Organization Description Our Space is a Community Center for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning) youth ages 14-24 to connect with community and other LGBTQ youth, attend support groups, health education workshops and leadership opportunities, get free food & clothes, check out books, get connected to a therapist or case manager and get connected to critical community resources.
Our Space is located in Hayward, CA and is a program of Bay Area Youth Center/Sunny Hills Services.
Program Information Our Space is a Community Center for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning) youth ages 14-24 to connect with community and other LGBTQ youth, attend support groups, health education workshops and leadership opportunities, get free food & clothes, check out books, get connected to a therapist or case manager and get connected to critical community resources.
At the heart of everything we do at Our Space (and hanging in glitter on our wall), we ask this question: "How do you show fierce love to yourself and your community?"
We ask this question because in a world where queer and trans youth are stigmatized and marginalized daily, we know it takes a lot of ferocity to stand up against that hate and choose to love ourselves AND our community unconditionally and for all that we are. All Our Space services are infused with this concept of fierce love and include:
- LGBTQ community center programming 4 days per week
- LGBTQ youth peer support groups & performance, healing and community-building groups
- A monthly, LGBTQ intergenerational community potluck
- LGBTQ competent and affirming therapy and case management services
- Specialized support services for LGBTQ youth in foster care, and their caregivers and families
- Annual East Bay Youth Pride celebration, organized by LGBTQ youth for LGBTQ youth
- Referrals and linkages to critical support services (i.e. housing, medical, legal, etc.)
Our Space serves LGBTQ youth ages 14 - 24, many of whom live in poverty and are impacted by homelessness, the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. Approximately 90 percent of Our Space members are youth of color. We serve over 100 unduplicated youth each year.
We are currently accepting interns who have either lived or work experience with LGBTQ youth. We prioritize interns who identify as LGBTQ people of color.