Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Our groups are drop-in, meaning no commitment is required to join, unless otherwise specified. We celebrate individuality and provide a positive environment for LGBTQ+ youth to be seen, be heard, and be you!

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  • To ensure we best meet the needs of all young people, we have split ages for certain nights so you can connect with others the same age. More information can be found on our calendar.

  • NH Outright offers a space where young people can build community, access resources and most importantly, have fun!  
     
    Our programs include activities like games, arts and crafts, and workshops with community members. There is typically a core group of youth at each meeting, along with 2–3 facilitators. The facilitators are affirming, trained professionals who have experience working with youth and have been background checked. Typically, the group starts by introducing each other and then breaks into an activity or peer group discussion.  

  • We are not a mental health program (though we’d love to help connect you with resources if you need them). The Outright program is a peer-support model. We know that access to spaces and places where you can thrive and be fully yourself are essential to mental health and well-being. Peer support spaces are part of evidence-based practice for LGBTQ+ youth. We can offer you referrals to endorsed Outright clinicians, gender affirming care professionals, and more. We DO offer training and professional development for clinicians and mental health professionals via the Queer Youth Resilience Project. 

    We also partner with our consulting clinicians to occasionally run youth-focused mental health support spaces. Keep an eye on our website for those possibilities.

  • We pride ourselves on being as accessible as we can! Our building includes elevator and wheelchair access, and we have space for folks who may need different sensory options. If you need accommodations or have questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Youth Programs Manager.

  • In keeping with our commitment to accommodations and taking care of our community, we ask that you stay home if you are sick! If you have recently been sick, please consider masking for the health and safety of all. You may see our facilitators practice masking (especially when there are lots of germs).

  • Yes! We have groups actively meeting in Manchester, with additional locations coming soon. Interested in bringing an Outright group to your town? Send us a note! We also offer virtual support via our Discord Server.

  • No, allies are welcome at our programs and events (unless otherwise specified). However, our spaces and activities are explicitly designed to provide safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ youth to explore identity and find community. We encourage you to keep that in mind.

  • Our programs and services are accessible to youth in grades K–12, and young adults between 18–24. 
     
    Multiple times a year we also offer events where adults can learn more about what we’re doing and how to support our organization.

  • Parents and caregivers, or other adults are welcome to come early to meet the group’s facilitators, however our groups are intended to be youth-led, safe spaces for peer support. All groups are facilitated by trained adult facilitators who are screened and background checked. We encourage parents to attend our parents and caregivers group instead!

    Note: Sponsors, and other interested adults? We love you, and these are protected, youth-led spaces. We don’t allow adults who have not been through our vetting and training process to attend Friday Night Group. You are however welcome to send notes, or food for us to share.

  • We do! NH Outright offers opportunities for organizations, schools, camps, faith communities, and more to strengthen their muscles to better support LGBTQ+ youth and adults. We offer both 101 and 201 level training.  

    We also offer a Queer Youth Resilience mental health project that trains clinicians in a variety of settings across the state of NH. We’d love to hear from you! You can find more information and contact our consulting clinician here.

  • The number one way you can help support our work is with a donation of any size. Truly, every dollar counts, and every dollar is used in support of our youth and our programs.  

     

    We also need volunteers for Portsmouth Pride (LINK)! Please join us when signups become available. We cannot make this event a success without our community. 
     
    Stay tuned during the year for other volunteer opportunities, calls for new board members, and more. Note: we take very seriously the safety and confidentiality of our kids. As a result, we do not accept unsolicited requests to be vetted as a youth facilitator. If we are seeking facilitators, you will see that information on our website and social media. Thank you for your understanding!

  • We love and appreciate all of you working to advance the important data gathering and research on our communities (especially our youth). We receive hundreds of these requests a year and cannot respond to them all. We prioritize requests focused on LGBTQ+ youth from an intersectional lens, and/or that are within the state of NH. All requests should be sent to our general inbox. We will respond if you are an appropriate fit for our audience. Thank you for your work.

  • Yes! Any youth who can make it to our programs is welcome! We are also happy to connect you to our partners doing this work in Maine, MA, or VT, too.

  • Please contact Brady B. on our team via the contact form, and they will direct your inquiry.