential.

Trans & Friends (Ages 13-24) Mondays 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Trans & Friends is a forum to facilitate open dialogue and activism around social issues encouraging a beloved community in a transient world. Allies and partners welcome.

T-Time (Ages 13-24) Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm.
T-Time is a closed group only open to trans identified youth and those that are questioning their gender.

Empowered Men (Ages 13-24) Monday 6:30-8 p.m.
A discussion group just for gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young African Amercian men.

Womyn's Lounge (Ages 16-24) LBTQ Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m.
A social/support group to foster additional support and community for lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning womyn.

Boy Talk (Ages 16-24) GBTQ Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m.
A social/support group to foster additional support and community for gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young men.

Teen Forum (Ages 13-18) GLBTQ Wednesday 6:30-8 p.m.
A time for teens to discuss personal issues, ask questions, and find support.

Young Adult Forum (Ages 19-24) GLBTQ Wednesday 6:30-8 p.m.
A group for young adults that allows for in-depth discussions, often focusing on one particular issue.

• Other YouthPride programs and events

Safe Zone, funded in part by the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, offers a daily after-school program and regular support and discussion groups. Safe Zone comprises trainings and workshops, a print library, Internet resources, social gatherings, monthly dances, career exploration, and referral to other services.
The Safe Zone includes:

Clearview HIV Testing: Free and confidential HIV testing is available at YouthPride using the new Clearview Testing system. You can view your results in approximately 10 minutes. YouthPride is excited to host this new technology with assistance from STAND, Inc. Stop by the center any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. for your free test.

Screen With A Queen: Every Thursday night a new movie! Join us 6:30p-8:30p for movies, discussions, and fun. Check the calender above to review a showing list.

MY LIFE: (Mobilizing Youth to Learn, Inspire, Facilitate & Educate Peers for HIV/AIDS Prevention): This program is supported in part by Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund, and Fulton County Department of Human Services. MY LIFE is a multi-faceted, year-round HIV/AIDS prevention education program working closely with AID Atlanta, AID Gwinnett, and other organizations.

EVOLVE! Suicide Prevention & Counseling: YouthPride developed the Evolve! program in order to address the growing problem of suicide among LGBTQ teenagers and young adults. The program provides therapeutic services to youth in crisis while also working to increase community awareness of mental health issues, depression and suicide for "at risk" youth and young adults in Metro Atlanta. EVOLVE! expanded its services in 2008 by offering YouthPride members free individual, couples, and group counseling in a non-judgmental and confidential environment. Counseling is provided on site by licensed practitioners or a counseling intern. We also provide counseling or referrals to YP members' families and offer workshops to the public. Evolve! also provides help and referrals for youth struggling with homelessness. To schedule a counseling session, please email the counseling staff (letstalk@youthpride.org). Editor's note: It is unclear whether these counseling services are well-equipped to deal with trans* youth.

David Bohnett CyberCenter: An eight-station state-of-the art computer center and free Internet portal for youth provided by the David Bohnett Foundation.

YouthBoard: Empowers youth by giving them a formal voice in all aspects of YouthPride. It also provides for election of youth members to YouthPride's formal governing Board of Directors.

CITY Academy: An intensive week-long program serving approximately 20 inner city youth supported by Fulton County FRESH. Throughout the school year, CITY Academy offers leadership development and youth empowerment trainings and workshops.

• General information on YouthPride

The YouthPride Center is convenient to Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA station. Please allow for extra time in reaching the Center so you can be on time. It may also help to review the driving and MARTA directions.

Taking a straight (heterosexual) friend with you to your first discussion forum is OK, but be aware that you will have to go alone the next time you come, as the groups are meant for GLBTQ youth. We do understand, however, that some youth need a sense of security on their first visit.

Often youth go out for coffee, pizza, or other food after groups get out.

Whether you plan on leaving right after group or after going out to eat, please make arrangements for returning home afterward. YouthPride does not provide transportation.