The San Jose LGBTQ Youth Space is a community drop-in center and mental health program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally youth and young adults ages 13-25 who live in Santa Clara County. The center is committed to running a participant-driven program focused on youth empowerment strategies.
“The Youth Space has provided me a sense of community and a safe space to be myself. It’s a space to have fun and find friends and also to be politically educated and find resources for help.” —Frank Peña
The LGBTQ Youth Space is directed by Adrienne Keel and staffed by a team of LGBTQ+ and ally community members. Staff members have diverse professional backgrounds including the fields of social justice, youth development, mental health, social work, sexuality and gender studies, community organizing, public health, and arts and culture. The center also employs peer mentors in support of their community.
The Youth Space offers a safe and confidential space equipped with a wide range of resources for LGBTQ+ youth in Santa Clara County including support groups, art workshops, activism and leadership opportunities, movie nights, field trips, volunteer opportunities, free snacks, internet access, and video games.
The mental health services provided by the center are available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. Services include individual counseling, case management and psychiatry.
The Youth Space outreach team also offers gender/sexuality awareness workshops for colleagues or students and consult with those who wish to establish campus-based LGBTQ+ groups.. In addition to this, they also provide LGBTQ+ speakers to share their lived experiences. Off-site services are provided free of charge.
The LGBTQ Youth Space is a Program of Family & Children Services and Caminar.
