Mission
SIDE BY SIDE ENSURES VIRGINIA'S LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUESTIONING YOUTH AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SUCCESS THROUGH ACCESS TO SUPPORT, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY. SIDE BY SIDE CONTINUES TO BE THE ONLY ORGANIZATION IN THE AREA THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESSES THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND THE HEALTHY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF LGBTQ YOUTH AGES 11-20. THE ORGANIZATION OFFERS WEEKLY YOUTH SUPPORT GROUPS, A 24/7 TOLL-FREE YOUTH SUPPORT HOTLINE,EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, YOUTH LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES, AND A SAFE PLACE WHERE ALL YOUTH ARE ENCOURAGED TO VALUE THE DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A DYNAMIC, EXCEPTIONAL PLACE. THROUGH THE INSTITUTE FOR EQUALITY, SIDE BY SIDE OFFERS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO HELP YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS EFFECTIVELY ASSESS AND RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF LGBTQ YOUTH IN A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE MANNER.