Finding a supportive space is hard enough as a young person, but it is especially challenging for those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ). For LGBTQ youth who participate in Women's Fund grantee partner Pridelines Youth Services, however, that is not the case.

The moment they walk through Pridelines' door, they enter a supportive environment that helps them deal with issues of sexuality and personal growth. That space can sometimes mean the difference between life or death. 

“When I came out to my mother, she stopped supporting me financially. I was living in her house and going to school. I had to start buying my own food, paying for bus fare and clothes. I thought she was going to kick me out, but she hasn’t, yet,” explained Keisha (not her real name).

Like for Keisha, Pridelines has been a home away from home for hundreds of LGBTQ youth. The purple walls have numerous stories to tell of the youth whose lives have been transformed through the supportive programming Pridelines offers. Nestled in the heart of Overtown, one of Miami’s most historic social change districts, Pridelines Youth Services building sits quietly under the shadow of Temple Israel, an expansive building that serves as a community space for large Pridelines gatherings. Many of Prideline’s youth come from Overtown or Allapattah and are low-income. 

Most afternoons, clusters of young people assemble in the building to socialize, participate in educational programs that promote healthy sexuality and life skills and receive referrals to social services. 

When Pridelines asked the youth what was missing from its programming, girls expressed an overwhelming desire for their own space. With the help of a Women’s Fund grant, Pridelines offers a weekly meeting for young women called “Becoming Women" which informs, educates, empowers and trains LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13-19 by providing support, educational, outreach and mentoring services.

At a recent Becoming Women meeting, the girls told their coming out stories. Only one had a positive story to tell. Most had faced rejection, hostility and even ridicule.  Facing isolation and rejection alone is a terrifying ordeal for anyone, particularly a young person. In this circle, the girls listened, laughed, and offered words of support to those who expressed sadness, fear and anger.  

“Pridelines is my family,” Keisha said. “This is where I come to recharge and talk to friends who go through the same things I do at school, at home or on the streets. If it weren’t for the people here, I wouldn’t know what to do.”

Many LGBTQ youth also face huge obstacles when dealing with service providers. Some may be homophobic, ignorant or insensitive to the very specific needs of LGBTQ youth. When youth come to Pridelines, they do so because they feel respected, comfortable and safe.