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.
Youth Summer Programs
BIPOC Youth Empowerment Group
Ages: BIPOC Youth 13-18
When: Thursdays 12pm-1:30pm (June 13th – August 15th)
Where: Affirmations
A group for Queer and Trans BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth to explore empowering themselves and their communities through rest, play, and discussion. We’ll delve into the intersections of identities and learn to build community through storytelling and collaboration.
Lavender Explorers: Community Centered Identity Exploration
Ages: Youth 13-18
When: Tuesdays 12pm-1:30pm (June 18th – August 13th)
Where: Affirmations
Journey the waters and forests of your identity this summer with Lavender Explorers! In this group, youth will explore who they are and what that means to them alongside their Queer peers!
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 July’s book of the month on the 23rd, we’re discussing Twelfth by Janet Key. 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.
Sing OUT! BIPOC Youth Open Mic
Ages: BIPOC Youth 13-18
When: August 8th 5pm-7pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale, MI 48220
An open mic night organized by BIPOC Youth Empowerment Group to center the voices and experiences of QTBIPOC youth.
Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Program
Ages: 14-18
When: Wednesdays at 4:30pm – 6:30pm (September 4 – December 11)
Where: Virtual (Zoom)
Application Deadline: August 28th, 2024
This is a 16-week, curriculum-based program that molds LGBTQ+ Youth into leaders by providing them with job readiness skills and advocacy tools. Topics include resume writing, interview skills, identity, LGBTQIA2S+ history, financial education, and more!
Participants who complete this program are eligible for internships across various departments of the organization.
Pride Prom
Ages: 13-18
When: July 12, 2024, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W. 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
The category is…. Out of this World!💫🪐
We hope you are ready to attend the most celestial party this side of the universe! All youth are welcome, humanoid or not. This year’s Youth Pride Prom is going to be way more stellar than any other you have seen, so be sure to fly on by!
Youth Discord Server
Ages: 13-18
When: 24/7
Where: Discord
A virtual safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to connect and express themselves in different themed channels/chat rooms within our private server. This server is monitored by Affirmations’ staff and adult volunteers. To request an invitation, please email Elijah White at ewhite@goaffirmations.org.
