Side by Side
About Side by Side
Side by Side, based in Richmond, Virginia, is a community-driven organization with over three decades of dedicated service to LGBTQ+ youth. Founded in 1991 as the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY) and rebranded in 2016, Side by Side has established itself as a national leader in youth-centered advocacy and support. The organization is built on four core strategic priorities: a public commitment to Black LGBTQ+ youth flourishing, creating vibrant and diverse communities through partnership and mutual support, maintaining a youth-centered approach to all decision-making, and serving as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ community education and progress. What distinguishes Side by Side is its deep commitment to intersectionality and racial equity, recognizing the complete humanity of every young person it serves while actively working to dismantle systems of racial inequity. The organization celebrates a rich history of firsts—from offering the first college scholarship for LGBTQ+ youth in 1996 to hosting groundbreaking alternative proms and launching innovative programs like its Host Home initiative for homeless young adults. Side by Side's impact extends throughout Virginia's LGBTQ+ community, with support groups spanning from Richmond to Charlottesville and training programs reaching schools and organizations across the Commonwealth. By listening to youth voices, creating affirming spaces, and building long-term relationships within Black communities, Side by Side continues its tradition of supporting LGBTQ+ youth to define themselves and flourish in a more equitable future.