Join the RYA Youth Group!
This is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ teens to be seen, heard, and supported.
Upcoming Meeting
The RYA Youth Group is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and questioning teens 13- to 18-years-old. If you’re under that rainbow, drop into a meeting — no need to sign up beforehand.
No matter what we talk about or do during meetings, we hope
you can connect with someone.
Youth must be between 13-18
years old
For LGBTQIA+ or questioning teens
Relaxed peer-to-peer format and space where you can be you
Guided discussions + games, arts and crafts, or a movie
1st and 3rd Sundays from 3:45-6 PM
Hosted at UUCR.
What Alum Say About the Group
What to Expect at Our Groups
Youth-Centered Discussions
Every teen gets the chance to introduce themselves and their pronoun(s) and then share any thoughts, questions, or experiences with the group for discussion.
Confidential & Judgment-Free
All are encouraged to share as much or as little as they want — no one is forced to talk. The Program Director or another adult facilitator reviews “Rainbow Rules,” youth-established expectations, at the beginning.
Facilitated by Trusted Adults
Our facilitators may provide information and guide discussions around sexual health and safety, substance use, self-care, and many other topics. Occasionally, we will bring in guest presenters.
If you have questions about our youth support group meetings, please see the FAQ on this page or email coordinator@rainbowyouthalliancemd.org.
Getting to Our Space
Hosted at the Lower Level of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR)
100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville, MD 20850
1st and 3rd Sundays from 3:45-6 PM
When you get to UUCR, look for the rainbow RYA sign that says “RYA MEETING TODAY.”
Enter through the doors near the sign to find the RYA Greeter in the lobby at a table with a Rainbow Youth Alliance sign. They’ll direct teens to the Youth Group space, located on the lower level.
The space is mobility accessible and wheelchair-friendly.
The room features comfortable couches and individual armchairs. There is also room to stand and move around.
Youth Group
FAQ’s
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No, just show up on one of our RYA Youth Group Sundays! See the calendar.
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RYA is for 13- to 18-year-olds (in middle/junior high or high school) from the DC Metro Area. While we are located in Rockville and target Montgomery County residents, youth from the whole DMV area are very welcome to join us.
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No. RYA is all about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and we don’t want parental permission to be a barrier for anyone. We believe every youth should have access to support, regardless of whether their parents are on board with their queer identities.
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Yes! RYA youth group meetings are for teens 13 to 18. We keep things substance-free and weapons-free to ensure a safe, welcoming space for everyone. If these expectations are not followed, youth may be asked to leave. This is all about making sure you feel comfortable and supported at RYA events.
Our facilitators have first-hand experience in the queer/trans community, and they’re here to create a space where you can participate as much (or as little) as you want. Your name and pronouns are always respected, and some people even use RYA as a place to try out new names or pronouns. Our goal is to make sure you have a positive, inclusive experience. Plus, we’ve got cozy seating and snacks during meetings, so you can feel comfortable, inside and out.
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At every RYA youth support group, we have three adults – one greeter and two facilitators. The greeter ensures that only youth who are 13 to 18 years old enter the group. The facilitators are trained to help create a space where you feel safe, affirmed, and comfortable. They are experienced at working with youth who are neurodiverse and have a range of gender identities and/or sexual orientations.
Staff and volunteers who work with youth complete applications, interviews, background checks, trainings, and ongoing supervision to meet the specific needs of RYA youth. Training includes sensitivity to youth issues, how to address your specific questions and concerns, facilitating meetings, how to respond to problems, first aid, and emergency management.
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No, RYA is not a religious program. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR) is RYA’s fiscal sponsor and provides regular support, along with space for Youth Group meetings.
You don’t need to be a member of UUCR to participate in RYA — you can belong to any faith, or no faith.
You can feel welcome in the UUCR building, knowing that their values align with ours in embracing, celebrating, and supporting LGBTQIA+ people of all ages and identities.
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RYA participates in some other events throughout the year, such as Rockville Pride, Montgomery County Pride, and Hometown Holidays. See our upcoming community programming on the Events Calendar [link].
We would love to offer more programs and activities for you! If you have ideas or know of an organization or business that would like to support or fund more RYA programs, please let us know.
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No, RYA doesn’t provide counseling or mental health treatment. We’re a peer-to-peer support group led by trained adults. While some of our staff and volunteers are licensed mental health professionals, we don’t offer therapy or treatment. Recommendations for mental health resources within the LGBTQIA+ community may be available.
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Please check out our adult page to see how you can volunteer, donate, or become an RYA referral partner.