Rainbow Youth Alliance

A Safe Place for GLBTQ Teens and their Allies in Montgomery County

The Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) is a support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning teens and their allies. RYA is a safe place to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives. Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville, RYA meetings include structured curricula, discussion groups, movies and games in a safe and supervised environment. Teens between 14 and 18 years of age are welcome, regardless of their gender orientation or religious affiliation. You only need to bring an open heart and mind. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, 3:45-6 PM, in the Senior High Meeting Room.

Meet Timothy Elliott, RYA Program Coordinator

Timothy obtained his bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and his Master's of Social Work from Andrews University in MI. He is a licensed independent clinical social worker based out of Washington, DC who provides individual and group therapy specializing in the areas of crisis management, depression, anxiety, trauma, sexuality/sexual identity, substance use, foster care, and youth issues. His experience working within schools, outpatient mental health facilities, and government agencies has provided him with a vast knowledge and respect for how multiple systems work together. He has spoken at national conferences on various topics within mental health. Thanks to the generous grant from Brother, Help Thyself, Timothy joined the Rainbow Youth Alliance team as Program Coordinator in April 2012 and is very excited to be part of this great organization. Throughout his professional career, he has strived to encourage and develop safe, affirming spaces for all LGBTQ youth and their allies. In his free time, Timothy enjoys running and juggling. Most of all he enjoys getting to know people and hearing their stores. He is always open for a chat!

RYA Meetings

RYA meetings are a safe place for rainbow teens to connect with their peers, ask questions, and gain support through just being present. All groups provide a safe and relaxed atmosphere where each person is treated with the highest level of respect. Please come by and see what's up.

• 1st and 3rd Sundays of Each Month
• 3:45 – 6 pm
• Senior High Room, Basement, New Sanctuary
  Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville
  100 Welsh Park Drive
  Rockville, MD 20850
• Map and Directions

RYA Vision

The Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) serves the community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, queer, and questioning teens and their allies—known to us as rainbow teens. RYA envisions a future in which rainbow teens have access to safe, nurturing environments where they are respected, listened to, and given information and skills.

RYA Mission

The Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) is a safe place for rainbow teens to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives. RYA is committed to safety, support, learning, and leadership.

Contact

For more information contact: Rainbow Youth Alliance