• Welcome Our Director Of Development And Community Engagement 
• Clinical Services
• An Update For Our Recurring Donors  
• Join Our Meal Program
• Graduation Big Group Recap
• Building Inclusive Schools
• Volunteer Orientation
• Upcoming Events

Our new face of Development and Community Engagement is here, and we’re so thrilled for you to meet him. Say hello to Jason Elliott (he/him)!  

Jason will be spearheading our fundraising campaigns and community efforts, leading our community-based education and training sessions focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and advocacy, and overseeing the strategic goals of our growing communications team.

Curious about Jason’s journey to Side by Side? Click the button below to read all about it. If you’re interested in chatting with him, schedule a time to meet (virtually or in-person).  

Free clinical counseling is back! 

We’re thrilled to once again offer free 1:1 clinical counseling to eligible LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11–25. Services are available in person or virtually through telehealth, at no cost to youth or their families. 

Counseling provides additional support for youth navigating mental health needs related to gender identity, sexual identity, gender dysphoria, intersecting identities, and more. 



Interested in our clinical services? Youth can connect with a Side by Side staff member or group coordinator to begin the referral process. 

We’re making an update to our donation processing system. 

Side by Side is transitioning to a new donation processing platform to help keep payment and personal information safe and secure. We are excited for this change, but in order to make sure there is no lapse in monthly donations, we need your help! 

What does this mean for recurring donors? Beginning September 1st, existing recurring donors will need to reenroll to continue your recurring gifts. Current donor information will not transfer automatically. 

Should you update your information now? No action is needed yet. Our new platform will go live on September 1st, so set a reminder now to update your information then. 

We will also be contacting our recurring monthly donors through a separate newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Elliott, Director of Development and Community Engagement. 

Thank you for your continued support of LGBTQ+ youth and families across Virginia! 

Back-to-school season is here! As new and familiar faces return to our groups, we’re committed to providing a warm meal at every group meeting. Become a food sponsor and provide a home-cooked meal or takeout for our youth. It’s a simple way to help create a welcoming space where our youth feel supported, connected, and cared for. 

Interested? Click the button below to email us about your food donation!

Recent legal decisions like West Virginia v. B.P.J. have brought renewed attention to the rights and experiences of transgender students in schools. For educators and school staff, this is an ever-evolving conversation regarding how we create a supportive environment for our LGBTQ+ youth.  

The good news: You don’t have to be a legal expert to support your students. 

We know at Side by Side that our transgender youth are resilient and deserving of opportunities, but the burden to navigate these challenges shouldn’t solely rely on them. With help from Side by Side, explore how to develop practical tools and a shared language to navigate situations with your students in the classroom and with your professional peers. 

Looking for somewhere to start? Click below to request a training!

Catch Us in the Community

• Saturday, Sept 12th at Midtown Green - VA Pride: Side By Side will be at the festival all day long in the youth area. Stop by, play some video games on the gaming truck, pick up your limited edition “You Are Loved” tee, say hello to our staff, and much more!  

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