Empowering the voices of LGBTQ+ youth

I’ve had the opportunity to step up for my peers, advocate for youth rights, and help shape a future where every LGBTQ+ young person has access to the resources they deserve.

Photo of Ruben, Youth Service Program Participant

Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of our history and resilience, it’s a declaration of our queer individuality, and our right to build futures where all LGBTQ+ people have the right to exist and thrive. At the SF LGBT Center, I found more than just resources; I found a place to belong, to foster my leadership, and to grow into the person I am today. In 2023, I first walked through the doors of that massive purple building looking for housing resources and a sense of community. What I discovered was a space that not only supported me but empowered me to support others. 

Through the Center’s Youth Leadership Committee (YLC), I’ve had the opportunity to step up for my peers, advocate for youth rights, and help shape a future where every LGBTQ+ young person has access to the resources they deserve. From learning practical leadership skills like organizing and community care to speaking at City Hall against budget cuts that threatened critical services, my time at the Center has shaped my confidence and advocacy. 

Your gift today can help the Center continue to uplift and invest in the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders. Make a donation today to help provide youth with essential services, leadership training, and a space to build their future.  

Being part of the YLC has been transformational for me. It’s given me a sense of security in what it means to be a future leader. I’ve gained a deeper empathy for others’ journeys, and I’ve found my voice in advocacy. Now, I mentor new youth at the Center, helping them navigate resources, find creative expression, and see the power they have to shape their own paths. 

This is the impact of investing in young leaders. As we watch our rights called into question, trans rights stripped away, and histories erased, the time has never been more urgent for us to stand together. To uplift and empower one another, we must support our movements through both action and financial contributions. This means ensuring LGBTQ+ youth have access to safe spaces, wellness resources, and leadership opportunities. It means recognizing that housing is a human right, that wellness is essential, and that our community thrives when we lift each other up. 

Your donation directly supports programs that provide food security, wellness resources, and access to housing navigation. Your gift ensures that young people like me continue to have a place where we feel safe, supported, and seen. Make your gift by June 30th and every dollar donated up to $10,000 will be MATCHED by Redwood Credit Union. 

As we celebrate Pride, let’s invest in our future. By uplifting LGBTQ+ youth, we ensure they have access to affirming spaces and essential resources. We equip them with the tools to lead—whether that means organizing for change, standing up against injustice, or building networks of care. Advocacy becomes possible when young people are empowered to speak up for themselves and their communities, amplifying their voices in the fight for equity. And with access to housing, wellness support, leadership training, and creative expression, they have the opportunity to truly thrive. 

Thank you for being part of this movement and for making a difference in the lives of our community’s future leaders. 

With gratitude, 

Ruben Leon (he/they) 

Youth Leadership Committee Member 

P.S. Help us reach 1,000 donors by Pride! Every dollar—no matter the amount—brings us closer to our goal and fuels the vital work of the Center at this critical moment. Become a supporter today! For more information, check out our social media campaign on Instagram.