ALSO Youth

About ALSO Youth

ALSO Youth emerged from a powerful community response to alarming statistics about suicide rates among gay and lesbian teenagers. Founded in 1992 by concerned individuals in Sarasota, Florida, the organization began with volunteers conducting support groups for local youth, recognizing that comprehensive services were essential for the community's most vulnerable members. What started as a grassroots peer support initiative has evolved into a multifaceted nonprofit charity serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 throughout the Sarasota and Manatee Counties area. The organization's founders proactively engaged with school officials to implement educator training programs, understanding that systemic change required institutional partnerships. Today, ALSO Youth represents decades of community commitment to supporting sexual minority youth through peer connections, professional counseling, educational advocacy, and resource referrals. The organization serves not only young people navigating their identities but also their families and friends, creating a supportive ecosystem rooted in acceptance and understanding. ALSO Youth's mission centers on enhancing self-esteem, promoting healthy dialogue about sexual diversity, and increasing community awareness of LGBTQ+ youth issues. Operating in the Sarasota region, ALSO Youth embodies the principle that when communities come together with compassion and purpose, they can create meaningful, lasting change for their most vulnerable young people.

Industries

Community Connections