OUT MetroWest builds thriving communities for LGBTQ+ youth in Framingham and throughout the MetroWest region by creating spaces where young people find belonging, connection, and mentorship. Since 2011, the organization has grown organically in response to direct youth and family feedback, launching programs that address real community needs rather than assumptions. What began as WAGLY—social meetings for high school youth—has evolved into a comprehensive network of age-specific programs developed with input from the young people they serve. The organization's commitment to centering youth voices is evident in how each program expansion emerged from requests: Umbrella responded to transgender youth needs, Nexus addressed middle schoolers seeking community, drop-in sessions fulfilled requests for informal connection time, and recent additions like Shine and the Youth of Color Hangout reflect ongoing responsiveness to community input. Operating from their Framingham base with satellite events throughout MetroWest, OUT MetroWest serves as both a safe haven and a catalyst for connection. The organization's values extend beyond programming to include explicit commitment to racial justice and celebrating diversity, recognizing their responsibility to center Black, Indigenous, and People of Color perspectives and experiences. By removing all financial barriers through free programming and creating multiple entry points for connection—from structured programs to casual drop-ins—OUT MetroWest ensures that every LGBTQ+ young person in the community can find their people and thrive.
Framingham, MA