Youth Outlook offers safe space for LGBTQ teens

I will walk in the DuPage Human Race to show my support for Youth Outlook and to raise awareness and much-needed funding to help the organization expand our lifesaving programs and services for LGBTQ youth in DuPage and other suburban counties.

For 20 years, Naperville-based Youth Outlook has provided vital assistance and support for a vastly underserved population.

We know the rate of suicide and homelessness is disproportionately high for LGBTQ youth. Our mostly volunteer staff dedicates hundreds of hours each month, building community for LGBTQ youth through weekly drop-in groups that are welcoming, fun and supportive.

We empower families by offering support groups for parents of LGBTQ youth, allowing them to connect with each other and with other necessary services. We develop allies in the greater community by offering on-site trainings, panel discussions and professional consultations in schools, hospitals and businesses of all sizes.

Youth Outlook is striving to create a world that ensures that lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and questioning youth are safe, supported and celebrated.

I walk because every month we receive calls for assistance from a new school or from families who are not getting the help they need to support their teens, and we need to raise funds to provide services in places we have not yet reached.

I walk in honor of the hundreds of volunteers who have given their time and love and patience to help youth in need. I walk to celebrate the hundreds of LGBTQ youth who have come together in search of belonging and support and answers.

I celebrate the many Youth Outlook grads, who are so grateful for everything they have received from the program that they decided to give back and come back as volunteers themselves.

I walk with my family because we are proud supporters and allies of LGBTQ youth, and we are proud of the work Youth Outlook has done to save lives and empower youth.