All youth programs are free of charge, open to anyone regardless of identity or residency.
For questions regarding Youth Programming, please contact Joe at jvolpe@goaffirmations.org or call (248) 398-7105.
Queer Utopia: Creativity & Expression Lab
Ages: 10-13
When: Mondays at 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (February 3 – March 24)
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Where: Affirmations | 290 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
Cost: $80 ($10 per session) – to be collected once your spot is confirmed.
To ensure there are no barriers to access we are offering need-based partial and full scholarships. Partial Scholarships: $40 ($5 per session) Full Scholarships: $0
Application Deadline: January 27th, 2025
Affirmations’ Queer Utopia: Art and Expression Lab is an 8-week program designed to empower youth aged 10–13 by building self-esteem, fostering connections, and using self-expression as a tool for coping and resilience. The program offers a safe and welcoming space for participants to explore identity, creativity, and community. Sessions will include engaging activities that encourage collaboration, personal reflection, and leadership, culminating in a celebratory art gallery to showcase their work. No prior art experience is required—just bring your imagination!
Carl Rippberger Youth Drop-In Center
Ages: 13-18
When: Fridays at 5 pm-8 pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
A safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to build community and have fun in a casual space. Our drop-in center is returning in 2023 in partnership with Stand with Trans. The Carl Rippberger Drop-in Center is equipped with a sensory station, board games, books, arts and crafts, streaming services, video games and more! We offer snacks, beverages, monthly pizza parties on the last Friday of each month, and a free gender-affirming clothing rack.
Reading Rainbow
Ages: Grades 4-8
Timing: Fourth Tuesday of each month | 6 pm
Location: Ferndale Area District Library | 222 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI, 48220.
This is a social hour with a book discussion included. Kids don’t have to have finished (or even started) the book to attend the Reading Rainbow; the rest of the hour is free time dedicated to socializing/crafting/hanging out together.
For January’s book of the month on the 28th, we’re discussing Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell. Sign up below, and drop-ins are always welcome!
Participants are responsible for locating their own copy of the book. Limited copies are available at the Ferndale Area District Library and may be available at other local libraries. Contact the library to hold a copy.
Please contact Damon (damon@fadl.org) or Mary Grahame (marygrahame@fadl.org) at the Ferndale Area District Library if you have any questions or need help locating the book.
The Reading Rainbow is a partnership between Affirmations and The Ferndale Area District Library.
The Rainbow Caregiver Club
The Rainbow Caregiver Club is a new social group that’s open to any/all caregivers of LGBTQ+ kids. This group is scheduled to coincide with the timing of Reading Rainbow; however, there’s no need to have a child in attendance at that event to attend the Rainbow Caregiver Club.
Library staff are not present to facilitate this event; the group is self-run by(/for) the caregivers in attendance. No registration is required.
Affirmations Community Center and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network (GSAN) are excited to offer school and organization visits for youth! Please complete the form below for Affirmations Staff to better understand your wants and needs!
If you have any questions, please contact Emma, STAR School Fellow (ecostello@goaffirmations.org) or Joe, Programs Manager (jvolpe@goaffirmations.org)
Lavender Leadership Academy: A Youth Leadership & Job Readiness Program
Teen Cohort
Ages: 14-18
When: Wednesdays at 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm (Feb 12th – May 21st)
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Application Deadline: February 5th, 2025
This is a 14-week, curriculum-based program that empowers LGBTQ+ teens with the hard & soft skills to advance their leadership involvement and enter the workforce. Topics include resume writing, interview skills, identity, financial education, and more!
Participants who complete this program are eligible for summer internships and leadership opportunities!
Young Adult Cohort
Ages: 18-22
When: Mondays at 4:30 pm-6:30 pm (Feb 24th – May 5th)
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Application Deadline: until cohort fills, registrations accepted after start date
This is a NEW 10-week, curriculum-based program that empowers LGBTQ+ young adults to enter adult spaces, navigate independence, and thrive in the workforce. Topics include navigating social and public services, financial education, networking, self advocacy, and more!
