January 2015
OutSpoken
e-newsletter: helping LGBTQQ youth thrive 
Spotlight On! 
Mia-17 years old, Outlet Youth 
How do you identify? I currently identify as queer, cis-gendered and female. I am currently using queer as I work through my issues with labels and identity to mean I am attracted to any gender.
How has Outlet changed your life? Before I came to Outlet, I felt like I was constantly judged and rejected by everyone around me. I barely understood my own emotions and was definitely not willing to share them with anyone. Since then, I have made friends, learned more, and become more able to express myself. Having a place to meet with other queer youth has been invaluable to me and every other Outlet youth. It helped me come to terms with my orientation through knowledge and support. 
Why do you think Outlet services are important? 

At Outlet, I always know everyone is going through many of the same things I am.

Through Outlet, I've created a close and ever-expanding friend group. We hang out on weekends, see each other at school, and chat whenever we need someone to talk to. All of us are very good at supporting other group members by giving the same care we know that we each need. Meeting them and developing these friendships has really improved my social skills: one-on-one and in larger gatherings.

What is your favorite part of attending Monday Night Group? 

Each meeting we play around with labels and names, help each other communicate, give each other support, and always listen. It is one of the few places where I can feel completely safe. There are discussions about dating, gender identity, improving the community, transitioning, coming out, dealing with family, and every other part of being a queer youth.
 
What are your plans for the future? 

I want to work for an organization like Outlet or similar non-profit, while doing social justice theater work. My general priority is to make an impact in people's lives.

Spread the Word!
Share our group postcard with friends, family, and colleagues.
Download your copy, here!

DE AMBIENTE (SPANISH SPEAKING) - AGES 10 TO 25

De Ambiente - GRUPO EN ESPA�OL
When: 2nd & 4th Friday, 6:00-9:00 PM 
Where: CHAC, 590 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

De Ambiente II - GRUPO EN ESPA�OL 
When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 PM 
Where: Junior Gym, 811 South B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

YOUTH - AGES 10 TO 18
Monday Night Group
When: Every Monday, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: CHAC, 590 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94041

Thursday Night Group
When: Every Thursday, 6:00-7:30 PM
Where: ACS, 1717 Embarcadero Road, Suite 4000, Palo Alto, CA 94303

San Mateo Group
When: 2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:30-8:00 PM
Where: Junior Gym, 811 South B Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

YOUNG ADULTS - AGES 18 TO 25
When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM 
Where: CHAC, 590 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94041

NEW! TRANS* YOUTH - AGES 10 TO 18 
This is a peer support group for youth who identify anywhere on the trans*gender spectrum, or who want to explore their gender identity. The group is English speaking.
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM 
Where: CHAC, 590 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94041
Events
Outlet Movie Night
Thursday, January 22, 2015|6:30-8:30 pm
Junior Gym, 811 South B St., San Mateo
Outlet is hosting a movie night, free for all LGBTQQ and Ally youth 10-18 years of age. Drinks and Snacks will be provided! The movie presented will be Gun Hill Road. Contact Dafne Luna, Outlet Program Coordinator, for info: [email protected] or 650.965.2020 x122.
Download flyer here!


 

Self-Love Social
Saturday, February 14th, 2015 |11 am to 1:30 pm   
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road,
Palo Alto, CA 94303 

Outlet and the LGBT Youth Space are hosting a social to bring LGBTQ+ youth and their allies an avenue to practice self-care. The Self-Love Social will have various activities such as: Valentines to Ourselves and Self-Care Kits, which will encourage youth to listen to their bodies and minds and take steps to healing themselves.  Contact Dafne Luna, Outlet Program Coordinator, for info:  [email protected] or 650.965.2020 x122. 

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Outlet is a program of  
Adolescent Counseling Services | 1717 Embarcadero Rd, Ste 4000 | Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 424-0852 | 
www.acs-teens.org