Welcome to Pridelines Youth Services
Pridelines Youth Services is dedicated to educate GBLTQ youth in a safe and nurturing environment and to promote dialogue that results in positive development and social change.
What is Pridelines?
Who am I? What am I? How can I find my place in the world?
These are questions virtually every teenager faces. However, if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or have gender issues, these are more than simply questions. They are challenges you have to overcome.
In 1982, a group of concerned adults, led by Dr. Marilyn K. Volker and the late Peter Meyer, decided to provide a safe, supportive and educational environment where GBLTQ teenagers can deal with these challenges of sexual identity and personal growth.
Dr. Volker directed the education division of the Health Crisis Network, helped establish the Institute on Sexism and Sexuality which addressed gender issues under Title IX in Miami-Dade County schools, and for two years hosted “Sex with Marilyn” a daily live call-in radio show.
In 1999, their organization was renamed Pridelines Youth Services, Inc. and expanded its services to including weekly activities, monthly special events, workshops and training opportunities for GLBTQ youth and their straight friends and allies, ages 13-20.
By providing support, education and referral services, as well as a place where they can be safe to explore their inner selves, Pridelines Youth Services helps GLBTQ Youth become more comfortable with themselves, their sexuality, and their place in society.
Four nights each week, Pridelines nurtures the youth it serves, literally and figuratively, by providing a light meal or snack as well as peer support, social events and educational programs.
Rainbow Circle
On Monday nights, Pridelines staff, staff from affiliated agencies and volunteer facilitators help run a peer support group that delves into such topics as coming out, relationships, STDS, bullying and harassment, drugs, self-esteem, and depression. In this open and safe environment, participants can express their thoughts and feelings without fear.
Social Night
Wednesday nights are just for fun, when activities include watching movies, playing games, sharing poetry, practicing for performances on drama night, and much more.
Women’s Night
On Thursdays, the “Becoming Women” program is open to all young women and those who identify themselves as women. Informational, educational and outreach services are provided to lesbians, bisexuals, transgender and questioning youth. Topics have included resume writing, mock interviews, dressing for interviews and the job world, correct table etiquette, career mentorships and GED/college application support to help successful transition to adulthood.
Young Men Taking Action (YMTA)
On Friday nights, YMTA helps to support HIV prevention and urges young men to make healthy choices and risky behaviors through programs with a social, not preaching, focus. Peer group support is encouraged, and young men learn how to identify challenges and enact their own solutions.
Other Events and Programs
AIDS Walk for the Cure
Each April, Pridelines participants join with Care Resource, the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization In South Florida, to walk for the cure.
Club Pride
Approximately once each month, Pridelines holds Club Pride, a Saturday night social event for participants.
Field Trips
While the area abounds in performing art and other cultural venues, many participants have little if any access to them. Pridelines sets up field trips and outings to (list of recent here).
Gay Youth Prom
For many teens, Prom is the highlight of their school career. Each June, Pridelines sponsors a “Gay Prom” party, planned and organized by the youth for the youth. More than 300 youths attend this “sold-out” party each year, attesting to the leadership and organizational skills evidenced by the planning group.
Community Service
Participants earn community service hours by attending such events as the Miami AIDS Walk, Hands On Miami, the March of Dimes Walk, or by helping out in the Pridellnes office.
Informational Bulletin Board
Postings are prominently displayed at Pridelines, allowing the youth to review job opportunities, internships, writing contests, scholarships, community resources and much more.
Rainbow Points
By helping keep Pridelines clean and inviting, participants can earn Rainbow Points they can trade in foe movie passes, gift certificates, prom ticket and other items.
Lobby Day
Each March, Pridelines participants attend Equality Florida’s “lobby day” in Tallahassee, and get an opportunity to meet with politicians and other policy makers to express their concerns about the issues that affect them most.
