Colors Plus

TransYou: 21 youth served. This weekly gathering invites transgender and gender expansive youth (ages 11-20) into a safe space. Facilitated with a focus on mental health, these conversations are wide-ranging and often address issues facing youth in their daily lives. Attending youth have the opportunity to meet and build connections with other young folks with similar experiences; feedback from attendees often reflects the necessity of understanding that gender nonconforming youth are not alone, and are valid and precious exactly as they are. TransYou is offered in partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Gender+ Playgroups: 30 youth served. playgroups offer kids the opportunity to play, engage, cooperate, and create in a safe and affirming space with other kids who share their experiences. During playgroups, parents and family members can gather in a separate space to share support and information. Dungeons and Dragons: 8 youth served. Because play is a primary way that youth connect, collaborate, engage, and learn, we offer a Dungeons & Dragons night for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-19 every week and a half, alternating Saturdays and Tuesdays. This activity builds strong social support, builds self-confidence, allows youth to explore their identity safely, and allows participants to express their creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making in real time.