Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League

The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) is the only Washington, D.C. metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. SMYAL’s mission is to promote and support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBTQ youth as they journey from adolescence into adulthood. To fulfill this mission, SMYAL concentrates on five focus areas: life skills and leadership development, counseling and support, health and wellness education, safe social activities, and community outreach and education.

Service area: Washington, D.C.
Work with: LGBTQ youth
Services for survivors during incarceration include: Support; information; and referrals by phone, email, and mail.
Services for survivors after release include: Counseling and support groups; leadership development opportunities; HIV testing and counseling; Chat it up!, a mixed-gender discussion group; and other social activities for LGBTQ youth.
Services for loved ones include: Information and referrals.
Fees: Free
Additional Information: SMYAL cannot provide on-going services for survivors while they are behind bars. Please contact SMYAL for more information on services available after release.