Youth Pride Inc.

Youth Pride Inc. is the only nonprofit in Rhode Island specifically dedicated to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ Youth 23 and under. Youth Pride, Inc. is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of youth and young adults impacted by sexual orientation and gender identity/expression while working to end the homophobic and transphobic environments in which they live, work and play.

Youth Pride, Inc. started as a support group for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Greater Rhode Island in December of 1992. In the middle of a snowstorm, four youth and an adult facilitator held their first meeting at Brown University’s Sarah Doyle Women’s Center. They shared their experiences, built community, and named themselves, “The Way Out.”

This small weekly group grew quickly, soon overtaking the Women Center’s living room with dozens of young people sitting on laps, tables, and every part of the floor. In order to meet the needs of this rapidly growing group, “The Way Out” became Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) and received its own tax-exempt status as a not-for-profit organization in 1994. One of YPI’s main discussion groups is named, “The Way Out” in honor of the original group.

For more information visit their website at Youth Pride Inc.