As the only LGBTQIA+ youth advocacy and education non-profit in Western North Carolina, we hold our mission close to heart.

Youth OUTright strives to create a world in which all Queer and Trans youth are supported to realize their power and autonomy through self-determination. Our organization supports youth in resisting oppression by building community, healing, and growing together. Along with our partners, we engage in intersectional and intergenerational dialogue with a focus on gender and racial justice.

Creating affirming spaces for all Queer and Trans youth to experience joy is especially important right now, as we continue to see LGBTQIA+ peoples’ rights and lives threatened across the country through legislation, discrimination, and mass violence.

We will not allow our existence to be questioned or overlooked. We are in the South. We are in Appalachia. We are in Western North Carolina.

We are everywhere. And we will continue to stand together, uplifting each other's voices and celebrating our differences in solidarity.

Help us continue creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ young people in Western North Carolina by donating today.

Here are some of the ways your donation supports our work:

Peer Support: We host meet-ups every month where young people can connect, share a meal, and participate in creative and educational activities. Some of the topics we covered this year include Queer safer sex, harm reduction practices, healthy relationships, and gender-affirming herbalism. From covering the cost of rental space to food and drinks to art supplies, your donations help us create spaces where youth can spend time with their peers, enjoy a free meal, and be unapologetically themselves.
Direct Youth Payment Program: DYPP is our emergency fund for LGBTQIA+ young people 24 years old and younger who are experiencing housing insecurity or are in danger of losing basic necessities. As of October, we have distributed over $6,000 in small grants in 2023 to youth seeking emergency funding for needs like medications, food, and rent.
Gender & Sexuality Alliances: Youth OUTright serves as the GSA Network of North Carolina which means we support LGBTQIA+ clubs in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the state. In 2023, we've had a record-breaking 170 clubs register. We partner with clubs to share resources and training, as well as learn about the experiences and needs of Queer and Trans young people in the varying counties we serve. Your donation helps us cover the cost of educational materials, travel expenses, and gifts like pronoun pins.
Special Events: Every year we host a variety of events like the GSA Summit, Queer Youth Prom, and Stonewall Family Picnic. Holding spaces for Queer and Trans youth to build networks of support and engage in peer education is a vital part of our work. Your support helps cover costs like renting a venue, purchasing food and drinks, printing educational materials, and hiring community security to keep everyone safe.
Community Training: We offer 3 courses to schools, youth-serving organizations, and local businesses: Gender & Sexuality, Creating an Affirming Environment, and Coming Out Gender Support Plan. We offer these courses on a sliding scale with the mission of sharing this knowledge with as many folks as possible. Your donation helps cover the costs of printed materials, travel expenses, and staff time when community partners receive subsidized training.

We hope you’ll consider making a donation to help us sustain these offerings and more. No matter the size of your donation, we are truly grateful for your support.

Thank you for being part of the Youth OUTright family!

We Are Everywhere

Supporting Queer & Trans Youth in Western North Carolina