See upcoming youth events at Center Calendar: Youth

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YES is the place to make friends! Through our weekly discussion groups and activities, young people can find connections with each other, build lasting relationships, and grow together. YES peer educators provide all kinds of encouragement, leadership, and information to help build a sense of community that is embracing of all young people.

• Community Saturdays - This is a great place to get to know new people. Meet with the YES staff and other young people to have a little fun, find out what's going on in the program, and to share information that you have about what's going on in the community. It's also the place where we will announce the activities for the day.
• Discussion Group and Breakout Activities - Each week YES staff and volunteers will offer several group activities during this time. Typically we have a discussion group, art activity, and our computer lab open in this time slot. You choose where you go and what you do. Breakout activities last for an hour, and then we all come back together for the Community Social.
• Community Social - We end every Saturday together socializing, having snacks, and celebrating our accomplishments.
• Young Women and Young Men's Discussion Groups - Both of these groups offer young people an opportunity to connect with their peers in a safe environment and engage in meaningful discussion on a range of topics that are generated by the group members. Young Women's Group is on Fridays from 6 – 7:30 pm. Young Men's Group is on Wednesdays from 5 – 6:30 pm. Come and check them out!
• Rated Q – Our weekly Movie Night devoted to screening films that help us understand identity and that help bring visibility to our communities. Rated Q happens on Thursdays from 5 – 7:30 pm. Free popcorn!
• Sex + – Our weekly drop-in group where we make safer sex kits, learn & talk about safer sex, sexual health, and sexuality. We have games, activities, and discussions every Friday from 4pm – 5pm.
• Dances & Open Mics – Several times a year we throw dances and open mics. These events give LGBT young people an alcohol and substance free space as an alternative to the bar and club scene. Open Mics offer a platform for young performers to share their singing, dancing, and spoken word talents with the community. Dances & Open Mics happen periodically, are open to youth ages 21 an under and are totally free. ID's are checked at the door. If you are interested in finding out about the next dance or Open Mic, please call the YES office or check out our Calendar.

contact us Call 212.620.7310 and ask for the YES program (or a specific staff person's name), or email us at YES@gaycenter.org.