Who We Are and What We Do

YouthPride is the only organization in metropolitan Atlanta serving all LGBTQ youth.
Uniquely among LGBTQ organizations as well as youth organizations, YouthPride serves teenagers (13-17) and young adults (18-24) regardless of status: gender identity and expression, HIV infection
TQ youth and are not controlled by a larger agency. YouthPride is the only youth-focused grass-roots organization in metropolitan Atlanta governed by and for the local LGBTQ community.
As an advocate for youth in LGBTQ organizations, YouthPride is the only LGBTQ youth organization that regularly participates in and supports programs, activities, and events of other LGBTQ organizations in the community.
As an advocate for LGBTQ persons in youth organizations, YouthPride is the only LGBTQ organization that regularly participates in and supports programs, activities, and events of other local youth-serving organizations in the community.

YouthPride History & Activities

In January of 1995, YouthPride's founders recognized the growing number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) young people seeking support in Atlanta's mental health system. The need for a safe, supportive environment in all institutions serving youth was clear.

Over the next few years, increasing numbers of GLBTQ youth discovered YouthPride. Supported then entirely by adult volunteers, the organization soon outgrew the spaces it borrowed from area businesses and community centers. According to the youth, what YP needed, above all else, was a safe, youth-only, secure space where they could drop-in, and connect with people like themselves.

YouthPride moved into its first space in 1998 in Candler Park. However, the increasing number of participants soon forced the organization to look for a still larger home. In August 2000, YouthPride opened its doors to new space in historic Downtown Decatur. The number of youth members continued growing and we again outgrew our home. This past September, YouthPride relocated to a 4,100 sq. ft. facility located in the trendy, "family-friendly" neighborhood of Inman Park. Here, YouthPride provides a safe, comfortable space where youth can conduct support and discussion groups, plan youth-led workshops, utilize library and computer resources, attend social gatherings, or explore educational and career opportunities.

YouthPride remains metro Atlanta's only GLBTQ organization dedicated solely to the needs and interests of youth.