Youth Outlook

We haven't posted about them in a while, so we would like to remind folks where and when each drop-in center meets! Further details about how to get in contact with all of our centers can be found on our website at https://lnkd.in/gm2j6sCi . Our drop-in centers meet weekly and are a social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about various topics that really matter to them, providing a place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Trained staff and volunteers lead all programming, which includes identity and self-esteem, physical and mental health, political awareness, healthy relationships, and other topics requested by attendees. *Most groups welcome youth ages 12-20, exceptions are noted by each location.

The Fall series of Rainbow Sprouts continues again this Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 PM in Aurora! Please send an email to [email protected] for specific location details. This week is all about "Coloring Outside the Lines"! If it is your first time attending, click this link to register: https://bit.ly/3BNdeYW

Today is a somber day for the transgender community: every year on November 20th, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance and honor the memories of community members lost to anti-trans violence and hatred. Human Rights Campaign just released the full list of 36 known names, which can be read here: https://lnkd.in/gNYvNJKX (CW for discussion of homicide and violent death). Youth Outlook believes that every trans young person has the right to grow into adulthood and live out their story. But this isn't a mission we can accomplish without our allies. This year, let's not just remember, but also resist. Now is the time to take action, our someday has arrived and our somebody is you. Please continue to show up for trans and gender expansive youth by contacting your elected officials, educating yourself on the issues faced by trans and nonbinary youth, and supporting organizations like Youth Outlook with donations of your time and your dollars.

We are so proud of team member Jocelyn Puccini for earning this amazing honor with the work she's done to build and expand our Health and Wellness Navigation services! Please join us in congratulating her for her advocacy and efforts!

Today marks the starts of Transgender Awareness Week, a week focused on highlighting and celebrating the transgender community and shining a spotlight on the issues they face. We're kicking off the celebration by sharing some definitions, how our own numbers stack up, and a few resources to get you started on learning even more. You can also find additional helpful links on our website under our resources tab, https://lnkd.in/gc5KSbgZ.

We've seen some questions about what is happening with our Bolingbrook drop-in center, so let's make sure to clear things up: Bolingbrook will continue meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (except for Thanksgiving) for the foreseeable future. We will provide an update if there are any changes. Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response to this launch! From its launch in June through now, we've seen just how important this center is to the LGBTQ+ youth of Bolingbrook, and we are excited to keep providing the community with a space to feel Safe, Supported, and Celebrated. Come visit us!

The Fall series of Rainbow Sprouts continues again this Saturday, November 9th, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 PM in Aurora! Please send an email to [email protected] for specific location details. We're focusing on self love this week with the theme of "What I Say to Myself Matters"! If it is your first time attending, click this link to register: https://bit.ly/3BNdeYW

As we begin to come to terms with the outcome of this election, we know this news is hard to process, especially for our LGBTQ+ community. We want you to know that our mission at Youth Outlook remains steadfast. For over 25 years, through changing administrations and shifting landscapes, we have been here—supporting LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the communities that empower them. Our commitment, our services, and our dedication to building brighter futures will persist.

We're excited that many of our youth will be voting in their very first election this year, and with that in mind, we wanted to share a few helpful reminders that all voters should know. Whether this is your first or your fiftieth election, you deserve to know your rights at the ballot box. Check out some additional resources below: - https://www.vote411.org/ - head here to check your registration, find your polling place, and learn more about your rights in line (también disponible en espa?ol) - https://lnkd.in/ekRMc4P - use this site to find Grace Period Registration locations in your county - https://lnkd.in/ekbk8iU - use this site to find all the races on your ballot and learn about all the candidates in each race Thank you for exercising your right to vote! Whatever happens this week, our drop-in services will be up and running.

We’re one day away from the 2024 Presidential election, and we know you might be feeling some mixed, messy emotions right now. With conversations about LGBTQ+ identity happening up and down the ballot, thinking about local, state, and national politics may feel like a LOT. We created this guide with you in mind — a quick reminder to recenter yourself during this time of heightened emotions and stress. Save this post and come back to it tomorrow night or whenever you need to calm your nervous system and remember your strength. It’s a pivotal time, but you are a person. Your life and livelihood comes first. Read our full guide on dealing with intense election emotions ?? https://lnkd.in/gK_As7yp Check your polling location and pledge to vote today ?? https://lnkd.in/gTm-draY #ElectionDay #Election2024 #Vote #LGBTQ #MentalHealth #TheTrevorProject