Week 23 of #52weeksofgiving - Celebrating Pride Month with Seacoast Outright - Portsmouth, NH
LeMay Family Goodworks is kicking off Pride Month and Week 23 of #52weeksofgiving with a donation to Seacoast Outright! This Portsmouth organization is one of the only resources available to LGBTQ+ youth throughout the New Hampshire and Maine Seacoast region.
Their message is an important one as we celebrate Pride Month, which began as a way to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan. For six days, LGBTQ+ protestors fought back following a police raid on the Stonewall Inn. The first Pride march in New York City took place on June 28, 1970, the event’s first anniversary.
Pride Month was created to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history in the U.S. and worldwide. Today, it includes pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, conferences, and concerts throughout June. Memorials are also held to honor community members lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
Organizations like Seacoast Outright provide crucial awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community locally. Learn more about Outright’s programs and how you can support them.
About Seacoast Outright
Seacoast Outright began in 1993 when a small group of concerned parents met at the Respect All Youth Conference at UNH. They were inspired to start a new program offering support to the LGBTQ+ community in Portsmouth, NH, and the surrounding area.
The nonprofit is on a “mission to create a safe space for youth to explore the topics of gender and sexuality in a welcoming and understanding environment.” They use educational programs, annual Pride celebrations, and youth support groups to carry out this mission and foster community, empathy, and security for those who need it most.
Outright’s major event is Portsmouth Pride, scheduled for Saturday, June 25th this year. Head downtown for a day of celebration, including a Pride March, a concert with performances from various artists and the Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts, a Pride Marketplace, and afterparties.
Portsmouth Pride Parade 2021 (courtesy Seacoast Outright)
Not to mention, Outright hosts events all month long, meaning there are numerous ways you can celebrate Pride and support their organization while you’re “out and about!” Keep up with their event calendar here.
Seacoast Outright Services & Programs
Youth Services
Seacoast Outright’s Youth Services are available for anyone aged 12 to 19. There are typically 20 to 30 kids at meetings and four facilitators, trained and trustworthy adults who have undergone full background checks. All you have to do is show up — no commitment necessary.
All are welcome, out or not. Outright has a code of confidence, so things shared at the meetings stay there.
Youth Group: Held every Friday at 7 p.m., Youth Group provides a casual environment for people between ages 12 and 19 to discuss issues they’re having, get advice, and find connections.
Game Night: Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom, kids are invited to a casual game night where they choose the games – ranging from Pictionary to Among Us.
Discord: Seacoast Outright will soon have their own Discord channel, where youth can enjoy collaboration and community online when and where they need it.
Parent Support Group
Seacoast Outright also offers a hybrid parent support group meeting on the first Friday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. Parents can join in person at the Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth or via Zoom.
The parent support group provides families of LGBTQ+ youth with the support and information they need. Families can share experiences with one another in an empathetic, casual setting.
Cultural Proficiency Trainings
For those who want to be the best ally they can be within their community, Seacoast Outright’s Educational Outreach Team offers:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training for community organizations, schools, and businesses.
Resources for educators focused on helping school staff create a welcoming environment.
Presentations cover various topics and are available for a small fee, but Outright is flexible to ensure cost is not a barrier. Training is available both virtually and in person.
Resources
Those in need can also find medical, counseling, legal, and social resources recommended by Seacoast Outright. These lists include national, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont organizations. Check out their comprehensive resource lists by category here.
How You Can Support Seacoast Outright
If you’re looking for an organization to support during Pride Month that directly impacts your local community, consider giving back to Seacoast Outright. You can help by:
Making a Donation: All donations go directly to Outright’s programming and events, including Portsmouth PRIDE. Make an easy online donation today.
Becoming a Facilitator: Serve as a role model and provide resources as a Youth Group facilitator. Sometimes, this simply means offering a judgment-free listening ear, as many kids do not have someone at home or school willing to listen. Apply to be a facilitator.
Volunteer: Seacoast Outright is entirely volunteer-led, so they could often use additional help. Check out current volunteer opportunities.
To keep up with Seacoast Outright and find out how you can get involved, follow them on Instagram @outright_pride or Facebook.
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