Side by Side VA

Our Mission & History: Founded in 1991, Side by Side creates supportive communities where Virginia's LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and thrive. We are the only organization in Central Virginia solely dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11–25 through free support groups, identity-affirming mental health counseling, housing navigation, social programs, advocacy, and education.

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Our Goal: 

This Give OUT Day, we're raising $15,000 to help keep free, identity-affirming mental health counseling available for LGBTQ+ youth who need it most. No young person should have to choose between getting the support they need and being able to afford it. Your gift helps ensure that LGBTQ+ youth facing bullying, rejection, isolation, anxiety, depression, or housing instability can access affirming care at no cost.

To learn more about our counseling services, visit www.sidebysideva.org/counseling 

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Why We Need You Now

Our Work Continues - Side by Side remains deeply committed to Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. We offer support groups, identity-affirming mental health counseling, housing navigation services, and educational training for schools and youth-serving professionals. Whether delivered in-person or virtually, our programs remain a vital lifeline for young people facing isolation, trauma, and rejection—offering connection, care, and hope when they need it most.

LGBTQ+ Youth Face Higher Mental Health Risks- LGBTQ+ youth continue to face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, bullying, discrimination, and suicidal ideation. According to The Trevor Project's 2025 U.S. National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health:

• 36% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.
• More than 59% of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–17 experienced bullying in the past year.
• Only 44% of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health support were able to access it.
• LGBTQ+ youth who experience bullying, discrimination, or other forms of anti-LGBTQ+ victimization report significantly higher rates of suicide attempts.
• Transgender and nonbinary youth continue to face some of the highest barriers to accessing affirming care and support.

These challenges are not caused by a young person's identity. They are driven by stigma, isolation, discrimination, and a lack of access to affirming resources.

That's where Side by Side steps in.

Every day, we provide safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Through free identity-affirming mental health counseling, support groups, family engagement, and community-building programs, we help young people build confidence, resilience, and hope.

Since January 2025, Side by Side has:

• Served 209 LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
• Engaged 96 parents, caregivers, and family members.
• Facilitated more than 210 support group sessions.
• Hosted 9 workshops, learning days, and community events, including Queer Prom.
• Welcomed an average of 18 youth each day to our drop-in center.
• Supported an average of 10 youth in every support group session.

As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies continue to impact young people's well-being, the need for accessible, affirming mental health services has never been greater.

Your support helps ensure that LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia have access to free mental health counseling, supportive community, and the resources they need to thrive.

Together, we can make sure every LGBTQ+ young person knows they are valued, supported, and never alone.

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This Give OUT Day, you're not simply funding an organization—you're helping provide access to life-saving, identity-affirming mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia.

For many young people, Side by Side is the first place where they can talk openly about who they are, find support from peers who understand them, and access affirming mental health services at no cost. Your gift helps ensure that financial barriers never prevent a young person from getting the care and support they need. Because every young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.

Here's how your gift can make a difference:

$10	provides art supplies that help youth express themselves, build confidence, and connect with peers.
$30	provides snacks for one evening of drop-in programming, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for youth.
$100	provides one free, identity-affirming mental health counseling session for an LGBTQ+ young person.
$150	provides a hot meal for youth attending a support group, ensuring basic needs are met while building community.
$520	supports one week of facilitated support groups where LGBTQ+ youth can find connection, affirmation, and belonging.

Every donation brings us closer to our goal of keeping mental health counseling and supportive services free for LGBTQ+ youth who need them most. When you give, you're helping a young person access care, find community, and know they are not alone