Mission 5: Celebrate!
The Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) provides a safe, harassment-free space for queer and trans youth, ages 13-23 years old. SMYRC (sounds like “smirk”) has been a Portland establishment for 20 years. In its infancy, SMYRC was a recreation center in which gay, lesbian and questioning teens could hang out after school and on Friday nights. It has since grown to offer educational workshops, mental health services and empowering activities for the sexual and gender minority population. Although the word “Gender” has been added to its name, the original acronym remains the same. SMYRC’s goals are to increase academic success, offer job opportunities, build leaders, and empower and support every queer and trans youth who walks through its doors. SMYRC’s activities and services include art, music, community organizing, open mic nights, drag shows, support groups, case management, counseling, education and special seasonal events such as Queens on Ice and Queerm
