Youth First Texas
Youth First Texas is a non-profit youth organization that provides programs and resources for LGBTQ+ youth empowerment and self-acceptance.
History
After volunteering at LGBTQ+ youth camps in the 1990s, Bob Miskinis, Daryl Parker, Bob Ivancic, and Emilia Menthe recognized the need for an LGBTQ+ youth organization to support troubled LGBTQ+ youth.[4] As a result, Youth First Texas was founded by Bob Miskinis, Daryl Parker, Bob Ivancic, and Emilia Menthe in November 1999.[1][4] In 2001, Youth First Texas registered as a non-profit organization, and the first center was opened in Dallas, Texas.[4] Following its opening, Youth First Texas relocated several times before settling an agreement to merge with Resource Center Dallas, a center that houses several LGTBQ+ programs, including Youth First Texas, in Dallas, Texas.[4]
Services
Youth First Texas provides social services, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.[4] It is a space for LGBTQ+ youth to receive acceptance and support during their transition into adulthood.[5][4] Recreational activities, such as dances, choirs, or movie nights, enable LGBTQ+ teens to connect.[5] Youth can participate in leadership seminars or receive academic tutoring.[5] Weekly Queer Identify Nights allow teens to receive mentorship from older LGBTQ+ adults.[5] Furthermore, Youth First Texas provides Q Chat Space and Zoom "Queer Sex Ed", allowing for live online discussion between LGBTQ+ youth.[3]
Impact
According to
References
- ^ a b c Baker, Renee (2009, February 26). New Era in store for Youth First Texas. Renee Baker, Ph.D.EE, LPC. http://renee-baker.com/2010/09/03/new-era-in-store-for-youth-first-texas/
- ^ Hendrix, Chris (2017, November 25). Youth First Texas. The Dallas Way. http://www.thedallasway.org/stories/written/2017/11/25/youth-first-texas
- ^ a b c d e Drollinger, Katy (2022, September 27). North Texas School District Promotes LGBT Group Offering 'Queer Sex Ed' Lessons. Texas Scorecard. https://texasscorecard.com/local/north-texas-school-district-promotes-lgbt-group-offering-queer-sex-ed-lessons/
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Hendrix, Chris (2017, November 25). Youth First Texas. The Dallas Way. http://www.thedallasway.org/stories/written/2017/11/25/youth-first-texas
- ^ a b c d e f Aasen, Eric (2009, November 25). Gay teens in Dallas find loving environment at Youth First Texas. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2009/11/25/gay-teens-in-dallas-find-loving-environment-at-youth-first-texas/