NEW Paid Leadership Opportunity for Washington County Youth: Outfront Educators! Applications open now through Friday, October 23!
Vermont recently secured $92.7M from Meta, the largest settlement with a single company in the state’s history. The settlement exists because harm was done to Vermont’s young people. It only makes sense that the money - and just as importantly - the decisions about how to use it, should be shaped by young people, alongside the adults who are ready to listen, support, and work alongside them.
A new federal rule has been announced restricting the use of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for gender-affirming care for transgender young people. We want trans youth to know: we have your backs.
From Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 31, our office will be closed while we collectively unplug, rest, and recharge. Rest is resistance! In the meantime, youth and family social and support groups will continue as scheduled, and additional support and resources are always available.
When we fail to recognize our shared history and humanity, we forget that our freedoms are connected. Today and always, let the overlap of Juneteenth and Pride invite us to remember that important lesson.
At Outright Vermont, we've significantly expanded our advocacy efforts because we believe LGBTQ+ youth deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their lives, not occasionally, but every single day. We are proud of what youth leadership has already accomplished and excited about what's ahead.
In the midst of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s, when a statewide survey showed LGBTQ+ youth were at dramatically higher risk of suicide than their cisgender, heterosexual peers, a small group of community members in Vermont had the audacity to believe a brighter future was possible anyway. They formed Outright Vermont. They didn't wait for the world to become safer. They chose radical hope and took action. That is our origin story. That audacity is our inheritance - and right now, we need to claim it.
Recently, Dana had the opportunity to speak at the national conference of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), a membership organization working to transform philanthropic culture and practice from within, with racial equity at the center. This year's conference brought together grantmakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates from across the country to explore what it means to build a more equitable future. Dana was invited to open the conference as part of a plenary featuring nonprofit and community leaders from across the Northeast, each offering a vignette grounded in place, local wisdom, and the realities of leading with purpose in this moment.
We are heartbroken to share the tragic loss of Lucas Avery Amery Knapp, known to many as Luca, who served as Kitchen Lead at Camp Outright in 2015 and 2016. Luca was a beloved member of our Camp Outright community, and someone who helped shape the feeling of camp in ways both seen and unseen.
Day of Silence is a national, silent protest against discrimination, harassment, bullying, and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ community members. I want to encourage Vermont to practice silence on Friday, April 10th this year to protest for the right of respect for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Yesterday, many in our community experienced something that was extremely violent, shocking, and deeply painful. For those most directly impacted - especially immigrant communities - and for the neighbors who experienced or witnessed the events, the presence of ICE in a South Burlington neighborhood, taking members of our community with the support of state police, brought fear, violence, and uncertainty into a place that should feel safe.
Youth developmental needs must come before adult preferences. When caregivers’ objections to sexual orientation or gender identity are prioritized above well-established best practices on youth mental health, those adult beliefs are not simply being accommodated, they are elevated above evidence, ethics, and, most egregiously, the welfare and safety of a young person.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy means more than remembering his words. It means using our power, together, to create change.
Over the past few days, there has been a surge of media focus on transgender youth, the backdrop of which comes during an increasingly difficult and scary time. Moments like this can feel overwhelming - especially when headlines are designed to provoke fear rather than create understanding. So let me start by saying this loud and clear: we see you, and we are right here alongside you.
Gender-affirming care remains legal in Vermont. Care is continuing. And most importantly, here is our message to trans youth: No rule, proposal, or political attack can change who you are.
We have some exciting and important updates about how we’re evolving to better serve LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the partners who show up alongside them. As we expand our reach and deepen our impact statewide, we’re making intentional shifts to our staffing structure.
Trans and queer youth move through a world neither built for them nor welcoming their truth. And still, they show remarkable conviction. They hold themselves with honesty. They build community with a tenderness rooted in a deep understanding of our shared humanity. They lead with creativity, and a sense of resilience that is truly unique.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Lia Smith’s passing — a bright, thoughtful, and deeply engaged member of the Middlebury College and Vermont communities.
As the news seems to bring more heartbreak than hope, we know these are difficult times. But even - and especially - as the world around us feels uncertain, we’re holding strong here at Outright, as youth carry on being their wise and brilliant selves!
We cannot allow Vermont to be a state that legalizes and demonstrates discrimination, even if our federal government does so. Marginalized communities are in danger under the current administration, and the State of Vermont is able to protect us.
Juneteenth marks that moment when freedom crashed through delay and denial. And that moment must matter to all of us.
Our fight continues. No matter the ruling, transgender youth and families are not alone. We are here for you.
No court can determine a young person’s right to exist, thrive, or be loved. That’s a truth we will never stop upholding.
Alex Yahm-Halberg (he/they) is a second year Youth Organizer. He shared the following at the Vermont Statehouse on Leadership Day.
Wren is a Youth Organizer and student athlete. She shared her powerful story at the Vermont Statehouse on Leadership Day.
Governor Scott’s recent comments brushing off concerns about federal overreach and civil rights rollbacks as mere “rhetoric” are more than disappointing—they’re dangerous.
We are now living under an administration that has launched an all-out assault on trans youth, weaponizing policies and funding to strip their rights and therefore, the very ability to exist safely in this country. But at the end of the day, this is not just about healthcare—it is part of a much larger, coordinated effort, anchored as all oppressive tactics are, in white supremacy.
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and mark the start of a new chapter on Inauguration Day, we hold space for the mix of emotions today brings. We see young people leading with courage and creativity, carrying Dr. King’s vision forward. They remind us that this work is far from over, and every one of us has a role to play.
City leaders and law enforcement must act swiftly to remove hateful graffiti and hold those responsible accountable. At the same time, we must continue to foster education, restorative justice programs, and visible allyship, all critical tools to building a culture that rejects hate. Vermont can be a state that respects free expression and refuses to tolerate hate. By standing together, we create a community where belonging is all of ours.
In times like these, community and connection are what keep us grounded, safe, and strong. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it side-by-side.
Voting in local, state, and federal elections is essential for protecting queer and trans youth rights!
Youth activism is ALWAYS at the forefront of shaping a more equitable and just world.
Queer joy is truly something special. It’s self-acceptance, community, power, and the vibrant celebration of identity. And it transcends mere happiness; it’s about finding authenticity and courage in the face of oppression. It fosters hope, resilience, and belonging, and allows us to keep on keeping on in our collective journey towards liberation.
Dana writes about the importance of moving beyond awareness days and acting to transform systems.
All of us at Outright are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 16-year-old Nex Benedict (they/them), following an assault in the bathroom of their Oklahoma high school. In these brutal and heart-wrenching moments, we find solace in community, knowing that together we will - and must - continue to double down on our commitment to safe and supportive families, schools, and communities for all.
Dana shares why adults must take LGBTQ+ youth activism seriously and offers tips for adults aiming to support youth leadership.
Outright Vermont Calls for A Ceasefire in Palestine
Dana shares how changing traditional camp culture is needed to support LGBTQ+ youth.
Dana shares some tips to make the holiday season brighter for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
Dana writes on the importance of GSAs in creating safe and affirming schools.
Dana writes on the importance of safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ+ youth.
At Outright Vermont’s Annual Leadership Day, youth have a chance to learn from leaders from multiple sectors and build connections as a statewide community.
Summer is for s’mores, campfire songs, and friendship bracelets. It’s for sunny days by the pond, face paint, and silly games.
We’ve got our calendars open for the new year, and there’s so much to look forward to! Here’s a rundown of the program schedule for the new year so you can fill up your calendar with connection and queer joy.
We know the holidays aren’t always merry and bright. But we also know that you’ve got this – and we’ve got you.
Outright Vermont wants to create a QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) group – and we won’t have anything that isn’t supported by YOU!
We are so excited to announce that beginning in November 2022, Trans Parent group will be meeting twice a month – virtually on the first Monday and in-person on the third Monday!!
Our friends at Randolph Union High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GLOW) are facing some unsavory attention. But when the haters are loud, our love gets LOUDER!
The Fire Truck Pull was a runaway success – and it’s all thanks to YOU!
Barton acknowledged it’s not acceptable to bully teens, and that WCAX removed the story from its website when it was used to further target and bully real people, causing them to fear for their safety.
For the fury, numbness, hopelessness, fear – together, we can hold it all.
Outright will be closed this Monday in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.
On a scorching hot Saturday in May, waves of queer cheer washed out over Brattleboro.
For our first in-person statewide event since the start of the pandemic, we are putting together a big queer bash.
This resource was developed after the tragic and untimely death of beloved community member Fern Feather in 2022. We honor the grief journeys of those who loved her. We honor her memory with kindness, tenderness, and appreciation of small and beautiful things.
How do you celebrate yourself? Pride pins? Asserting your name and pronouns? Donning a fab outfit? Being around people who really get you?
While doing a walk-through inspection of your school’s all-gender facilities, check all that apply:
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