Youth OUTLOUD
For LGBTQ+ Youth in 6 - 12th Grade
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Mission
Our mission is to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth in middle and high school, where they are empowered to discover and embrace their authentic selves.
We aim to promote open discussion and dialogue in a space where experiences can be shared and meaningful connections can be developed.
Vision
Our vision is to transform safe spaces of support into brave spaces for action. By developing youth leadership and creating opportunities for youth-led initiatives, we aim to empower young leaders to build a strong community for themselves and for others in the Midlands and beyond.
Values
We value the time, energy, and dedication of LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies in our community. At Youth OUTLOUD, voices and lived experiences are centered, identities and expressions are celebrated, and fears and hopes are validated.
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At typical meetings, we provide a variety of activities and peer-support including:
Watching age appropriate movies/shows and discussing
Crafting
Game Nights
And lots more!
Off-site/yearly events:
Queer Prom
Movie Theatre outings
SC Pride Parade & Festival
Local zoo trip
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Beginning in March, Youth OUTLOUD will be split into two meeting days, one for middle school and one for high school.
When
starting in March
Middle school meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 5-7pm
High school meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6-8pm
Where
The Harriet Hancock Center
1108 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205
(unless otherwise stated)
Dinner is always provided at Youth OUTLOUD
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Youth must be in grades 6-12th and be enrolled in a public, charter, private, or homeschool program.
Please complete this intake form.NOTE: You must complete the intake form before attending Youth OUTLOUD meetings and events.
Meet our Facilitators
Brynn (she/her)
Brynn is an Indiana native who recently moved to Columbia with her girlfriend of 8 years for her job at Riverbanks Zoo. She has a B.A. in English from Ball State University, and is currently bartending while trying to settle on what to study in graduate school. Brynn loves cooking, alternative music, and devouring all kinds of queer media (film, books, video games, etc!)
Brynn wanted to facilitate Youth OUTLOUD because she knows firsthand the belonging and joy that comes with finding your people after living through an unsupportive home environment. “Safe, understanding adults can mean so much to us as we formulate our queer identities, and I want to take after those supportive figures in my life!”
Fun fact about Brynn: “My 3 y/o Silken Windhound, Ventus, is the HHCF's unofficial mascot and often accompanies me to my volunteer hours.”
Roxie (she/her)
Roxie is a recent graduate from Anderson University, graduating with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology. She aims to work in the non-profit field in the future, assisting human rights organizations with support for and education on minority groups and sociological struggles. Besides volunteering at the HHC, Roxie spends most of her free time pursuing artistic hobbies (reading, making collages, baking, writing poetry, drawing, etc.) and being with her friends or cat, Gus.
Roxie wanted to facilitate Youth OUTLOUD because of her interests and professional background. “Everyone deserves to have an affirming and safe space to be who they are, especially those who are younger and in their developmental prime.” She hopes to be a supportive and educational figure for every participant, helping them grow to be their most authentic selves.
Fun fact about Roxie: “I do freelance portrait and concert photography, and have photographed a few of my favorite bands so far!”
Tori (they/she)
Tori Evans (they/she) is a Black, fat, neurodivergent, ungovernable Queer based in Columbia, SC. Their work is deeply rooted in abolition and the liberation of themselves and their people. Tori is a doula and reproductive justice advocate, currently focused on the intersection of reproductive justice and abolition. Tori is an avid reader, professional napper, and amateur baker. Most Sundays you can find her at home with her family.
Tori is excited to facilitate Youth OUTLOUD because representation matters, and everyone’s liberation is essential—especially the kiddos. She wants to help the kids dream and imagine a better future for themselves and the community.
Fun fact: Tori has a sourdough starter named, Dottie. They bake 2-3 loaves a week.
Greer (she/her)
Greer is a Columbia, SC native with a Bachelor’s of Social Work from USC. Since her graduation in 2019, she has been working in the social work field.
Greer loves to read (catch her at Pages of Pride every third Thursday of the month!), do different arts and crafts, cook/bake, and hang out with her family, friends, and cat named Pancake.
She is excited to facilitate for YOL because “youth voices are so important! To be able to find a community and advocate for yourself at a young age is important, and I'm excited to facilitate great discussions and LGBTQ+ community bonding!”