Outright Lewiston-Auburn

Outright Lewsiton-Auburn has been providing support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender &/or Questioning youth of Androscoggin county and the surrounding area since 1996. One of the ways we offer consistant support is our weekly drop in. This is a place to hang out, get support from trained volunteers, receive HIV and STD education and information about testing, and support/ education about other topics related to sexual health, suicide prevention, consent, and harm reduction.

I was once an Outright youth. My dedication to the program that helped me so much in my time of need has brought me to become and advisor, and now the Advisory Board President. Working with the youth is so rewarding. Many of our youth are homeless, or couch surfing. Some live with family or friends who they can't come out to. Our space is the only space they can truly be themselves. Know that accepted and they are not alone. I have been told by some youth that Outright saved their life. It was the one thing they look forward to all week. When we have dances the youth are so excited they can dance with the person they want to, they can dress as themselves.

Two years ago our program became homeless itself. Our dedicated volunteers kept the program going. Now we are Under the Fiscal Sponsorship of New Beginnings Inc. A Homeless youth program. This new home offers us the stability and support we needed to continue doing the work that we do. We have already re-hired our Program Coordinator (part time) and are working to strengthen and sustain Outright for years to come. We have collaborated with New Beginnings for years as near 40% of homeless youth in maine are LGBTQ.