programs + services
In order to keep staff, youth, and YPI visitors as safe and protected as possible from COVID-19 and it’s variants, we are updating our mask policy in the space. Starting December 2021, everyone entering YPI’s drop-in space will be required to wear a N-95 mask. We will have them available if you do not have one. We request those with cloth or paper masks to switch to one of our N-95’s upon arrival. Thank you for your corporation!
GROUPS AT YOUTH PRIDE
Youth Pride has a wide range of weekly support groups and activities that take place in person, via zoom, and on Discord. From cooking and arts & crafts to LGBTQ+ Spanish speaking groups and Gender-Sexuality alliances, we invite you to learn more and get involved.
To learn more about our groups or to sign up, please send us an email
LITTLE UNICORNS
Mondays 6-7pm via Zoom,
In person the third monday of each month
We receive many requests from parents of very young children for more programming. To ensure we reach ALL youth who may have questions about gender or sexuality, we’ve created Little Unicorns.
Little Unicorns is a place for LGBTQ+ youth ages 5-9 to gather and socialize while families connect with each other and receive relevant information. Parents do not need to be on the call with their youth. We will have opportunities for parents every few weeks. This group is not for young children of LGBTQ+ parents (unless they are themselves identifying that way) or for young cisgender/straight/nonquestioning children to learn about LGBTQ+ youth. While both of these are important, Little Unicorn’s purpose is to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to find and interact with each other while providing support and connection for the parents of our little unicorns.
Mostrando Orgullo / Showing Pride
Tuesdays 3-4pm in Person
LGBTQ+ Spanish Speaking Group for Youth From Spanish Speaking Cultures
Mostrando Orgullo, which translates to Showing Pride, is YPI’s newest group for Spanish speaking LGBTQ+ youth from Spanish speaking cultures. This group will be facilitated by Spanish speaking staff from the local Latinx community weekly at YPI and is open to youth ages 14-23.
Gender Spectrum
Tuesdays 4-5 pm alternating weekly in person and on Discord
Gender Spectrum is a peer-led, peer-focused support group for trans, questioning, and gender-non-conforming youth in the form of a casual social hour. Topics range from serious to the silly, and always with an emphasis on creating a safe space for youth to be themselves and discuss what’s happening in their lives. Gender Spectrum meets weekly, alternating between in person at YPI and on discord.
Dungeons + Dragons
Tuesdays 5-7pm via Discord
Join the Imagination Guild for some Dungeon and Dragons! Dungeons and Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game. The Imagination Guild cycles through introductionany “how to play” sessions and actual gameplay sessions throughout the month.
The Imagination Guild is a charity group and program that uses the game Dungeons and Dragons as an empowerment tool to benefit children in need.
The Way Out
Wednesdays 4-5 pm alternating weekly in person and on Discord
The Way Out is a general open group with shifting and evolving topic material, commonly central to relationships (family, friends, and romantic), school/work, sexuality, and gender, fighting discrimination, mental health, and current events. The Way Out meets weekly, alternating between in person at YPI and on discord.
Queer Gourmet
Wednesdays 5-7:00
At Queer Gourmet, you will learn cooking skills by preparing a new recipe in YPI’s kitchen each week and take home what you make!
13 and Under Social Space
Thursdays 4:30-5:30 pm via ZooM
Last Thursday of the Month 5-6 pm In Person
We offer social space for our 13 and under youth each week from 4:30-5:30 pm via Zoom and in person on the last Thursday of each month. This is a great opportunity for our younger youth to see each other and familiar YPI faces while also receiving support and participating in fun conversations. The topics are selected each week by the attendants, but typically revolve around school, family, friends, and coming out.
Mindful Makers –
currently on hiatus
Youth ages 9 to 23 are invited to join an hour of restorative creation, with intention and community. Mindfulness is the art of focusing one’s attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them. Bring whatever you would like to create–that short story you want to start, that painting you want to work on again, that bracelet you want to finish weaving, or anything else–and work on it with other YPI youth on a quiet Zoom call where we will work on mindfulness and experience the healing nature of making art together!
Aro/Ace Space –
currently on hiatus
A weekly social pod for folks along the aromantic and/or asexual spectrums, and their questioning cohorts! Facilitated by peers who share these identities, Aro/Ace Space is for conversations of all types, ranging from the silly to the serious. Introspection, puns, memes, and pets can all be expected here, along with facilitated discussions about the Aromantic and Asexual communities.
Gender SEXUALITY ALLIANCE (GSA) support
We have various projects at YPI to assist our state’s GSA clubs and groups. From visiting to brainstorming with students and teachers to share resources among communities. The largest of these projects is our Annual GSA Conference, a day full of workshops and activities for GSA advisors and students alike. To get involved or to start your own group email zoe@youthprideri.org to be connected with our resources and GSA personnel.