Side by Side VA

Our Mission & History: Side by Side was founded in 1991 as ROSMY (Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth) and has grown into a vital lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth in Central Virginia. Our mission is to create supportive communities where Virginia's LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and thrive. We are the only organization in Central Virginia solely dedicated to meeting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 11-25.

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Our Goal: This GiveOUT Day, we are focusing on providing free clinical counseling services to our youth that need it most. Help us in raising $15,000 to keep these services free for our youth. To learn more, visit www.sidebysideva.org/counseling. 

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Why We Need You Now

1. Our Work Continues - Side by Side remains deeply committed to Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. We offer support groups, identity-affirming mental health counseling, housing navigation services, and educational training for schools and youth-serving professionals. Whether delivered in-person or virtually, our programs remain a vital lifeline for young people facing isolation, trauma, and rejection—offering connection, care, and hope when they need it most.
   
2. LGBTQ+ Youth Face Higher Mental Health Risks- LGBTQ+ youth—especially Black, Brown, transgender, and nonbinary youth—experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than their peers. According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey:

   • 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. That number rises to 54% among transgender and nonbinary youth.

   • More than 1 in 10 (12%) LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.

   • Nearly half (49%) of LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-17 experienced bullying in the past year, and those who did reported significantly higher rates attempting suicide in the past year than those who did not experience bullying.

   • 50% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.

   • 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth couldn’t access the mental health care they needed.

   • These heartbreaking realities are why free, affirming clinical services are so essential.

3. Why Mental Health Services Matter - As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies increase across the country, the need for safe, supportive mental health services is greater than ever. Youth come to Side by Side facing bullying at school, rejection at home, and mental health crises that feel impossible to navigate alone. When we offer a welcoming space and identity-affirming counseling, we’re not just addressing symptoms—we’re building self-worth, community, and hope. With your support, we can continue to make sure LGBTQ+ youth know they are loved, seen, and supported.

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Every dollar counts—but your $10 donation could make an even bigger impact. That’s because every unique donation of $10 or more moves us closer to our goal. Your gift doesn't just support free mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth—it keeps our programs running all year long. 

$10	Art supplies for one youth craft project
$30	One night of snacks for youth during drop-in hours
$100	One individual mental health counseling session
$150	One night of hot meals for youth in Support Group
$520	One week of facilitators for Support Group