Youth Programs
Youth programs at Pacific Center support young people in feeling connected, supported, and uplifted. We offer a welcoming, affirming space to explore identity -- especially sexuality and gender -- and mental health. We believe in promoting empowerment, mental well-being and safety for all LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC youth.
I find myself more comfortable with who I am when I have the chance to come to a space with other people like me.
Photo via The Gender Spectrum Collection
Having access to a supportive space is something we all deserve -- especially when we are exploring our various identities and experiences. Our programs provide young people an opportunity to build relationships with other queer youth, while also centering their mental and emotional well-being.
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The Trans Tween Group
The Trans Tween group is active! For information and sign up, email tweenrockers@pacificcenter.org.
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The Trans Tween Group is a free support group for transgender and gender creative youth (ages 9-13). This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month in person from 11am-12:30pm at the Pacific Center. Each group is facilitated by an adult mentor and a mental health clinician, both of whom identify as trans.
When we meet, we hang out, share stories, meet new friends, support each other, laugh, and play games. This space was created for trans and gender creative tweens to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential space, knowing that finding spaces that are both gender affirming and youth-friendly can be challenging. The Trans Tween Group is a fun, supportive, caring space that invites folx to be themselves.
In our group, we talk about gender and gender expression amongst other topics that may be relevant to current events or what is coming up for the group members at any given time. We also play games like collaborative story writing, telestrations, and show and tell to help facilitate engagement and connection with all group members.
Parents & Caregivers Group
Parents and Caregivers of Trans Youth is a safe and confidential support group to share thoughts, feelings, resources and to support one another.
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Parents and Caregivers IN PERSON: Starting March 2024, this group will meet meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month in person from 11am-12:30pm at the Pacific Center. For more information, reach out to youthprogram@pacificcenter.org
Parents and Caregivers Virtual: We also meet virtually every 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10am-11:30am! For more information, reach out to rainbowfamilies@pacificcenter.org.
L.O.U.D
The L.O.U.D. group is active! For information and sign up, email LOUDyouth@pacificcenter.org.
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L.O.U.D. (Loving Ourselves and Uniting Diversity) is a free support group that meets weekly from 4pm-6pm on Tuesday. This group also meets on the 1st Saturday of each month in person from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Pacific Center. LOUD provides a safe space and peer support for LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 12-17). Each week, we gather, share stories, meet new friends, support each other, laugh, play games, or go on field trips.
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The group is co-facilitated by two Queer adult mentors. The adult mentors are also able to connect youth who may be seeking support one-on-one, through Pacific Center's clinic.
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On a regular basis, we invite volunteer mentors and special guests from the LGBTQIA+ community to lead discussions on a variety of topics, including dating & safe relationships, mental health, activism, dealing with issues at home, music & art, and exploring identity.
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If you are interested in joining LOUD or are a parent of a youth and have questions about the program, contact us at LOUDyouth@pacificcenter.org.
If you’re a young person who is interested in joining a group, you are more than welcome to reach out to us (youthprogram@pacificcenter.org) at any time with questions or concerns!
Accessibility Notice: The youth group room is wheelchair accessible. If you have any additional accessibility needs (including needs specific to a virtual space), please reach out to us at youthprogram@pacificcenter.org. You deserve to access our youth programs without barriers, and we will work with you to make sure your needs are met as best we can.