WAYOUT SEATTLE
wayOUT's newest chapter is located in the Emerald City itself, Seattle. Having been established just months before the Covid-19 pandemic, this incredible team has had no choice but to embrace agility and innovation in their approach to fundraising.
With a history of championing LGBTQ+ rights as early as 1973 and permitting LGBTQ+ bars and night clubs since the 1930's, Seattle is a pinnacle of LGBTQ+ culture. Today, Seattle has the highest rate of LGBTQ+ couples & families in the United States.
Our team here is small but mighty, hoping to inspire Seattle's rich culture to wayOUT's mission of empowering LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe being who they really are.
ABOUT wayOUT SEATTLE
To refuse to listen to someone's cries for justice until the request comes in a language you feel comfortable with is a way of asserting your dominance over them in a situation.
— Ijeoma Oluo
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chapter values
1
CULTIVATING JOY
2
INSPIRING ACTIVISM
3
EMPOWERING YOUTH
4
PROMOTING DIVERSITY
5
EQUITY & INCLUSION
6
CELEBRATING QUEERNESS
7
FOSTERING COMMUNITY
WAYOUT SEATTLE X WE ARE FAMILY
This year, wayOUT Seattle has We Are Family in Charleston, South Carolina, as their Grant Recipient.
We Are Family's mission as a Southern Grassroots non-profit organization is to provide affirming spaces for LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, etc.) and ally youth up to the age of 24 through direct support, leadership development, and community engagement.
Their vision is that LGBTQI+ and ally youth feel empowered to find their places in the world, in their families, and in their communities.
We are Family values:
"We are change agents lifting voices and shifting culture by upholding these values:
1). Affirmation: We provide affirming spaces to LGBTQI+ youth to identify and self-express freely
2). Intersectionality: We honor intersectional experiences through diverse programming and organizing
3). Community-building: We engage our community through partnerships and we cultivate community-care through self-care.
PREVIOUS GRANT RECIPIENTS
wayOUT Seattle selected Ruth Ellis Center as their inaugural Grant Recipient in 2020. Founded in 1999, Ruth Ellis Center (REC) has established a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, and young adults, with an emphasis on young people of color, experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, and/or experiencing barriers to health and wellbeing.
MEET OUR CHAPTER
I joined wayOUT because I am inspired by LGBTQ youth across this country and believe they deserve access to services and programs that provide them with a safe space, and unwavering support and motivation to reach their full potential.
Carlyn Chase
SHE/HER/HERS
CHAPTER CO-PRESIDENT
Born and raised in the Seattle area I was lucky enough to have a loving and accepting support system who welcomed all walks of life. Growing up with this privilege makes me want to contribute the same to those who deserve it and haven’t been given it. I joined wayOUT to help LGBTQ+ youth feel loved, supported, empowered and cared for.
Hannah Kuffner
SHE/HER/HERS
I joined wayOUT because I was looking to connect with and give back to the queer community. While I was not out when I was a young person, I believe deeply in the life-changing and life-affirming work of LGBTQIA+ organizations that serve young people. If I can do even a little bit to help get resources into the hands of leaders who work with and support LGBTQIA+ youth, then I am here for it.
Laura Randall
SHE/HER/HERS
I believe in a non-binary world - one where LGBTQIA+ youth are seen, celebrated and given the resources they need to be the most authentic version of themselves. I joined wayOUT to do my part in supporting organizations and the heroes that lead them to make this vision a reality.