LGBTQIA+ CLUB
A weekly group that offers a supportive and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth to explore identity.
Service Description
GLOW UP & OUT LOUD is a youth-centered empowerment and community program for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13–17, created to foster connection, confidence, self-expression, belonging, and authentic community. The program offers a welcoming, nonclinical environment where young people can explore identity, build emotional resilience, celebrate who they are, and connect with peers in ways that feel supportive, creative, and affirming. Being a teenager can bring questions about identity, relationships, confidence, belonging, and the future. LGBTQIA+ youth may also navigate additional experiences such as bullying, social pressure, rejection, discrimination, family conflict, or uncertainty about where they fit. GLOW UP & OUT LOUD creates intentional space for young people to connect beyond those challenges while recognizing that LGBTQIA+ experiences are not defined solely by hardship. The program celebrates queer joy, authenticity, creativity, resilience, self-worth, and personal growth while giving participants practical tools they can use at school, at home, online, and within their relationships. Through weekly online group sessions, participants engage in interactive discussions, creative activities, guided reflection, games, storytelling, journaling, peer connection, and confidence-building exercises. Topics may include: Identity exploration and self-definition Pronouns and self-advocacy LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and community Queer joy and resilience Confidence and self-worth Healthy friendships and relationships Boundaries and communication Recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics Emotional awareness and grounding Coping with stress and social pressure Digital wellness and online safety Navigating school and social environments Finding supportive people and communities Advocacy, leadership, and speaking up for yourself Creativity, self-expression, and personal goals Activities may include identity mapping, affirmation art, storytelling, roleplay, collaborative projects, journaling, discussion circles, creative challenges, and youth-led conversations. Participants are grouped by age to encourage developmentally appropriate conversations, activities, and peer connection. GLOW UP & OUT LOUD is offered online throughout the year, with in-person NYC community events held throughout the year that give participants additional opportunities to connect, create, celebrate, and build community beyond the virtual space.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Welcome to Grounded Stars! Participant Group Rules — Please Read Carefully There are no refunds. Please reach out if you need to reschedule your missed class. We're happy to help. Our group spaces are designed to be safe, supportive, and protected spaces for youth and young adults. To keep it that way, everyone must follow these important rules while participating in any class, workshop, or group session. Camera Rules Cameras must stay ON during the entire session so we can protect the group and make sure everyone is really who they say they are. If you need to step away, you must tell the facilitator in chat or on camera before leaving. You can only be away for up to 10 minutes. If your camera is off and you ignore two reminders from the facilitator, you will be removed from the session for safety reasons. Respect and Behavior Rules Always show respect to other participants and facilitators. No bullying, harassment, or disrespectful language. No foul language, slurs, or hateful speech — this is a safe zone for everyone. Be open-minded and supportive of others, no matter their background or life experiences. Privacy and Safety Rules No sharing your contact information (phone numbers, social media, email, addresses) in the group or after the group. Do not ask for or pressure anyone else to share their personal information. You must be alone on camera, with no friends or family joining your screen unless it’s a family program. They can sit beside you. You must join from a quiet, safe space with no background distractions like loud TV, phone calls, or music. Dress Code You must be FULLY dressed in public-appropriate clothing during all sessions. Time and Attendance Be on time! The session will start on time, and anyone joining late may not be allowed in. Frequent lateness, disruptive behavior, or ignoring these rules will lead to removal from the group and may impact your ability to join future programs. By joining our group, you agree to follow these rules. Repeated or serious violations will result in being removed from the group, and we will notify your guardian or case manager if needed. We want this space to feel good for everyone — let’s keep it safe, focused, and supportive!
Contact Details
9142944639
kierra@groundedstars.com
535 Fifth Avenue 4th floor, New York, NY, USA