Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)

The only Washington, DC metro area service organization dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Provides life skills development, counseling, health/wellness education and community outreach/education.

How do you help people in my community?

SMYAL provides a safe and supportive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

Why do you need my support?

Due to homophobia and ignorance, lesbian and gay youth often suffer in silence and alone. The emotional and physical abuse they face at school and home, coupled with the rejection they face with family and friends and the social isolation they feel from other youth, puts lgbt youth in jeopardy of engaging in any number of high risk behaviors. Suffering from low self-esteem, they are less likely to value their own lives. In fact, studies have consistently found that lgbt youth experience higher rates of attempted suicide, homelessness, and substance abuse, and more frequently engage in unsafe sex. We need your help to literally save the lives of these young people.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

SMYAL prides itself on effective and efficient management. In the last few years, SMYAL's budget has grown significantly and has supported a dramatic expansion of our services. Less than 25% of SMYAL's budget is spent on fundraising

Can I Volunteer? How?

SMYAL operates using a corps of more than 100 volunteers. Volunteers facilitate our support groups, after-school drop-in, and volunteer at several special events. For more information on volunteering, call 202-546-5940 X110 or check us out online at www.smyal.org