SF organization making a difference in lives of LGBTQ+ youth

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — In San Francisco’s Castro District, the organization LYRIC is making a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth by providing essential support services. Founded in 1988, LYRIC, which stands for Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center, is the second largest and second-oldest LGBTQ+ youth organization in the United States.

It offers a range of services including housing support, health and wellness services, and legal assistance to LGBTQ+ youth aged 10 to 24.

“They offer a space for us, a space where we feel safe and decompress and unmask a little bit,” said Dani, one of the youth supported by LYRIC.

“There’s nothing but positivity here,” added Suryia, another participant.

Gael Lala-Chavez, the executive director of LYRIC, emphasized the importance of community, saying, “It’s the most heartbreaking thing to kind of see that I wish we were in a better place as a society that we were more compassionate with one another.”

LYRIC serves as a lifeline for young people facing challenging circumstances, providing not only practical resources but also a supportive community. Many of the youth, like Suryia, have found stability and housing through the organization.

The organization also empowers its members to engage in advocacy and public speaking. Dani, who is an intern at LYRIC, has spoken publicly about city budget cuts and the political climate affecting LGBTQ+ rights.

The Lavender Ball, one of LYRIC’s most celebrated events, highlights house culture and the art of voguing, offering a joyful and inclusive space for expression. LYRIC alumni, such as DB and Robin Abad, continue to be involved with the organization, attributing their personal growth and community leadership skills to their experiences there.

DB, who is now a staff member, uses their voice to advocate for queer youth of color, while Abad has become a dedicated community leader in San Francisco. Through its comprehensive support and community-building efforts, LYRIC continues to foster resilience and empowerment among LGBTQ+ youth in San Francisco, providing them with the tools and confidence to navigate their futures.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.