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 RUTH ELLIS CENTER
wayOUT Seattle has selected Ruth Ellis Center as their inaugural Grant Recipient. Drawn to the organization's embrace of intersectionality of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women, this chapter could not have found a more worthy partner.
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.
In 2019, REC provided 5,200 units of integrated services to 520 unique young people who identify as LGBTQ+.
HOW WILL RUTH ELLIS CENTER USE THE GRANT?
The funds from the wayOUT Seattle 2020 grant will be directed towards Ruth Ellic Center’s Center for Lesbian & Queer (CLQ) Women & Girls Program. The CLQ can serve upwards of 75 women a year aged 13-30. As part of the CLQ, Ruth Ellis Center plans to break ground on a new 43 unit Permanent Supportive Housing complex in 2020.
The CLQ offers eight service areas for positive youth and young adult development:
INTEGRATED PRIMARY & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
LESBIAN & QUEER YOUTH ADVISOR BOARD
ARTS & CULTURE
CAREER PLANNING & TUTORING
GROUPS & WORKSHOPS
AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE SUPPORT
PARENTING SUPPORT
CASE MANAGEMENT & OUTREACH SERVICES
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.