Welcome Educators and Mentors!

For all of us who work with youth supporting their healthy personal growth and development is core to our mission. Having the tools to understand the developmental issues facing our youth is essential to our ability to promote their well-being. At Seacoast Outright we provide tools to prepare you to advance equality and social responsibility in your community, and to support healthy identity for all your youth.

"[Seacoast Outright] has helped me to be a better ally for the youth that I serve."
—a high school teacher

The importance of understanding LGBTQ youth

National statistics show that LGBTQ youth and youth who are questioning their sexual identity are at greater risk for suicide, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, homelessness, foster home placement, school drop-out, and STD infections such as HIV.

The period from adolescence to young adulthood is a time of significant development for all youth: young people are developing their individuality and their own identity; all youth are living through the often confusing time of discovering their sexuality.

Why are LGBTQ and questioning youth at greater risk in this tumultuous time for all young people? LGBTQ youth face the additional challenges of negative reactions to their sexual orientation and gender identity. They live with the real worry that they could be ostracized by family, friends and community and the reality that they could face physical harm simply because of who they are.

When you are prepared to support LGBTQ youth you are poised to help all youth develop self-respect, and commitment to citizenship, responsibility and leadership in their communities.

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What do Seacoast-area youth experience?

A survey we conducted in 2006 found:

• 60% of Seacoast youth hear derogatory comments about LGBTQ people at their schools.
• 50% reported that teachers do not intervene when they hear these comments.
• 43% of youth reported having suicidal thoughts.
• 50% of Seacoast youth have been verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation, 15% because of their gender expression.
• 60% of youth reported that during the month before taking our survey, they missed at least one day of school because they felt unsafe there.

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How can we help you serve all youth better?

We are experienced advocates, educators and mentors. We have been working with LGBTQ youth since 1993.

"Often it’s all about theory—this [workshop] was practice oriented and I appreciate that!"
—a social worker

Last year, we served over 200 youth. We see an average of 36 youth per week at our groups. We serve LGBTQ youth and allies, helping all youth build healthy identities and commitments to their community.

"Seacoast Outright helped me grow and develop with healthy skills that I will take with me when I’m an adult. I practice these skills everyday when I am in my community outside of Outright."
—Matt Scott, SO youth

We are experienced leaders. Our Cultural Competency Trainings have been improving service to youth in your community with great success.

"You guys shared great stories and helped us learn more about 'Gay Awareness.'  You did a great job answering questions."
—a youth audience member

"In an easy and conversational way you answered the key questions, provided excellent resources and opened a dialog we can continue."
—a youth worker

Last year, our youth-led speakers' bureau spoke to over 2000 people at places such as Berwick Academy, the Cocheco School of Arts and Technology, Hollis-Brookline High School, and Our House for Girls.

We have provided agency cultural competency trainings at many area non-profits, including Children and Family Services, Seacoast Mental Health, and Rumford Group Homes.

We understand the intricacies of oppression and the relationship that homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have to other forms of discrimination and prejudice. We help you promote social justice in your community.

For information about how we can help your school, agency or program, complete our application (PDF) and submit it via US Post or Email.