Youth & Family Services

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach is dedicated to providing quality services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ) youth and their caregivers.

  • Generation Q

    For youth ages 9-12
    Every 1st & 3rd Thursday
    4:00PM - 5:30PM

    Generation Q is a fun, free, affirming Drop-In Support group for all LGBTQIA+ or questioning youth, ages 9 to 12. This Group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 4PM to 5:30PM.

    In Generation Q, youth can socialize with peers, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and engage in enriching activities to whatever degree the youth feel comfortable.

    To ensure privacy we ask that parent/caregivers complete a short intake for their child via the QR code below. All Generation Q participants require Parent/Caregiver permission to attend. Generation Q is not a daycare or child supervision program. Parents/Caregivers are asked to stay onsite in case an emergency occurs.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions, contact Youth Services at 562-434-4455 ext. 233 or Kcoughlin@centerlb.org.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE)

    For youth ages 13-18
    Every Tuesday & Friday
    3:30PM - 6:30PM

    Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment (MYTE) is a safe and inclusive program for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies who are between the ages of 13 to 18. MYTE's focus is to provide youth with affirming resources, peer connections, and advocacy to promote their health and well-being.

    At our drop-in program, youth can socialize with peers, participate in fun and educational events, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and engage in enriching, creative activities to whatever degree the youth feel comfortable.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Youth Services at youth@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 or by clicking below.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • 20 Somethings

    For individuals ages 18-29
    Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
    6:30PM-8:00PM

    20 Somethings is a social support group focusing on the experiences and issues LGBTQIA+ individuals, ages 18 to 29 years old, face each day.

    The group discuss various topics, hosts open conversations, engages in group games and activities and creates a space for LGBTQIA+ adults to connect and receive support from their community. Local activities and outings are also planned throughout the year! This group is free to attend.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Dani Garcia at dgarcia@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 for our general youth line.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • Transparent Families

    For caregivers with transgender and gender nonconforming youth
    Play group for Trans/GNC youth ages
    4 -12 included
    Every last Saturday of the month
    1:00PM - 3:00PM

    Transparent Families Caregiver Support Space is a free, affirming monthly community space for parents, caregivers, & loved ones of gender expansive people of all ages.

    Transparent Families facilitates a youth playgroup space for gender expansive youth & their siblings ages 4 -12.

    Transparent Families also features a Parent/Caregiver peer group that runs concurrently with the playgroup, giving parents and caregivers the space to share their experiences with their peers.

    Transparent Families is not a daycare or child supervision program. Parents/Caregivers are asked to stay onsite in case an emergency occurs, regardless of Parent/Caregiver peer group participation.

    All new Transparent Families participants are required to complete a brief intake with one of our youth services staff members.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions, contact Youth Services at 562-434-4455 ext. 233 or Kcoughlin@centerlb.org.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

  • TAY Café

    For youth, ages 18 to 24
    Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 4pm to 6pm

    The TAY Cafe is a drop-in social group focused on provided a space for LGBTQIA+ youth, ages 18 to 24 years old, to connect with their community. This space will be held upstairs in the MYTE room at the Center.

    At the TAY Cafe, college-aged youth can socialize with peers, work on various projects in an affirming space, discover local LGBTQ+ resources, and enjoy Center-provided snacks and beverages.

    This space is free to attend.

    For more information about the group, meeting updates, possible changes, or for general questions contact Dani Garcia at dgarcia@centerlb.org or call 562-434-4455 ext. 7008 for our general youth line.

    If you are interested in joining, please complete a short intake form at the link below.

The Center thanks the Rudolph J. and Daphne A. Munzer Foundation for their support of the Youth & Family Services MYTE program.

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LGBTQ Advocacy & Education

The Center is dedicated to making sure that LGBTQ students have the necessary support systems at their schools.  Should a student or caregiver need assistance finding that support, please contact the Youth Services School Liaison at 562-434-4455 ext. 243, or by clicking below:

The Youth Services Department is available to conduct professional development pertaining to LGBTQ+ cultural competency for K-12 schools and other agencies/organizations that serve youth. PD training can be tailored to meet the needs of your agency.

To schedule professional development training, please click below:

Want us to come to your school’s GSA club? Want us to table at a resource fair? We appreciate any opportunity to provide resources and information to youth and their caregivers.  To schedule a time for us to provide your organization with resources, click below.:

LGBTQ Student Advocacy

Professional Development Trainings & Class Presentations


Outreach


Linkage to Community Support and Resources for Youth and Families.

The Youth and Family Services Department in conjunction with the other center departments is proud to offer linkage to community support and resources for youth clients. We provide clients with linkage to mental health counseling, affirming physicians, local community partners, and peer support. Youth who are interested should visit The Center or make an appointment at the contact below.


Volunteering

Youth Services is consistently looking for dynamic and engaging individuals to volunteer in our MYTE & family programs! Interested individuals should attend a volunteer info session.

*Note: Individuals accepted into youth services volunteer positions must provide a negative TB test, and must submit to a Livescan background check.