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. The challenges LGBTQ+ youth face in Florida are intimidating, making the need for our services vital, now more than ever. It is because of our supporters that we are able to offer monthly programming, various weekly support groups, free counseling services with mental health professionals, scholarships, 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 have steadily increased. Thirty years later, our age range and list of services are more expansive than other. While we have made strides, there is so much work to be done. We hope you will join us in supporting our youth!