Youth Community Programs
The Metamorphosis project focuses on serving youth 18-24 who are in emergency situations. Many of our youth and young adults don’t find themselves seeking emergency services, but rather a sense of community support. Youth Community Programs at OUTMemphis consists of our programming that is focused on social and support resources for youth under 24 and families. Group information, referrals for mental health resources and/or assistance with school questions can be found below. For more information on any topic pertaining to LGBTQ+ youth or families contact [email protected].
We Are Here
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Social-Support Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything beforehand?
Nope! Just show up!
Who is in charge of the group?
This group is run by our Youth Services staff, as well as a group of Facilitators. These are volunteers who have gone through a training process to learn how to effectively keep a group moving and fun.
I’m 25. Am I allowed to come?
Yes! This group is for folks 18-25, meaning that you are allowed until your 26th birthday.
I’m 17. Am I allowed to come?
Unfortunately, no. This group is 18-25. However, we invite you to join PRYSM, our youth group for 13-17 year-olds!
Can OUTMemphis pick me up or give me a ride home?
No. OUTMemphis Staff work on a strict Youth Interaction Policy which prohibits giving rides to guests. We ask that you make sure to arrange rides to and from GenQ beforehand. However, Facilitators and other group members are not prohibited from providing rides to each other, but that is something that will have to be worked out on a case-by-case basis between group members.
Who will be in the building during meetings?
While this group meets during our normal open hours, the meeting itself is closed to participants. There may be staff, volunteers, or other guests in the building, but they will not be allowed to enter the space where GenQ is meeting unless they fit the demographic.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. Everything needed for the meeting, including activities and food, will be provided. We do ask to know about any food allergies, diet restrictions, or other such knowledge beforehand so we can engineer the best experience possible for the group members.
What should I expect at this meeting?
Most meetings have some sort of food (either a snack or a meal), an activity (such as arts and crafts, games, presentation, etc), and discussion time.
GenQ
*GenQ will be returning in June of 2023*
GenQ is our group for LGBTQ+ and Allied folks ages 18-24. This group meets once per week, and is a safe, closed environment for connection, discussion, and most importantly fun!
Each week, this group meets at OUTMemphis (892 S Cooper), during which time they engage in snacks and drinks, fun planned activities, and discussion, all with peers who understand their experience.
This group is peer-led (like most groups at OUTMemphis), meaning that the facilitators of GenQ are also LGBTQ or Allied and 18-24.
This group, being a more mature age group than our other youth services, has a lot more freedom of activity, and will occasionally plan to do non-traditional things such as off-site meetings and activities. These will be discussed beforehand and approved by the group. This group also participates in our Life Hack program, a series of classes aimed at building skills and learning things necessary to be a productive member of society. This includes things like cooking classes, financial planning, anger management, interviewing skills, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I/Does my youth need to do anything beforehand?
No. At the youth’s first meeting, there will be a short intake form on which we ask for name and pronouns, emergency contact information, and the kinds of activities they would like to engage in.
Who is in charge of the group?
This group is run by our Youth Services staff, as well as a highly vetted select group of advisors. These advisors have been through an application and interview process, volunteer and facilitator training, training on how to identify and prevent abuse, and an extensive background check.
Can parents stay during the group?
Unfortunately, no. Because this space is engineered to be as close to peer-led as it can be, parents are not allowed to stay for the meetings. However, parents and caregivers are encouraged to come slightly early (before youth are on-site) to meet the advisors, staff members, and any presenters who might be speaking that day. If you’d like to arrange this, please contact us via email.
Can OUTMemphis pick my youth up or give them a ride home?
No. OUTMemphis Staff and Advisors work on a strict Youth Interaction Policy which prohibits giving rides to youth. We ask that you make sure to arrange rides to and from PRYSM beforehand.
Who will be in the building during meetings?
During PRYSM meetings, there is always at least one Youth Services Staff member as well as two PRYSM Advisors. Other than that, the only people allowed in the building while the PRYSM youth occupy the space are any special presenters that may be there to give a presentation. No one else is allowed in the building during these times.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. Everything needed for the meeting, including activities and food, will be provided. We do ask to know about any food allergies, diet restrictions, or other such knowledge beforehand so we can engineer the best experience possible for the youths.
What should I expect at this meeting?
Most meetings have some sort of food (either a snack or a meal), an activity (such as arts and crafts, games, presentation etc), and discussion time.
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PRYSM
PRYSM is our group for LGBTQ and Allied youth ages 13-17. This group meets once per week, and is a safe, closed environment for connection, discussion, and most importantly fun!
At each meeting, the group spends time engaging in snacks and drinks, fun planned activities, and discussion, all with peers who understand their experience. Check out the web page for Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information and to stay up-to-date, sign up for text alerts.
Meeting Time
Every Saturday, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Contact
We Are Family
We Are Family is a quarterly group that offers a chance for LGBTQ+ families with children ages 12 and under to connect with other such families. All families have a unique blend of members that don’t always look the same as others. The purpose of this group is for youth 12 and under and their immediate family to have a welcoming space to make lasting connections with other families that may or may not resemble their own. If you have more questions about who is welcome to attend, send us an email!
Each meeting will have snacks, refreshments, and a fun activity to engage in.
Meeting Time
Quarterly (dates vary)
For more information, please visit the Facebook Event Page.