The Youth Program @ the Center is a safe place for young people aged 24 and younger to connect with our community. Our purpose is to build community among LGBT youth and straight allies, and encourage healthy community engagement. We empower LGBTQ youth and their straight allies through leadership building, creative and performing arts, and education. At the Center we hold weekly meal nights, art activities, host an annual queer youth prom, and more. Download our program brochure for more information.

All of our programs and services are free to our community. There is no need to sign up for our programs you simply need to show up. Drop-ins are always welcome! For workshops and trainings you must contact us in advance. If you have any questions or are nervous about showing up by yourself, please contact us below. All of our staff is queer and trans-identified, and respect and support all facets of youth identity.

What our youth are saying

“I am really glad [the LGBTQ studies] class was offered. I have learned so much. This class is invaluable and I thank you for sharing it and bringing it into my life.”
- Michaela, 15

"I learned some things that I never knew like Harvey Milk and Transgender rights. I enjoyed having an office with great staff... going on field trips, going to schools...the internship was a fun job and I recommend it to any queer youth that wants to have a life changing experience, learn new things and meet amazing people."
- Ryan, 20

"If it weren't for Meal night, I wouldn't have met people that I relate to. I really enjoyed it, and it helped me to connect with the LGBTQ community more."
- Issac, 17

Going on NOW @ the Center

Youth Meal Night
Every Tuesday 5-7pm, Room Q11
Youth Meal Night is a safe space to meet with your trans/queer/ally friends, have a free dinner, watch a movie and get connected to our community of resources. We also provide board games, community news/announcements, community closet (free clothes), resources and support, and rapid HIV testing provided by the Larkin Street Youth Services and the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. Come for the food and movie, and get connected! Representatives from 5+ youth organizations are available every week. Contact Hajra (hajrak@sfcenter.org) for information.

LGBTQ Studies Class
Our LGBTQ studies class is the best place to learn more about our fabulous LGBTQ history, culture and the issues that directly affect you and our community. Come and learn about Bayard Rustin, why we love Lady Gaga, what transgender Latino fought in Mexican Revolution and why SF is so gay. We’ll be taking field trips, watching movies, listening to inspiring speakers and empowering each other to get right for equal rights. This class is open to all San Francisco high school students! High School students from San Francisco Unified School District are eligible for 5 units of credit towards graduation. So come kick it with us! Contact Sarah (sarahs@sfcenter.org) for more information or your high school counselor.

Youth Program Internships
Recruitment starts every fall!
Since 2007, the Youth Program has the privilege of providing paid part-time internships to local LGBT young people. Interns work hard for 6 months (January to June) to serve their communities and provide youth expertise and experience to our Youth Program. They perform a vast array of duties: outreach, program planning, facilitation of groups and services, leading workshops, provision of referrals, and orchestrate the SF queer youth prom! Must be 18 to 24 years old, and recruitment starts every fall. Learn more about our Youth Program Internship Alumni here.

Events

SF Queer Youth Prom 2012
Friday, June 8th, 7-11 PM
Join the Youth Program at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center in celebrating your 6th annual SF queer youth prom. Youth ages 13 to 20 come make the Center yours at 1800 Market Street on Friday, June 8th, 2012. Come dressed to impress and check your diva attitude at the door. A $5 donation is suggested but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Unite with other children of the 90s and dance to sickin’ beats and become legendary! For up-to-date info check our facebook: www.facebook.com/sfcenteryouth

Services

San Francisco LGBTQ Speakers Bureau
The San Francisco LGBTQ Speakers Bureau aims to end homophobia and transphobia by educating people about the lives and issues that affect the lives of those in our community. They conduct speaking engagements at elementary, middle, and high schools, and to adults in community colleges and work settings. By personalizing the realities of LGBTQ people, we can break down stereotypes which might otherwise lead to ongoing marginalization and violence against members of our communities. To book speakers or become a speaker, please contact Leigh McLellan.

Workshops
Our workshops are fun, educational and free! We provide workshops to student groups and youth-serving organizations. Our workshops aim to build bridges, challenge stereotypes, address hate speech and discuss issues facing the LGBTQ youth community.

Tours
Want to see the ins and outs of our amazing facility? We offer tours to LGBTQ youth and the local groups that serve them. Get to know more about the work we do and the resources we offer to help support our community and future! Tour includes stops at our sky terrace, Cybercenter and Reading Room and more.
Download a Workshop Presentation & Tour Request Form

Join our Online Network

For up-to-date Youth Program news, events and resources join our social network:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfcenteryouth
MySpace: www.myspace.com/sfcenteryouth
YouTube: www.youtube.com/lgbtyouth

Donate to the Youth Program

Have any extra suits, ties, slacks? How about extra art supplies or board games lying around? We are always on the look out for things that help our youth succeed and exercise their minds. You'd be surprised how the little things in life can take us far. Contact us about donations!

Contact Us

Interested in working with us? Stay connected and don't hesitate to hit us up! Contact one of our program coordinators for more information on our programs, tours, workshops and more.

Services for young people 18-24:
Hajra
HajraK@sfcenter.org
(415) 865-5560