Programs

Free, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth in Louisville show up, build community, and grow into themselves.

Every LYG program is free. No registration, no proof, no need to come out to anyone — just show up. We post everything on our program calendar below.

This month

What’s happening

All groups meet at the LYG space unless noted. Times are Eastern. Flip through the visual calendar, or switch to the live Google calendar for the latest updates.

Give & sponsor

Support our programs

Every dollar and every wishlist box goes straight into free programming for LGBTQIA+ youth. Sponsor an event, or send supplies right to our door.

Flip through this year’s sponsorable events — then pick one on the right.

  • Youth Empowerment Camp Send a camper to our fall leadership & nature weekend. Sponsor
  • Beyond Labels Resource Closet Stock free clothing and gender-affirming gear for youth. Sponsor
  • Rainbow Reads Library Grow our shelves of affirming LGBTQIA+ books. Sponsor
  • Lavender Graduation Celebrate our 2026 graduates at Pride Prom. Sponsor
  • The Cannon Ball Pool Party Make a splash for summer programming. Sponsor

Send supplies from our wishlists

Prefer to give things instead of dollars? Pick a wishlist and Amazon ships it straight to LYG.

We’re here

New to LYG? Talk to our program team

Have a question? Need to flag something? Use the form, call us, or DM us — whatever’s easiest. They’re excited to meet you.

Name

Calling? For programming questions, dial 1 when you hear the auto-attendant.

Reference

Program & event guide

Full descriptions of every group, event, and resource.

Junior Group (Ages 5–10)

Junior group is for LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 5-10 and their caregivers. This group creates a welcoming space for youth and their family members to explore their identities, make friends, and build a supportive community. Adult mentors help bridge the gap between the newly identifying LGBTQIA+ young people and their families by providing insight, wisdom, and resources in a fun and engaging environment.

View the program card

Tween Group (Ages 11–13)

Tween group is for LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 11-13. This group creates a welcoming space for youth to explore their identities, make friends, and build self-esteem with a supportive community. This group is driven by the needs and suggestions of the youth involved, and facilitated by Adult Mentors. Activities & Topics Include: Arts & Crafts, Social and Emotional Development, Games, Identity Exploration, Healthy Relationships, and Comprehensive Health Education (just to name a few!)

View the program card

Teen Group (Ages 14–18)

Teen Group brings together LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 14-18 in an affirming, fun and relaxing setting. Youth have the opportunity to explore their gender and sexuality, build self-worth and healthy relationships, and connect with the broader LGBTQIA+ community. This group is driven by the needs and suggestions of the youth involved, and facilitated by Adult Mentors and members of our Youth Leadership Council. Activities & Topics Include: Game night, Queer History, Arts & Crafts, Mental Health First-aid, Gender Expression & Euphoria, Healthy Relationships and Comprehensive Health Education (just to name a few!)

View the program card

LYG Rising (Ages 18–24)

LYG Rising is a monthly meetup for LGBTQIA+ Young Adults (ages 18-24) to socialize, learn life skills, and to develop the tools needed to build community and act as agents of change.

View the program card

Melanin MagiQ (Ages 13–19)

Melanin MagiQ is a group for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth of the Global Majority – This group is specifically for Black, Indigenous, Latiné, Asian, Multi-Racial, and other Melanated youth, and is led by Mentors who also represent these racial & ethnic identities. The Melanin MagiQ group provides a brave and affirming space for young people to discuss the unique ways that their identities intersect, build self-worth and healthy relationships, and grow into joyful and connected young adults.

Trans, Non-Binary & Intersex Group (Ages 13–19)

Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Group is focused on the social, emotional, legal, and medical needs of gender expansive teens. Trans and NonBinary mentors provide support and help guide youth through the complexities of their own self-discovery and the practical steps toward realizing and affirming their gender identity and expression.

View the program card

Youth Leadership Council

Our Youth Leadership Council (YLC) provides an opportunity to develop advocacy and leadership skills through collaborative organizing, peer education and support, and community service. The YLC serves as the guiding youth voice and vision for all of LYG’s programs and events, and works closely with LYG staff and adult mentors to keep the needs of our youth centered.

Council members must be at least 13 years old, and are selected through an application process. For more information or to apply, please email our Program Team.

Beyond Labels & Resource Closet

TODO: description coming soon — replace this placeholder with the real Beyond Labels & Resource Closet copy.

Want to help keep the closet stocked?

Shop the Amazon wishlist Sponsor the closet

Pride Prom + Lavender Graduation (Spring)

We provide a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQIA+ and allied youth (ages 14-24) to enjoy a fun evening with friends, old and new. During our prom, we hold a graduation ceremony to affirm and uplift our students who are graduating from home schooling, NTI, GED programs, trade school, traditional high school, and undergraduate programs.

Sponsor Lavender Graduation

Youth Empowerment Camp (Fall)

LYG Camp is a fun weekend to socialize, develop leadership skills, and enjoy nature. Activities include campfires, night hikes, challenge course initiatives, and lots of lively conversation.

Sponsor a camper

New Year’s Eve Lock-In (Winter)

LYG provides a safe and sober over-night event for youth to celebrate the New Year. Activities include board games, video games, movies, arts & crafts, a new year ritual, and sparkling cider at midnight. Dinner, Dessert, and Breakfast are provided.