QAY youth and volunteers were asked to describe their experiences with Queer as Youth. Here are some of their responses:

"You can be who you are."

"People understand me here."

"The volunteers are understanding, accepting, queer, and awesome."

"Many volunteers have been where you are."

"I learn about politics and my community."

"Everyone's story is different, unique, and equally important."

If you're looking for...
• a somewhat random, open environment;
• someplace that is fun, informative, and thought-provoking;
• a place where you can be yourself;
• somewhere to come out;
• judgment-free conversations;
• a group that teaches and promotes love of self;
• diversity;
• a place to share your coming out story;
• an incredibly educational, learning environment;
• career education;
• a group with queer leaders/teachers; OR
• a place to converse with other queers

...QAY is the place for you!

What is Queer as Youth?
Queer as Youth, or Q.A.Y., is a place for youth ages 14 to 19 to meet and hang out with other youth while learning and expressing their creativity in a safe space.  Q.A.Y., originally known as Camp Out, began the summer of 2008 when the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis awarded MGLCC the money to begin the program.  Q.A.Y. was created by queer educators as a response to the need for safe spaces for the youth of Memphis and the Mid-South.  Too many Mid-South community members had no safe outlet as teens to experience their true selves.  The organizers of Q.A.Y. hope to change this for the youth of today.

What is the Q.A.Y. schedule?
Q.A.Y. meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at MGLCC from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.  During each Q.A.Y. gathering there are activities and educational experiences such as theatre, art, cooking, sewing, career education, health info., knitting, crocheting, physical ed (water sports, water theatre, bad mitten, hacky sack, crocket, horseshoes, etc.), foreign language, film making, dance, etc., etc., etc.  Anyone ages 14 to 19 are welcome whether you are queer or not!

Who are the Volunteers?
All Q.A.Y. volunteers must pass a background check and go through an interview style screening by the Q.A.Y. coordinators.  This ensures Q.A.Y. youth’s safe, educational, and creative experience when participating in the program.  Volunteers are energetic, open minded, and good listeners who collectively teach a diverse array of activities and skills. 
If you are interested in volunteering click here, please contact the coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   We are looking for volunteers who can teach something, anything interestingJ, and who can commit to volunteering once a month.  If either of these, or both, are you please apply!

Questions, Thoughts, Ideas?

Contact Elokin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it