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Cape Coral's LGBTQ+ non-profit is starting a youth-centered empowerment group, with its first gathering this past Saturday.
The Youth Alliance Squad will have its first of a quarterly meetup series designed to celebrate, connect, and uplift LGBTQ+ youth, allies and friends (ages 12-17) in Southwest Florida.
The event took place at Sidecar Treats Ice Cream in Cape Coral on July 26.
"PRIDE recognized the importance of creating a safe and empowering space for young people to connect, express themselves and build community," said PRIDE Cape Coral Board Member Shannon Quinn. "The Youth Alliance Squad was formed to give youth a voice, a sense of belonging and opportunities to engage with peers who share similar values and experiences. It's about fostering friendship, confidence and authenticity at an early age, especially for those who may not always see themselves reflected or supported in their everyday environments."
The event included games, interactive activities, and an opportunity to express one’s self, be heard, and feel supported.
"The goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels seen and supported. As the quarterly meetups continue, we hope to build a strong, consistent network that grows in both size and impact offering ongoing resources, mentorship and a true sense of community that our youth can rely on,” Quinn said.
Quinn added that it's critically important for youth to feel a sense of inclusion, especially for those that identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
"Inclusion is at the core of everything PRIDE stands for," she said. “We believe it's not just important -- it's essential for the well-being, mental health and personal development of LGBTQ+ youth. When young people feel included, accepted and celebrated for who they are, they're more likely to thrive in every area of life."
More information on PRIDE Cape Coral.