Join Us as We Grieve and Heal
Pulse black ribbon
Rainbow Orlando
Community Discussion and Vigil Tonight
Join us tonight from 6-8 PM at the Foundry United Methodist Church along with our community partners The DC Center, K hushDC, Latino LGBT History Project, HIPS, and Whitman Walker Health, as we engage in a community dialogue about the aftermath of the Orlando Pulse shooting. Afterward, at 8 PM, we will head to Dupont Circle for a multi-faith vigil to remember those who were brutally taken from their friends and family much too soon. 

We have pledged ourselves to empowering LGBTQ youth and at no time is this mission more important than at a moment like this. 

The effects of this attack have rippled across the LGBTQ community, Latinx community, Muslim American community, and America as a whole. We hope to engage our community and display solitary for all of those who have been impacted.


Words from Grace, a SMYAL Youth
SMYAL youth and Peer Educator Grace Dolan-Sandrino penned an emotional yet hopeful response to the Pulse shooting, which was published online by Common Dreams the day after the event. 

It is the strength of conviction that young people like Grace display that should comfort us all in our hope for the future. 

Youth Support Services
In this difficult time the SMYAL youth center has been a resource for youth. Our programs staff has been available for support and our youth have been encouraged to seek out the free counseling contracted with MBI health services if they are in need of professional counseling support. 

This evening, all SMYAL youth have been invited to the community forum and vigil. Youth will assemble at SMYAL and head over in a group. 
SMYAL Talks to WJLA - ABC 7
Development Director Jason Laney and Peer Education Coordinator Jhané Fletcher spoke to local new station ABC 7 about SMYAL's work supporting LGBTQ youth now in the wake of this tragedy and in the future coming out to their families. Watch the news clip here . 
 
SMYAL |  410 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 | 202.546.5940| [email protected] | smyal.org
About:
SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

Donate
Please consider making a donation to SMYAL.  SMYAL depends on the generous financial support of concerned community members to continue to provide our high-impact programs and much needed services. SMYAL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible.