ALSO Youth

ALSO Youth is dedicated to our mission of empowering LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, while creating more inclusive communities. We are proud to serve the LGBTQ+ youth population of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Florida ages 10-24. One of few LGBTQ+ youth centers in Florida, the need for our services is vital, now more than ever. It is because of our supporters that we are able to offer monthly programming, various weekly support groups, free mental health counseling services with mental health professionals, academic scholarships for college students up to age 24, an annual LGBTQ+ affirming Prom, and much more. 

ALSO Youth was created in 1992 by individuals who were alarmed at the statistics documenting high rates of suicide among gay and lesbian teens. In cooperation with other local organizations such as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG); Planned Parenthood; and YMCA Youth and Family Services, volunteers were recruited to conduct a support group for Sarasota area youth. Upon realizing that more comprehensive services were needed throughout the community, ALSO’s founders initiated contact with school officials and implemented a training program for educators. The number of youth and community members served has steadily increased. 

We respond directly to the needs of the youth. In 2022, The Trevor Project published a survey assessing the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in Florida, specifically pertaining to mental health and discrimination. They found that 65% of LGBTQ+ young people in Florida wanted mental health care but could not access it. We understand the deficit in mental health care access and the impact of receiving affirming and inclusive mental health counseling. We currently provide over 70 free mental health counseling sessions each month. This service extends to the family of LGBTQ+ youth and can be accessed in person, or virtually, without any health insurance. Thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to continue providing this critical service.

Thirty-two years from our inception, our age range and list of services are more expansive than ever. As our services grow, so does our community. While we have made strides, there is so much work to be done. We hope you will join us in supporting our youth!