Gender Spectrum is a weekly group for young people ages 13-23 who identify as trans, non-binary, agender, or gender questioning. It is led by a young person and supported by a staff member who identify within the trans community. Hang out, share experiences, ask questions, and gain resources. You decide meeting topics—from coming out and health care to relationships, fashion, and pop culture—anything is fair game. Gender Spectrum meets every Tuesday from 4-5pm.  

This is a peer-to-peer support group for YPI members ages 13-23 that meets every Thursday from 4-5pm. It is an opportunity for young people to talk in a safe place, where no judgments will be made. The Way Out is YPI’s original group and has been running since 1992. Come be part of its history!

Every Thursday at 5pm we open up the drop-in center only for youth 9-13 so they can have a safe space to hang out and connect with other youth their age. We have icebreakers, board games, arts & crafts, video games, activities, and snacks. From 6-7, we run a support group facilitated by one of our clinicians–they can share experiences, support one another and ask questions. During 13 & Under, caregivers of youth are welcome to hang out in our library where they can meet with other adults or talk to staff about resources. We encourage more adventurous caregivers to check out many of the local businesses in the area–just make sure you’re back by 7:45pm for pickup! All youth need to have a signed Guardian Consent Form before they can participate in the program.

A mental health counselor is available at YPI on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-8pm for individual counseling by appointment for young people who access our services. YPI members need to have a signed consent form and can make appointments by talking to a staff member during drop-in.

YPI staff are available for LGBTQ youth who need immediate assistance with health, mental health, and basic needs. If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, let us know. We can help and then refer you to the right resources.

YPI maintains a basic needs pantry stocked with food, toiletries, clothing, and school supplies for young people up to 23 who access our services or attend our programs. Youth can access our pantry during our drop-in hours by speaking with a staff member. Our food pantry is stocked with generous donations from individuals and organizations. If you or your company are interested in holding a food/toiletry drive or donating goods, please contact us!

YPI is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State for an LGBTQQ Youth Mentoring program that matches youth between the ages of 11 and 21 in long-term, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteer mentors. A prospective mentor participates in a thorough interview. The goal is to make the best match possible–pairing a youth sharing similar interests with the volunteer, or whose needs match with the mentor’s skills and experience. Volunteers must provide references, and the agency orders a criminal background check. The initial commitment for a mentor is for one year. Visits with a youth are bi-weekly at Youth Pride Inc. under the guidance of BBBSOS and YPI staff.