Youth
"You'll understand when you're older."
You see, we don't think that's true. Of course, knowledge increases with life experience and, hopefully, you'll always be looking for ways to evolve and change. At the same time, only you can know you. That's true at any age--whether 9 or 90.
Even just a decade ago, "coming out" looked much different for kids, teens, and young adults. Families were less supportive, GSAs were no where near as widespread, and finding community was much more difficult. While today there's more acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ youth and our community is constantly becoming broader and more diverse, it can still be a challenge to embrace your authentic self and find your "people". The organizations below exist to provide support and connection as you grow into the person you're meant to be.

Organizations
Rainbow Club @ Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island
Rainbow Club is a dedicated youth group serving Kitsap County. Run through the Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Club, we host meetings most Fridays here at the club throughout the school year. Youth are able to meet and build relationships with other LGBTQAI+ youth, while developing thier leadership and impacting thier community. The youth developed mission statement is. "To create a positive and safe environment for all LGBTQAI+ youth so they can educate and advocate for themselves and others."
Cloud Cover Community
Clallam
Cloud Cover Community is a non-profit organization of volunteers working to support LGBTQIA+ folx and the community.
This includes information, discourse, meetings, and peer support. We do this through Community Meetings. We gather together to connect, create, and encourage community.
Based in Clallam County, Washington, we are currently holding Community Meetings in Sequim and Port Angeles. Please check our Facebook page for events.
Teen Talking Circles
Kitsap
The Teen Talking Circle mission is to educate, inspire, empower youth; foster partnerships across genders, generations, and cultures, and support youth activism. "By modeling wholeness, compassion, and inclusiveness, talking circles help young people develop mature identities and form healthy relationships at home, at work, and in society, providing a foundation for a more cooperative, caring world." Founded on Bainbridge Island in 1993.
Aubrey Lough - Creating Growth Counseling
Kitsap
I am a mental health and substance use disorder professional providing individual, couple, and family therapy to clients throughout Washington State via telehealth. I am a strong advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA2S+ and poly/kink communities. I specialize in supporting clients struggling with their own or a loved one’s self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or substance use, as well as helping couples and families to interrupt and transform ineffective communication patterns. I focus on removing shame and finding empowerment through strengths-based communication and developing effective coping skills.