It was pretty bad for me at home so to have a real family at YPI makes a big difference. I couldn’t talk to anyone about this—not parents, not foster parents. Sometimes I get pretty upset and just come in here and sit by myself. But I know I’m ok.
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!

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 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.
Here are some of the forms that we may ask you to fill out for some programs: