Next Generation

The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL) is the only Washington, DC metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting and enhancing the self-esteem and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, and questioning (LGBTIQ) youth, and increasing public awareness and understanding of their challenges. Their mission is to promote self-confident, healthy, and productive lives for LGBTIQ youth as they journey from adolescence into adulthood.

SMYAL was founded in 1984 by a group of community activists in response to the hospitalization and incarceration of male youth in St. Elizabeths Hospital for perceived effeminacy. SMYAL began as a weekend support group, expanded into an after-school program, and in 1997 purchased two adjacent row houses on Capitol Hill that serve as the administrative offices and Youth Center.

External links

• SMYAL web page