Mission
OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.
Values
- Affirming LGBTQ+ identities through positive role modeling.
- Challenging ableism, classism, misogyny, racism, and other systems of oppression.
- Creating supportive spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can be themselves.
- Respecting, embracing, and celebrating diversity.
- Treating people with care and compassion.
History
For over 14 years, OUT MetroWest has risen to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, launching new programs based on community demand. Since 2011, we have grown from a weekly meeting for high schoolers to now offering multiple weekly programs for middle and high schoolers, monthly programs for elementary youth and young adults, community-wide events and educating hundreds of individuals to build inclusive cultures in their own organizations. In 2015, our Nexus program was the first of its kind in MA for queer and trans middle-schoolers, filling a critical void.
What began as a weekly gathering in a church hall has expanded to 20+ programs each month, a permanent center in Framingham, MA, and Satellite events around the MetroWest region. Each year, we directly serve more than 350 youth and their families, and engage hundreds of additional people of all ages through our LGBTQ+ education sessions and community events.
