Creating safe spaces to celebrate queer identities helps build stronger communities. For over 30-years, The Bridge for Youth has centered LGBTQ+ voices through our ‘So What If I Am’ support group. Learn more:
“This support group feels like home,” reflected Nova, a former resident at Rita’s House. “Attending ‘So What If I Am?’ has given me a sense of community. It’s taught me that I am not alone.”
For over 30-years, The Bridge for Youth has hosted ‘So What If I Am?’ (SWIIA), the longest running LGBTQ+ support group for youth in the Twin Cities. A space that uplifts queer voices for a community of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and instability, SWIIA is essential as The Bridge works to center youth voices.
“SWIIA is a space where youth can show up and drop society’s expectations for how they should act,” shared AP, the Activities Coordinator at The Bridge. “Youth get to show up exactly as they are. They don’t have to hide any parts of themselves, their stories, or experiences. They get to experiment with their presentation, be serious, be silly, and just be themselves.”
Pictured left to right: AP and Nova.
The name ‘So What If I Am?’ comes as a response to the idea that being LGBTQ+ is wrong, immoral, or any other negative concept. By responding with, “So what if I am?”, to someone expressing negativity towards one’s identity, youth invalidate the idea that being their authentic self is wrong.
“The phrase is self-affirming, self-assuring, validating, and reclaiming,” AP asserted.
Meeting weekly, the group checks in with each other and allows youth to share parts of themselves that most never get to meet. These check ins include sharing personal stories and reflecting on difficult experiences. Additionally, the group takes part in different guided activities, outings, and more.
“I love supporting the youth who come to the group,” AP smiled. “I like being their trusted adult and knowing that there is a soft place for them to be vulnerable.”
Coming together in community, attendees feel seen, validated, and uplifted.
“It’s given me a lot of friendship and support,” Nova said. “These programs are life saving and life changing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without programs like this at The Bridge.”
“Attending this group was a safe environment that allowed me to express who I am freely, where I could share my fears and my hopes…I was given a voice. I was given freedom,” added Robert, a past attendee of SWIIA and a board member for The Bridge.
Pictured: Robert on the left presenting at an event for The Bridge.
When we center the voices of LGBTQ+ youth, we empower them to create healthy relationships and be in commUNITY as their true, authentic selves.
Over 6,000 youth experience homelessness on any given night in Minnesota, with LGBTQ+ youth disproportionately making up more than 23% of that population.
“Historically, LGBTQ+ voices have been purposefully erased and silenced. We’ve spent the last 31-years in this group making sure that these voices are not only heard, but centered and uplifted. Everyone has a story. It’s important to listen,” said AP.
“When I started attending group, I wasn’t out to my parents yet. I felt scared and guilty about that,” Robert shared, reflecting on his story. “SWIIA helped prepare me to be proud in confident in the face of that adversity.”
‘So What If I Am?’ is a safe space for youth to share their experiences, uplift one another, and build community. For attendees like Nova and Robert, they are overwhelmed by feelings of safety and support at the group.
“I feel free, relieved, supported, hopeful, and authentic at SWIIA,” Robert concluded. “Everyone needs that kind of support. It’s more important than ever to support queer youth and be a beacon of hope for those who need it.”
It takes a loving commUNITY to ensure all LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. Join us on October 8th at our CommUNITY LGBTQ+ Celebration as we raise funds to support the work we do here at The Bridge. Get your tickets today.
