Proud Generation FAQ
What is Proud Generation Youth Group?
Proud Generation Youth Group is a safe gathering of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth ages 12 through 19. We meet together, with adult supervision every Wednesday for two hours. Youth are able to feel comfortable being themselves in this environment without harassment, pressure or discrimination.
What happens at the youth group?
A variety of different activities are planned for the group. These include topics of discussion related to their lives as gay youth, movies, dances, and planning for upcoming conferences and activities that are important to them.
What happens when a participating youth turns 19?
Our policy includes a provision for youth that have been active with the group prior to their 19th birthday, which allows them to remain active in the group until their 20th birthday provided they have been present at 10 or more meetings throughout the year prior to their birthday.
If I participate in the youth group do I risk being "outed" at school or to my friends and family?
Proud Generation respects the privacy of it's participants. Only gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth are permitted to attend group. It is a strict rule for all participants that we are never to give the identity of participants to anyone without their expressed permission. All discussions are kept in the room and never repeated. Our group meets at the Family Learning Center as only a "youth group."
What if I am not out to my parents and they approach a leader and ask what the youth group is about?
The leaders would answer with the following: "Proud Generation is a weekly youth group for kids to learn to connect with one another and make a difference in the world around them. We do this by exploring topics important to your children and having fun, interactive activites. We are a safe, drug free environment providing a sense of pride about the world your children live in." At no time would a youth leader expose a members sexual orientation to anyone, including their parents.
What are the guidelines for the meetings?
1. Respect everyone- you don't have to like everyone but you do need to respect them.
2.NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER tell ANYONE that someone is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their sexuality without their permission.
3. Words spoken within our walls stay within our walls. Do not repeat anything anyone says during group.
4. Drugs and alcohol are unwelcome guests of our group. We don't want them inside your body or out during our meetings.
5. If you have a problem with another member of the group let a leader know after group and they will help you resolve it.
6. Feelings are welcome at our group. Sharing them brings us together.
7. Sensitive political topics will occasionally be addressed during group. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions. No one will be ridiculed for their beliefs.
8. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth are welcome. Straight allies will occasionally be invited for dances and meetings. However the core group will identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning.
9. Foster an accepting and caring environment. We need one another.
Proud Generation Homepage
Proud Generation Frequently Asked Questions
Proud Generation Youth Links
Proud Generation PHOTOS!