LGBTQ+ Youth Programs in Maine
Creating Welcoming Communities for Queer and Trans Youth, Kids, and Teens With All Intersectional Identities
At OUT Maine, we have an ambitious goal: to create more welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s diverse queer youth in all their intersectional identities by changing the very systems that serve them. LGBTQ+ youth face serious challenges, including sadness, depression, and risk of suicide. Providing support for genderqueer and nonbinary kids in Maine as well as for adults and professionals who serve as their social support, can help save lives. By supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their families, empowering queer youth in our Maine communities, and educating providers, we help create welcoming and affirming spaces needed by our LGBTQ+ population.
Teen LGBTQ+ Programs Support Mental Health & Build Welcoming Communities
Approximately 30% of Maine teens identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning. That percentage is even higher — 40% — among teens in foster care. At OUT Maine, our rural, community-based, prevention-focused programming and training lifts up queer youth in Maine’s isolated and under-resourced regions and strives to create a strong safety net of supportive adults that can help make a difference in the lives of queer young people. With youth programs, LGBTQ+ programs for schools, and inclusivity training and support, OUT Maine helps build the confidence and life skills that help Maine’s queer youth thrive.
Reach out to find out more about Youth Programs, Training, and Consultations, or be part of our support network by Donating to OUT Maine.
In-Person Events
Go to "programs" to see all ongoing and online events for youth, parents, and professional development.
Tickets are on sale now for our first annual Rainbow Gala and Dance Party 21+ fundraiser!
December 2023
Book Discussion: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Book Discussion: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
February 2024
Rainbow Gala and Dance Party (21+)
Rainbow Gala and Dance Party (21+)
May 2024
Rainbow Ball Weekend '24
Rainbow Ball Weekend '24
September 2024
Art Weekend '24
Art Weekend '24
Latest Blog Posts
Talking to Relatives about LGBTQ+ Issues
As families gather for the holiday season, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies may be preparing to interact with relatives who have different opinions or questions about LGBTQ+ issues. This can lead to some challenging and potentially tense conversations, and we hope the...
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023
On November 28, 1998 an African American trans woman named Rita Hester was killed in Allston, Massachusetts. No arrests were made in her murder. Trans activists and community members in Boston had enough of these stories, and started the annual Transgender Day of...
Being LGBTQ+ then and now
October is LGBTQ+ history month. This month provides us with a reminder that LGBTQ+ people have always existed – even if the words we use to describe ourselves changes. We often think of previous centuries when we think of “history”, but so much has changed just one generation. The following are quotes from LGBTQ+ people in their 30’s about what has changed since they were kids.