We Are Family
About We Are Family
Since 1995, We Are Family has been a beacon of hope and acceptance for LGBTQ young people across South Carolina, born from the profound love of founder Tom Myers for his gay son. What began as a grassroots effort to provide constructive information through direct mail and community education has evolved into a thriving sanctuary serving the North Charleston area and beyond. The organization's journey reflects a deep commitment to creating affirming spaces where young people feel genuinely understood, celebrated, and empowered—a mission rooted in the belief that every LGBTQ youth deserves to experience joy, safety, and belonging. We Are Family operates from five core values: Imagination as creative resistance, Celebration of diverse identities and expressions, Self-Determination that honors community autonomy, Intersectional Justice through solidarity and equity work, and Education that honors our ancestors while building toward collective liberation. The organization's community impact extends far beyond traditional programming; it creates what participants describe as a sanctuary and anchor—a place where young people can be authentically themselves without fear. Through peer support groups, leadership retreats like SC BLOOM, mental health services, and community organizing, We Are Family cultivates what they call "Southern Queer Magic." The organization's deep roots in North Charleston and statewide presence reflect nearly three decades of dedicated service to youth who have historically been marginalized or unsupported. Today, We Are Family continues Tom Myers' legacy by lifting voices, shifting culture, and building a collective space of care, refuge, and friendship where LGBTQ young people and their allies can imagine and create a more just world.