Dear Chuck, How do I stop internal homophobia?
Thank you so much for asking such an important question! When formulating this answer with the youth we work with, these were some of the initial responses: -Exposure therapy. Use this method to help yourself get used to being around folks that might make you feel...
OUT Maine Builds LGBTQ+ Youth Advisory Board with help from Rocking Moon Foundation
Thanks to generous support from Rocking Moon Foundation, OUT Maine has formed a Youth Advisory Board to guide the organization’s future programming for LGBTQ+* and allied youth. OUT Maine provides programming for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and adults who work with...
Affirmation vs. Tolerance
Have you noticed that most of our trainings have the word “affirming” in their title? Or that our mission includes the word “affirming”? (At OUT Maine, we have an ambitious goal: to help Maine’s diverse queer youth thrive by demonstrating how much they matter. We do...
OUT Maine Receives Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference Community Pillar Award
The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference Awards Committee recently awarded OUT Maine its Community Pillar Award. The Community Pillar Award recognizes a community organization that has shown outstanding support for comprehensive, inclusive sexual health...
OUT Maine seeks Art, Photography, and Writing by LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth of All Ages for Pride Month Art Shows and Anthology.
OUT Maine is proud to partner with Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Erickson Fields Preserve of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and Rock City Cafe for the third annual Visions of Inclusion: Youth Pride Art Shows, Pride Walk, and Anthology. The theme for the art and...
Summer Fun for LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth and their Families!
OUT Maine is proud to continue to offer ongoing youth and family programs this year, expand summer programming, and host the Rainbow Ball weekend for LBGTQ+ and allied youth. OUT in the Park returns for a second season and will be held throughout the state. This year,...
Trans Day of Visibility
“I wanted a day that we can celebrate the living, and I wanted a day that all over the world we could all be together.” Rachel Crandall-Crocker, TDOV founderThere is so much to mourn. Every year, we lose more transgender people to violence, and every year in...
Trans Broken Arm Syndrome — an epidemic in medical offices!
Have you heard? Trans Broken Arm Syndrome (TBAS) is rampant throughout the country! It’s serious and impacting many people who are transgender and gender diverse. Is there a cure or treatment? What research is being done? OK, OK, TBAS is not a real medical condition....
8 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
1. Learn about early signs of mental illnessWhile all diagnoses have different symptoms it would be helpful for you to be aware of these common adolescent/adult warning signs: Excessive worrying or fear, Feeling excessively sad or low Confused thinking or problems...
Your child just came out. Now what?
So you’ve had “the big conversation” — your child or family member’s come out to you — and now what? (Oh, and in case you missed it, take a moment to check out these recent blog posts, What’s a parent to do? Communication and support for your LGBTQ+ child and What to...