Time Out Youth

Our 2023 Annual Report is here! We're thrilled to be able to share the story of our past year with you. As we reflect on 2023, it reminds us that this work would not be possible without the support of our community, donors, volunteers, and partners. Thank you for working towards this goal with us: creating inclusive communities, supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and building an accepting space that uplifts and empowers. Your continued support makes all the difference in the lives of our young people. Read on for more information about our successes and wins from last year.💛

Thank you to Krispy Kreme for your continued support of our work, including sponsoring dinners here at Time Out Youth! We are so grateful for your partnership!

Today is GLSEN's Day of (No) Silence! GLSEN’s Day of (No) Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Two of our youth were interviewed for this piece on CNN. We are so proud of them for sharing their stories! Through our work with educators, schools, and community organizations, we are working to make the world more inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth.

Our team is growing in 2024! We are looking to add a full-time mental health counselor to our staff. Are you passionate about uplifting LGBTQ+ youth? Do you have experience as a metal health professional? This could be the job for you! Apply today at this link: https://lnkd.in/dYjYJaZK

Looking for a something new to listen to? Our Chief Operating Officer David Samson (he/him) was featured on the Dads with Daughters podcast! Listen now to hear him chat about fatherhood, uplifting LGBTQ+ young people, and our work at Time Out Youth! https://lnkd.in/gFp7ZavM

We were thrilled to find our CEO, Sarah Mikhail, featured on Axios Charlotte’s list of Impressive Women Shaping Charlotte in 2024! A reader submitted Sarah, stating that she is “creating meaningful change and community, all while fighting for LGBTQ youth in this tumultuous political climate.” We’re so glad to have Sarah at the helm and are proud to be making a difference in the community. 💖

We had a wonderful time last night at The Plus Collective volunteer fair! It was a great chance to connect with new volunteers, talk about our work, and catch up with our community partners. We're so grateful for the chance to participate and for The Plus Collective's continued support.

Nex Benedict (they/them) was a 16-year-old nonbinary and Choctaw teen. They loved rock music, nature, and their cat Zeus. They liked playing Minecraft and watching The Walking Dead. In Owasso, Oklahoma on February 7, Nex was attacked inside a school bathroom by other students. They died the following day. We are mourning the loss of such a bright member of the queer community. We cannot stress enough: Nex should still be here. Nex should still be alive. While we never knew Nex, we work with LGBTQ+ youth every day. All LGBTQ+ youth deserve the chance to grow, to flourish, to become LGBTQ+ adults and elders. In a world where queer youth’s right to exist freely is debated by public officials, it is harder and harder for this to happen. All queer youth deserve to be loved. They deserve to be celebrated and treasured for who they are. In this time, we are extending our deepest love and support to Nex’s family, friends, and their community. Please send support to those working in Oklahoma to uplift queer voices and make change in Nex’s memory, such as Freedom Oklahoma, Rural Oklahoma Pride, and Oklahomans for Equality. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@timeoutyouth.org. Other resources available include Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), Trevor Project (text START to 678-678), and the LGBT National Hotline (888-843-4564). Rest in power, Nex.

Check out this great opportunity from our friends at GLSEN!

We are so grateful to the Charlotte Hornets for their incredible support. Thank you for your partnership!