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Our monthly newsletter is making a comeback to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to our community and the work we are doing! Each month, you'll find highlights from the month behind us and a look at what's coming up, plus volunteer and giving opportunities, program updates, stories that celebrate our community, and much more.
This newsletter is for you and we'd love to hear your thoughts as we shape it moving forward. If you have ideas, feedback, or topics you'd like us to cover, send us an email anytime! Know someone who would enjoy staying connected? Invite them to sign up for our newsletter. We're also increasing our presence on Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to follow us on both.
Thank you for being a friend of Side By Side. We can’t wait to keep you updated!
| | Our 2025 Impact Report is Here! | | |
Every number tells a story, and every story reflects the incredible impact our community made possible. We're excited to share our 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the programs, services, partnerships, and milestones that helped LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across Virginia feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout the past year.
We invite you to explore the report and celebrate everything we accomplished together. Thank you for being part of our community and helping make this work possible!
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| Springtime to Give OUT Day: That's a Wrap! | | This year's Springtime: Planted with Purpose. Grown with Pride. was a beautiful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, community partners, and attendees, we celebrated 35 years of Side By Side while raising more than $72,500 to support LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia! From powerful stories shared by our speakers to the joy of reconnecting with friends old and new, the day was filled with hope, | | |
belonging, and a shared commitment to ensuring every young person knows they are valued.
The funds raised through Springtime make affirming groups, mental health counseling, parents and caregivers support, community events, and other life-changing services possible for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Thank you for helping us plant seeds of hope that will continue to grow long after the celebration ended!
Take a look at photos here!
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Pride Month was a powerful reminder that our community shows up for LGBTQ+ youth in so many meaningful ways. Throughout June, supporters, businesses, volunteers, and advocates came together to celebrate, give back, and invest in a future where every young person knows they belong.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised $10,421 through our Give OUT Day campaign to support life-affirming programs and mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth across Central Virginia.
| | A special thank you to our amazing community partners who hosted fundraisers, donated proceeds, and helped spread the word throughout Pride Month. Your partnership transformed everyday moments into tangible support for the young people we serve whether it was grabbing a meal, shopping local, attending an event, or making a donation. We are deeply grateful for everyone who helped make this campaign a success and for continuing to show LGBTQ+ youth that they are seen, celebrated, and never alone. | | |
During the final week of Pride Month, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of West Virginia v. B.P.J., allowing schools to restrict participation in girls' sports based on sex assigned at birth.
This decision is deeply disappointing. We know transgender youth are resilient, valuable, and deserving of dignity, opportunity, and support. This decision is a setback, but it does not change our commitment. We continue standing alongside transgender youth and their families across Virginia, providing affirming support, and working toward a future where every young person is welcomed for who they are.
Our mission remains unchanged and so does our resolve. Read our full statement here.
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Summer Break
The youth center and office will be closed from Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7 for Summer Break. We will resume normal operations on Monday, August 10.
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Volunteer Orientation
Are you ready to get involved? The next Volunteer Orientation will be held on Saturday, August 15th from 9:00am-12:00pm. If you would like to attend this event, please email info@sidebysideva.org.
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Catch Us in the Community
Join us at the Pavilions from 12 pm to 4 pm for our very special pride festival INSIDE the park.
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Sunday, August 9: Back to School LGBTQ+ Youth Empowerment Event at Diversity Richmond
- He She Ze and We are putting on their annual resource sharing event.
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Sunday, August 16: Nonprofit Awareness Gathering at Basic Beer
Come learn about other groups at this nonprofit-focused market for National Nonprofit Day.
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