Satellite programs will be in Medway in Oct. and Dec.

By Theresa Knapp

MEDWAY - OUT MetroWest is an LGBTQ+ nonprofit that provides programming and support to local LGBTQ+ youth in the MetroWest area. 

“We provide vital support and community to local LGBTQ+ youth,” says Lily Pearl, OUT MetroWest’s Program and Education Manager. “We build communities where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.”

Their satellite programs will be in Medway in October and December. 

“We provide LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education and history education that many youth do not have access to in school. We have an LGBTQ+ therapist at every weekly meeting. It is very hard to find LGBTQ+ competent therapists let alone one who is part of the community,” says Pearl. “There is no extra charge and we don’t ask for proof of insurance so it makes accessing a therapist very easy. With the support of the therapists we are able to create a truly supportive social space.”

“The youth who attend our programs have lower rates of risky behavior compared to their LGBTQ+ counterparts that do not attend an LGBTQ+ youth group 100 percent would recommend us to their peers,” says Pearl.

All programs are free (supported by donations) and meet in person. OUT MetroWest serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages pre-k to 29.

The organization is based in Framingham but offers satellite programs in Medway, Needham, Acton, Westborough and Waltham. 

The main office in Framingham (160 Hollis Street) offers weekly meetings for middle and high school youth including:

“Prism” - High school, every Monday from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“Nexus” - Middle school, every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Umbrella” - High school trans and nonbinary  youth, every first and third Wednesday 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Drop In - Middle and high school youth hangout, every Thursday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

LGBTQ+ therapist at every weekly program for our youth to speak with

OUT MetroWest also offers a leadership program for high school students where they learn leadership skills and help plan and execute the high school meetings. The program also provides the youth with resources and role models who are their age.

Monthly programs include a young adult program for LGBTQ+ young adults ages 19 to 29, and two programs for pre-k through 5th grade LGBTQ+ youth including:

Shine - Trans, nonbinary and gender questioning youth 

Glow - LGBTQ+ youth

OUT MetroWest also travels to various locations throughout the MetroWest area, including Medway, to host LGBQT+ youth hangouts for middle and high school age students. 

They will be at the Medway Public Library on Oct. 7 and Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pearl said, “The youth who attend our programs have lower rates of risky behavior compared to their LGBTQ+ counterparts who do not attend an LGBTQ+ youth group, and 100 percent would recommend us to their peers.”

“We are proud to have a staff that is all part of the LGBTQ+ community and can be positive role models to our youth and share lived experiences with them,” said Pearl.

For more information, including resources and ways to help, visit https://outmetrowest.org/