What is RYA?

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.

Why do we need RYA?

Teen years are tough for most youth, and being bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgendered (BGLT) poses additional challenges. These teens have higher suicide rates and are more than twice as likely to leave home and become homeless than other teens. Ninety percent of BGLTQ teens report being harassed in school.

Who can attend?

RYA is for 14-18 year-old youth from Montgomery County.

What role does UUCR play?

UUCR sponsors and hosts meetings of the RYA. Members of the congregation serve as facilitators and members of the steering committee.

Why UUCR?

UCRs Mission and Vision calls on members and committees to transform its beliefs into action and to engage in social justice activities in its community. UUCR has a demonstrated commitment to educational programs, especially in areas that are not addressed by other institutions. Further, UUCR is a Welcoming Congregation, which commits the church to actively engage issues of gender and sexual orientation.

What do the letters B, G, L, T, and Q mean?

Bisexual (B) means romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to both males and females
Gay (G) means men who feel romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to other men
Lesbian (L) refers to women to feel romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to other women
Transgendered (T) refers to an individual who does not self-identify with his/her biological sex
Questioning (Q) refers to those who are unsure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
Queer (also Q) is also used by some who see their own gender orientation as fitting the categories of straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or straight but politically radical.

Who is an ally?

Allies are people who openly support and affirm the rights and dignity of GLBTQ people.

Will adults be on hand?

Yes, at least two adults must be at every RYA meeting. In addition, there will be greeters in the UUCR parking lot and other adults on call.

How will the adults be chosen?

The adult facilitators are members of the UUCR congregation who have demonstrated a commitment to rainbow youth. All facilitators have survived a rigorous application process which includes background checks, a written application, and interviews.

Will the adults have any special expertise in working with these young people?

RYA provides training for all facilitators. Training includes sensitivity to youth issues, how to address youth questions and concerns, meeting facilitation, how to respond to problems, first aid, and emergency management.

Will RYA offer counseling or referral services?

No. RYA does not provide counseling or psychiatric services.

What are the youth going to do at the meetings?

First Sundays will be structured around specific curricula and speakers. Third Sundays will provide social opportunities, including movies, games, and discussions. Teens participate in deciding on curricula and activities.

How will RYA ensure the safety of the youth?

RYA meetings are strictly for teens between the ages of 14 and 18. They are also smoke free, substance free, and weapon free. Violators of any of these ground rules will be required to leave the group. Two adults will be in the meetings at all times.

Do youth need parental permission to attend?

No, RYAs policy is that requiring parental permission would be a strong disincentive for some youth. It is important that all meetings be open to youth who need support due to their gender orientation.