Brochure

The Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) of Columbia, Howard County, MD is an organization designed to provide a safe space for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth and young adults (ages 24 and under).

Our affiliation with the Columbia/Howard County chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) gives us a unique opportunity to interact with other teens, adults, families and parents in an environment that promotes a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. In addition we provide independent social and group activies.

We are an educational and support group, providing resources, encouragement and social activities for GLBTQ youth. Leveraging on the experience of others, professional resources, peer support and social interaction, RYA can provide the fun safe place you’ve been looking for.

You can e-mail us at:

ryacolumbia@geocities.com

or call Jason at 301-596-1961

or Colette at 410-290-8292.

All calls are confidential.

As GBLTQ youth and Allies, you can:

Know that you are not alone.

Participate in ongoing events and activities

Find answers to your GBLTQ questions

Encourage honest and open discussion of GLBTQ issues

Learn about the contributions of GLBT individuals in society

Gain a better understanding of yourself and others

Participate in community activities

Promote a healthier social environment at home and in the community

Be kind to yourself

Make a difference

Be proud of who you are

SOME SUGGESTED READINGS: (Check out your local bookstore or Amazon.com on-line)

Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth and their Allies

Is It a Choice? Answers to 3000 of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Gays and Lesbians

Growing Up Gay

Go the Way Your Blood Beats

Hearing Us Out: Voices From the Gay and Lesbian Community

Am I Blue: Coming Out from the Silence

SUGGESTED MOVIES: (Check out BlockBusters)

Beautiful Thing

Twilight of the Golds

Torch Song Trilogy

In and Out

Celluloid Closet

Object of My Affection

RESOURCES

RYA (Rainbow Youth Alliance) Columbia Meets every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday at 7:30 at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Ages 24 and under. Info: 301-596-1961 or 410-290-8292

SAIM (Sufficient As I Am) Meets every Saturday, Noon to 3pm, 241 W. Chase St., Baltimore

SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Alliance League) Meets every Saturday from noon to 3pm at 410 7^th Street, SE, Washington, DC

Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore Switchboard 410-837-8888

PFLAG (Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Columbia/Howard County Meets every 2^nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 pm at Owen Brown Interfaith Center, Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Info: 410-290-8292

This pamphlet was made possible through PFLAG Columbia and Federal/Local grant.