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”Someone could call you mean, nasty things, but don’t let it stand in your way; don’t let it bring you down. I’ve been called nasty names before, but it hasn’t stopped me just yet. It ain’t gonna ever stop me. I’m always gonna be standing on my feet and being gay and proud.”
—Jess, an Inside Out participant (14 years old, she/her)
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Last week, in the final days of Pride Month, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) handed down decisions in multiple cases that affected the way our country handles equity in education and business. Appallingly, these decisions upheld systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia, and aimed to widen the gap of privilege and power in this country.
Like so many of you, we are disappointed, disgusted, and — most importantly —determined. We are strong when we're together. Our communities, cultures, and beautiful selves are strong. Let's continue to use our collective voice to call for change, continue voting, educating, and working to fix systems that disadvantage so many in favor of so few.
Let's continue to be loud, proud, and dedicated to building access, equity, and power. Together.
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An event calendar created by and
for LGBTQIA2+ young adults!
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COS Qmmunity Events is a site that offers easy access to information, social opportunities and events! LGBTQIA2+ youth, young adults, and families are welcome to browse the calendar for events held at affirming locations. And Organizations, clubs, groups, and businesses may submit their events to the calendar!
Most of the website is password-protected, so these events can stay secure and safe! If you'd like quick access to some of the publicly available events on the calendar, check out our Instagram!
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When allies step up to share their heart and soul for our community, it reminds us that we're not alone. THANK YOU to everyone who donated, hosted a fundraiser, or hosted a giving campaign for IOYS in June.
Some higlights:
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We raised $6,659 during Give Out Day, doubling our 2022 goal!
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9News' "Word of Thanks" campaign encouraged 841 donors to raise $25,005!
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And all the businesses who held Pride Month fundraisers for IOYS collectively raised at least $13,578 ! Numbers are still rolling in from those fundraisers, so we will keep you all updated!
Thank you all for your contributions, and for keeping LGBTQIA2+ young folks in your hearts and minds! If you missed your chance to donate to any of these fundraisers, you can always support us here!
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Two Lives in Pittsburgh screening! | |
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Our friends at IFSOC have invited the whole IOYS community (that means you!) to this heartfelt film THIS Saturday, July 8, at 3:45 p.m. in the Ivywild School Gym Auditorium.
About the film: Confronted by his mother’s illness and his child’s exploration of gender, a traditional blue-collar guy is torn between who he has always been and who his child needs him to be.
Get 10% off your ticket with discount code: FRIENDS10
Let us know if cost is a barrier, as we may have limited free tickets available!
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Join us for our Over the Rainbow Gay-la! | |
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Our second annual Gay-la will be on Saturday, August 12th! Tickets are now on sale!!
Have questions or are you interested in donating an auction item? Please email Nico at nico@insideoutys.
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Like Inside Out Youth Services' discussion groups, Q Chat Space online discussion groups give you a dedicated space to come together with other youth and discuss topics relevant to your identities and experiences – but it’s with youth from all over the US and beyond! It is live and chat-based; there is no video or audio. Chats last 1.5 hours. Facilitators are people who work at LGBTQ+ centers across the US.
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Go to www.qchatspace.org to check it out and see what groups are available.
Want to see what Q Chat Space looks like in action? Check out the video below!
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Michael Grage & Kevin Kempton | |
Carnelian Coffee, Colorado Crisis Services, The Colorado Trust, I Matter, Peak View Behavioral Health, PFLAG Colorado Springs, The Place, Planet Duct, Platte Furniture, UCCS MOSAIC, and x103.9. | |
Stay in the loop as we build access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ youth: | | |
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Inside Out Youth Services (est. 1990) builds access, equity, and power with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and queer, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2+) youth ages 13-24 from Southern Colorado. By providing support systems, creating brave spaces, and teaching life skills to all youth in our community free of charge, we further the happiness and health of LGBTQIA2+ youth in the Colorado Springs vicinity. | | | | |
