OUT MetroWest Launches MA Program for LGBTQ Middle Schoolers

Photo via Out MetroWest Facebook

OUT MetroWest has been hosting and promoting four years of social, educational and supportive programs for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer high school youth in MetroWest Boston. Now, this month, middle school youth will also have a safe place to explore questions related to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Starting March 11, a new program launches that is tailored for the unique social and developmental needs of middle school youth.

“From the beginning of our high school program,” Jack Lewis, Executive Director of OUT MetroWest, said in a press release, “we have received requests from parents and youth for a safe space for middle schoolers to connect with one another and with adult mentors as they explore their own identities.”

The program was conceived by a planning team consisting of community leaders, school teachers and counselors, therapists, and parents.

“I hope that the group with provide a place for LGBT youth and allies to be themselves,” Kathy Covarrubia, a Framingham parent, said, “… a place where they feel free from their usual school personas; to be able to express themselves and be authentic.”

OUTMetrowest said in the press release that bullying remains a major issue facing young people in middle schools, especially those exploring their identities.

“If we offer support to LGBTQ youth and straight allies,” Marie Caradonna, OUT MetroWest’s Director of Programs and former teacher for the Natick Public Schools, said in the press release, “we can help to mitigate some of the negative messages they hear from peers. One aspect of our program will be, as it is in our other programs, to foster youth leadership. These students will take the skills they may learn and work to promote acceptance in their own schools.”

Several middle schools in Boston MetroWest have already responded by creating gay-straight alliances.

OUT MetroWest is hoping to help connect youths from different towns and schools, which goes further than the gay-straight alliances can. It’s a gap they hope to fill. Greater Boston PFLAG is also launching a new chapter meeting for parents of middle school youth.

This new middle school program will be held the second Wednesday of each month at the First Parish Church in Framingham, 24 Vernon St., from 6:30-8 p.m.

Visit the website for more about OUT MetroWest and this new program for middle school youth.