Social PROGRAMS

By LGBTQ+ Folks. Centering LGBTQ+ Folks.

fostering community

Our programs are planned and facilitated by LGBTQ+ staff members, with youth interest and needs at the forefront. Our programs connect youth with supportive peers and LGBTQ+ adult role models, and foster queer joy.  Check out our calendar and join our newsletter for more event information!

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in framingham

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights are full of laughter, joy, and connection in our youth center at 160 Hollis Street, Framingham.

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Around MetroWest

We bring our programs to the furthest corners of our catchment area to meet youth where they're at. These are called "Satellite" Programs.

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Mental health

LGBTQ+ therapists from Advocates are available for youth to talk with - free of charge - during our weekly programs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Social programs provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies to express themselves, connect with peers and role models, and celebrate queer joy.

  • Who attends OUT MetroWest programs?

    Youth come to our programs from more than 30 towns in MetroWest Boston and beyond. Almost all participants are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and we welcome allies at programs that explicitly center LGBTQ+ youth. 


    Umbrella and Shine specifically serve transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning youth.

  • What happens at Programs?

    Program topics are different week to week, but we like to include activities that are fun and educational. Some examples might include: queer or trans history; karaoke; movies; discussion groups; and arts and crafts. We always offer time for everyone to introduce themselves and participate in ice-breakers to welcome new youth. 


    All programs are facilitated by our Programs Staff and Adult Advisors, who represent a wide range of lived LGBTQ+ experiences. Weekly programs also benefit from Peer Leadership, with youth taking an active role in program planning and facilitation. 


    Our programs are primarily conducted in English, and ASL upon request. 

  • Where do they meet?

    Most of our programs are held in our youth center located at 160 Hollis Street in Framingham. It’s a renovated firehouse with a mural on the garage doors – you can’t miss it! The building is wheelchair accessible, has ample free parking, and is located a five-minute walk from the Framingham commuter rail station.


    We also host Satellite Programs throughout the MetroWest region to connect with youth in their home communities.

  • How can I learn what's happening at upcoming porgrams?

    There are four main ways to stay up to date with programs:


    1. Sign up for our newsletters. Elementary Age Programs and Young Adult Program emails go out once a month. Middle & High School Age Program emails go out weekly. 


    2. Visit our program calendar, updated at least once a week with program topics and special events.


    3. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for a weekly programs post.


    4. Youth (middle school - age 29) are welcome to join our Discord, where we foster community and share upcoming program topics.


  • Wellness Policy

    • If you feel sick, OR have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for an illness (COVID, strep, the flu, even a common cold) in the last 5 days, please stay home! You are welcome to rejoin programs when you are no longer in a contagion window and feeling better. 
    • If you become sick within three days following participation in an OUT MetroWest program, please let us know (email programs@outmetrowest.org) as we will let others know that there may have been an exposure at a program. We will not share any identifying information about the youth who is sick, only that someone at the program was sick.
    • If you want, a mask will be provided when you arrive.
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pre-K through Grade 5

Elementray age

Shine is our program for gender expansive young children. Past events include outings like mini-golf and splash parks, a theater performance, and story times. Shine meets once every other month, alternating with Glow.


Glow is our program for all LGBTQ+ young children and allies. Past events include outings like playground meet-ups, pumpkin painting, and nature sensory exploration. Glow meets once every other month, alternating with Shine.

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GRADEs 6-8

Middle school

Drop-in is our unstructured hangout time prior to weekly programs. Join us for board games, music, books, movies, and videos in our center! Drop-in is open every program night in our youth center, 6pm until the start of programs.


Umbrella is our program for transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning middle and high school youth. Umbrella meets every Wednesday in our youth center, 6:45-8:30pm.


Nexus is our program for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies in grades 6 through 8. Nexus meets every Tuesday in our youth center, 6:30-8pm.


Not-Just-a-Book Club is our youth-led club for LGBTQ+ middle school youth and their allies. Book Club meets to discuss queer media (books, movies, music), pop culture, and more. Not-Just-a-Book Club meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in our youth center, 5:30-6:30pm.


We also offer Satellites for middle school age youth.


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GRADEs 9-12

High school

Drop-in is our unstructured hangout time prior to weekly programs. Join us for board games, music, books, movies, and videos in our center! Drop-in is open every program night in our youth center, 6pm until the start of programs.


Umbrella is our program for transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning middle and high school youth. Umbrella meets every Wednesday in our youth center, 6:45-8:30pm.


Prism is our program for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies in grades 9 through 12. Prism meets every Monday (except holidays) in our youth center, 6:45-8:30pm.


Not-Just-a-Book Club is our youth-led club for LGBTQ+ middle school youth and their allies. Book Club meets to discuss queer media (books, movies, music), pop culture, and more. Not-Just-a-Book Club meets 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in our youth center, 5:30-6:30pm.


We also offer Satellites for high school age youth.

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GRADEs 6-12

satellites

Satellites are our same social programs, brought to the furthest corners of our catchment. Satellites are for LGBTQ+ middle school youth and their allies, and are typically held on a Thursday night. Locations vary, as we partner with local libraries and rec centers across the region.


Please view our calendar and join our newsletter for event times and locations.

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AGES 19-29

Young Adults

Nova is our program for LGBTQ+ young adults ages 19-29. Nova meets monthly for gatherings like paint nights in our youth center and dinner meet-up's at local restaurants.

ONGOING SUPPORT

For Caregivers

We have a Parents/Caregivers waiting area in our youth center, and folks are encouraged to use this space to connect with one another. The space is equipped with Wi-Fi and a coffee/tea station.

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