ALSO Youth Starts New Summer Camp for LGBTQ Youth and Allies
ALSO Youth is offering a free summer camp with sessions in June and July.
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ALSO Youth, a local nonprofit that supports LGBTQ youth, is launching Camp True Colors, a new free summer camp for LGBTQ youth and their allies between the ages of 10 and 14. The half-day camp will take place over two sessions at ALSO's Manatee County youth center and will include arts and crafts, STEM activities, games and more.
The winning T-shirt design in a Pride Month design contest. The image was created by 11-year-old Jasper. The shirts will be on sale in June to celebrate Pride Month.
Image: Courtesy Photo
In recent years, Florida has seen a number of anti-LGBTQ policies implemented, including legislation that targets transgender people, bans on preferred pronouns in the classroom, and bans on classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity across public schools at all grade levels. Florida has no statewide laws that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodations, which can lead to discrimination and even violence against LGBTQ youth.
Research has shown that LGBTQ youth who face discrimination and rejection from their families, schools and communities are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide.
Camp True Colors session one takes place June 12-16 and session two takes place July 10-14. Camps will run from noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday each week at 351 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton. Register here for free. Contact [email protected] or click here to find out about volunteer opportunities, support groups and more. Click here for the organization's May calendar of events.
