SMYAL

SMYAL is a safe space to be who you are! We support and empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 13-21 in the Washington, DC and surrounding areas. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. We offer programs at our Capitol Hill youth center weekly for expressing yourself, engaging in peer support, gaining leadership training, or just hanging out. We feel representation is extremely important and are inclusive of all identities and experiences without discrimination. If you have any questions, feel free to message us! For more information about SMYAL, you can check out: The SMYAL Website SMYAL Facebook SMYAL Twitter SMYAL Instagram

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Youth, mark your calendars for our back2school BBQ Sept 9th. We'll be grilling, learning about SaferSextember, and distributing school supplies! (at SMYAL)

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Looking for something fun to do this summer? Apply for Activist Camp! It's a free 4 day workshop for student leaders.

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field trip Saturday to see slam poetry

Hey SMYAL youth,

We're going on a field trip this Saturday to see a slam poetry show of Brave new voices. If you're interested in coming, email [email protected] for more details. 

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When people of colour are expected to educate white people as to their humanity, when women are expected to educate men, lesbians and gay men are expected to educate the heterosexual world, the oppressors maintain their position and evade their responsibility for their own actions.

Audre Lorde (via stories-yet-to-be-written)

So true. 

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Our Pride planning committee is proud to unveil the temporary tattoo design that will prance its way onto your biceps come June 11.

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Are you looking for ways to try and fund your college education?

African American students receive less funding than their white counterparts to attend college. AA students, check out http://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/african-american-scholarships/ for scholarship opportunities!

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Suicide Prevention

The city of DC is serious about protecting LGBTQ young people from the danger of suicide. Mayor Bowser recently signed B21-0361, the first law in the nation to require a school suicide policy to address the needs of LGBTQ youth. http://ow.ly/qgu6300iiFC

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Obama Administration Sues North Carolina Over Anti-LGBT Bathroom Bill

The Obama administration is suing North Carolina over HB2. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Department of Justice’s lawsuit “is about a great deal more than just bathrooms.”

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Amazing stand from Loretta Lynch and the Obama administration!

Watch the whole speech here - http://www.c-span.org/video/standalone/?409316-1/attorney-general-loretta-lynch-responds-north-carolina-lawsuit&popoutPlayer

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We've started taking submissions for our Zine! It will debut at Youth Pride (May 14th). For more information email [email protected]

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SMYAL's LGBT Youth Leadership Awards application due date is one month from today. Apply now! http://smyal.org/scholarships.php

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Be sure to keep up with the new friends you made at ‪Leading with Pride 2016‬ by coming to SMYAL’s afternoon programs!

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SMYAL and DCPS's 4th Annual Leading with Pride GSA conference is coming up! Find out more and register today at http://leadingwithpride.tumblr.com/

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Don't miss Nightmare on 7th Street, SMYAL's Haunted House on October 30th from 4-8pm just off the Eastern Market metro stop on the Blue/Silver/Orange lines. (410 7th St. SE Washington, DC. 20003)

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Join us for the SMYAL Brunch on November 15 from 11 am to 2 PM.

https://www.501auctions.com/SMYAL

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Laverne Cox by Alexei Hay, for Entertainment Weekly June 19.

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Yes, you