The first Friday of every month provides a chance for young LGBTQ people to come together and celebrate at The Studio, located at 40 Orchard View Boulevard. This event allows youth to socialize as a community by having dinner together, watching movies and being creative in the neat atmosphere. The Studio is a unique place where youth from ages 13 to 21 can hang out, record music, create art, dance, play board games and get to know each other. It also offers yoga, cooking, monthly dinners for youth, as well as writing, drug education and sexual health education and resources. The youth are also given the opportunity to have a say in things that are happening at The Studio and the opportunity to share ideas using social media outlets. Youth who are part of The Studio are encouraged to attend monthly town hall meetings, which happen the last Tuesday of every month. The Studio welcomes anyone regardless of gender, sexuality, race, culture, religion, birthplace, ability, talents or interests. The Studio is run by some amazing people who work to provide youth with an environment in which they can feel at home.
The Studio seems to me like a place where young people can enjoy and express themselves, make new friends, and be who they want to be. I had the opportunity to tour the facility with one of the staff. She showed me all the resources and technology youth have access to in order to be creative. I was amazed to see that not only do they have great technology to work with, but there are also some great artists. The artwork displayed on the wall showcased a lot of talent. As a young person, I could relate to the messages they delivered. All the staff of First Friday are individuals who identify as well. This allows them to mentor the youth in addition to offering them a fun place to hang out.
This particular night was a movie night. The movie was called Geography Club, which came out in 2013. It tells a story about high school students discovering their identity and forming a club and support system within their school. The movie gives youth who identify a voice and shows how to connect with others who identify.
First Friday is for anyone who identifies within the gender or sexual diversity spectrum which includes youth who are pansexual, asexual, intersexual, gender queer and more. The Studio celebrates the diverse experiences of youth and strives to create a community where all youth can get engaged. The youth involved have real decision making power and help create the space and build community in partnership with The Studio staff. The First Friday event runs from 3:00 to 7:45. The next one will take place the first Friday of January. Feel free to drop by.
