Every year, Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, a time to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) identities and to raise awareness of the issues facing these communities.

At the Q Center right here in Kitsap County, we provide safe and supportive drop-in space for gender and sexual minority youth. We seek to support youth development through skill building, activities, and resources that build confidence and empower youth, allowing them to feel comfortable in their identities. According the Centers for Disease Control, LGBTQ youth face suicide rates five times higher than their heterosexual classmates, and those rates increase eight-fold for youth who have experienced family rejection. Our community’s youth need to feel loved, secure, and valued — no matter what.

In addition to the Q Center’s Friday evening drop-in space (6-9 p,m, at 7625 Central Valley Road NW, Bremerton), we produce an annual Pink Prom, as well as community events like Drag Queen Musical Bingo — the next one is at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Whiskey Gulch in Port Orchard.

Emily Randall
Board member, QYR/the Q Center
Bremerton