Out Youth

Out Youth promotes the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well being of sexual and gender minority youth so that they can openly and safely explore and affirm their identities. Out Youth serves the Central Texas LGBTQ+ (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults.

Founded in 1990, Out Youth has grown and changed over the years, but we’ve always retained our most important facet – providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to come together, receive support, and make friends who understand who they are.

We host a variety of programs and services for youth, and provide trainings and resources for parents, teachers and community members.

Visit us online at https://www.outyouth.org

VISION

Out Youth envisions a world where sexual and gender minority youth receive the support needed to develop positive self-images, empower themselves and become active citizens in their communities.

VALUES

We believe strongly in the following core values, which support our mission and vision.

Sanctuary
We believe that all individuals have the right to be themselves and to express themselves without fear. We work toward this ideal by encouraging people to live their own lives fearlessly and by working to build safer communities.

Empowerment
We believe that young people have the knowledge, skills and experience to make decisions for themselves and to make meaningful contributions to their communities. We encourage and support them as they develop and apply their capacity to transform themselves and the world in which they live.

Justice
We believe that all people have the right to live their lives with dignity. We work toward building a more just society in which everyone has an equal opportunity to live openly and honestly.

Diversity
We believe in honoring our similarities and differences as individuals as well as members of our larger society. We are open to learning about both our individual uniqueness and the ways in which we all connect to one another.

Community
We believe that individuals gain strength by engaging with and contributing to others. Working collectively toward our shared goals deepens our connection to one another.

Integrity
We believe in living with honesty and respect for ourselves and for others. We carefully consider our decisions and take full responsibility for the consequences of our actions.