Creating Safe Spaces & Community for LGBTQ+ Youth

Across New Hampshire communities, we want every child to feel safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential. For LGBTQ+ youth and their families, finding spaces where they can be themselves and access needed care can be challenging.

New Hampshire Outright (formerly Seacoast Outright), the state’s oldest LGBTQ+ organization, ensures all young people, regardless of identity, have the opportunity to thrive while building stronger, more connected communities for everyone.

 

 

The Critical Need for Dedicated Support

New Hampshire Outright began 31 years ago when parents meeting at the University of New Hampshire identified a crucial gap: while resources existed for parents of LGBTQ+ children, none were specifically for the youth themselves. This realization led to an organization that has become a lifeline for countless young people.

 

Creating Community Through Inclusive Programming

New Hampshire Outright provides comprehensive programming that delivers essential social, emotional, and practical support—ensuring LGBTQ+ youth and their families have access to safe spaces, knowledgeable advocacy, and community resources needed to thrive.

• Friday Night Group: A peer support model offering a safe space where youth in grades 6-12 gather weekly to find community and support among peers who understand their experiences.
• Little Outrighters: A monthly social group for youth in grades K–5, running alongside a support group for parents and caregivers.
• Online Youth Support: A supervised online space for youth ages 13–18 to connect safely when they can’t attend in person.
• Young Adult Group: A group for individuals ages 18–24, providing continued support as they transition from high school and youth-specific programs.
• Parent and Caregiver Support: Regular groups for adults caring for LGBTQ+ youth, providing resources, encouragement, and community.
• Educational Outreach & Trainings: Cultural proficiency training for schools, organizations, businesses, and healthcare providers to foster more inclusive environments statewide.
• Queer Youth Resilience Project: Specialized training for mental health providers to better equip them in caring for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
• PRISM Program: In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire, this program connects LGBTQ+ youth with affirming adult mentors.
• Housing Support: In collaboration with Waypoint NH, addressing housing instability among LGBTQ+ youth through targeted support groups and resources.

 

How Granite United Way Donations Make a Difference

Granite United Way has created an accessible and responsive funding model, particularly beneficial for small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that often fall into funding “gray areas.”

For New Hampshire Outright, these donations have enabled staff growth and targeted initiatives like the Queer Youth Resilience Mental Health Project, which trains clinicians across New Hampshire to better serve LGBTQ+ youth and families.

 

How You Can Help

Every young person deserves a safe and supportive environment to grow, learn, and feel valued. While the challenges some youth face may not always be visible, they matter deeply. Together, we can create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

When you donate to Granite United Way, local volunteers direct resources where they’re most needed, making a meaningful difference in building a stronger, more unified New Hampshire for all.