Mission
OUT MetroWest fosters communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.
Vison
We strive for a future where all LGBTQ+ youth are celebrated, connected, and affirmed in the wholeness of their identities.
Values
Agency: We believe LGBTQ+ youth have the right and ability to shape their own futures. By centering their voices, we ensure their ideas, experiences, and dreams guide our work. Honoring agency means listening deeply, trusting youth as experts in their own lives, and creating space for confident, informed decision making.
Compassion: We approach each person with kindness, empathy, and understanding. We believe that compassion fosters trust and connection, allowing LGBTQ+ youth to feel seen, heard, and supported. By embracing each person’s unique story, we create a space where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.
Equity: We are committed to breaking down barriers so that all LGBTQ+ youth can access the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve. We focus on the diversity of LGBTQ+ youth, celebrating every identity and creating programs that are welcoming, accessible, and shaped by the community. Grounded in equity and justice, we keep learning, growing, and standing with those most impacted by oppression.
Community: We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging and connection for all LGBTQ+ youth. Through supportive relationships, mentoring, and caring for one another, we build a community that values every person. Together, we share support, wisdom, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Well-being: We work hard to create a place where LGBTQ+ youth can be themselves without fear, knowing they are seen and respected. Our programs and community make sure every youth has the freedom to explore, grow, and thrive in a space that prioritizes their physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
And at the center of it all, Queer Joy: We believe that joy is a powerful act of resistance. Queer joy is about embracing the fullness of life, celebrating identities unapologetically, and finding strength in our uniqueness. We are committed to creating spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can experience happiness, pride, and the freedom to express themselves with joy, laughter, and love.
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.
