Teen Drop-In
programs • Youth Programs
Teen Drop In (Ages 13-17)
Drop-In is the heart of our Youth Programs, and it's the place to be. We've been a haven for LGBTQIA+ teens and their allies since 1990, and thousands of young people have found a home and community here. If you're looking for a safe, welcoming space to connect with people who get it, you've come to the right place!
Why Drop-In?
Finding your people can be tough, but Drop-In makes it easy. Here's what you can expect:
A safe space. Our community is built on respect and acceptance. You can be your full self here, free from judgment or pressure.
New connections. Meet other LGBTQIA+ teens and allies from all walks of life. Whether you're looking for a friend, a study buddy, or just someone to connect with, you'll find them here.
Fun stuff to do. Drop-In isn't a classroom or a lecture. We have games, snacks, movies, and a library full of queer books. It's a place to relax, have fun, and just be a teenager.
Drop-In at OutYouth is more than just a place to hang out. It's a community where you can grow, explore your identity, and build lasting friendships. We can't wait to meet you!
Learn more about our programs for Pre-Teens (ages 9-12) and Young Adults (18-23).
GET STARTED
To get started with Out Youth’s Teen Programs for youth ages 13-17, you’ll need to fill out a Teen Intake Form.
If you need help filling out the form, aren’t sure if you already filled out the form, or have any other questions, email us at programs@outyouth.org.
Teen Calendar
Meet Oyo D. Unicorn (they/them)! You’ll be seeing a lot of them all over the drop-in center!
teen in-person drop-in center
LGBTQIA+ teens ages 13-17 can come to our Teen In-Person Drop-Ins on Sundays and Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. (Central Time).
Make sure to check the calendar for holidays and other closures!
You can also get closure reminders by text by texting oyclosures to 855-909-1258.
The OutYouth South Center is located at 2119 Frate Barker Road, Suite 3107, Austin, TX 78748.
frequently asked questions
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Drop-In is a safe and welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ teens and their allies, ages 13-17, can find community. It's a place where you can be your authentic self without any judgment. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where you can connect with peers, build friendships, and just hang out in a positive atmosphere.
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All you need to do is complete the Teen (ages 13-17) Intake Form!
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Coming to your first Drop-In can feel a little intimidating, and that's completely normal. We're here to make it as comfortable as possible!
When you arrive, just ring the doorbell. A staff member will greet you, introduce themselves, and ask for your name, age, and pronouns. They’ll then show you around and help you check in. We’ll give you a name tag yo write your first name and pronouns on. Once you're checked in, you're free to relax and get to know the space at your own pace—no pressure to jump right in.
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Drop-In hours are designed to be a mix of structured activities and free time, so there’s always something to do, but you’re never expected to participate in everything.
Announcements and Introductions: At 6:00 p.m. we gather for a quick moment to make announcements and go around the room for introductions. You can share your name, age, pronouns, and answer a fun question of the day. You can always pass if you're not comfortable.
Structured Activity: Following introductions, we’ll do a planned activity, which changes nightly. This could be anything from an arts and crafts session or a game night to a guest speaker.
Staff & Adult Volunteers Are Always Here to Help: There's always a staff member or trained volunteer available if you have questions or just need a quiet moment to step away. Our priority is to ensure you feel safe and supported.
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Youth-only spaces are times when our program is exclusively for teens, program staff, and trained volunteers. This policy ensures a comfortable and safe environment for youth to be themselves. This allows our youth to build community and feel a sense of ownership over their space.
Why is this important?
Creating a youth-only space helps us:
Build trust and rapport. Teens can feel more comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with their peers and our trained staff and volunteers.
Empower youth. It gives teens a sense of independence and control over their environment, fostering leadership and self-expression.
Maintain privacy. It protects the confidentiality of our youth and provides a secure space for them to discuss sensitive topics.
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Drop-In is currently held at our South Center, located at:
2119 Frate Barker Road, Suite 3107, Austin, TX 78748
Please be sure to park only in the designated guest parking spaces!
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OutYouth's Virtual Drop-In Center is a safe and staff-moderated space for LGBTQIA+ teens ages 13-17 to connect with their peers. It's a 24/7 community on Discord designed to be an extension of our in-person programs, offering a place to hang out, share, and find support from anywhere.
How do I join the Discord server?
To ensure our virtual space remains safe and teen-only, we have a simple verification process. Here's how to get started:
Complete the Teen Intake Form: If you haven't already, please fill out the intake form for ages 13-17.
Fill out the Discord Verification Form: This helps us confirm you're a teen and ready to join our community. Please be patient while we review your submission!
Schedule a Discord Orientation: A staff member will contact you to schedule a quick 5-10 minute orientation. This brief call is an important step to keep our server safe and secure.
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We understand you're eager to join, and we can't wait to welcome you! Our Teen Drop-In is designed specifically for youth ages 13 to 17 to create a safe and comfortable space for this age group. This helps us ensure everyone feels like they are with their peers.
While you're not quite old enough to join us yet, we look forward to seeing you when you turn 13!
If you simply can’t wait, check out our Pre-Teen (ages 9 to 12) Program!
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To stay up-to-date on everything happening with our teen programs, including schedule changes and special events, you can sign up for text message updates. Just complete this simple form to start receiving our messages!