Youth & Families
LGBTQ+ YOUTH PROGRAMS
Affirmations’ youth programs create a welcoming space for young people from all over metro Detroit to find support, connect with each other, and learn to advocate for their needs.
Hone leadership skills. Connect with a mentor. Hear different perspectives and develop your own. Be part of creating a better future for your family and your community!
FAMILY PROGRAMMING
Affirmations’ family programming aims to create a community for queer families, parents, and allies at Affirmations to connect, share, and show up for one another. All are welcome here.
From pop-up parent support groups and family pride activities to volunteer days, bike rodeos, and community art — there’s always something happening.
Dungeons & Dragons: Teen Campaign
Ages: High school between 14-18
When: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
This is a westmarches-style campaign for high school youth (ages 14-18) seeking to play heroes in a world full adventure. The campaign is drop-in style , which means teens can jump in anytime — no long-term commitment required. Just show up and play. Registration required.
Lavender Leadership Academy
Affirmations’ Lavender Leadership Academy is a 10-week Youth Leadership and Job Readiness Program for youth ages 14–22. The program engages participants in topics like resume writing, interview skills, teamwork, financial education, identity, and more to prepare them for future success.
Queer Utopia
Who: LGBTQ+ Middle Schoolers 11-14
When: February 5 – March 26
Cost: $120, scholarships are available
Affirmations’ Queer Utopia is a series of workshops which aim to help LGBTQ+ Middle Schoolers (ages 11-14) develop their identity through creative pursuits. Workshops include writing, photography, painting and drawing, music production, and more. This program fosters connection and encourages self-expression as a tool for coping and resilience, while imagining and creating participants’ own vision of a Queer Utopia. Upcoming cohort information will be available on our website and social media platforms.
Teen Drop-In Center
Ages: High school between 14-18
When: Fridays at 4 pm-7 pm
Where: Affirmations | 290 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale
The Affirmations Teen Drop-In Center is a welcoming space for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to relax, connect, and have fun at their own pace. Teens can play games, make art, watch something, or just hang out in a casual, supportive environment. The Drop-In Center is led by Affirmations’ Youth Advisory Council, a yearlong cohort of young leaders shaping programming across the organization.
Youth Advisory Council
Our Youth Advisory Council is a yearlong cohort of young leaders ages 14-19 shaping programming across the organization. Members of the council plan large-scale events like Youth Prom, sharpen their leadership skills, lead activities in our Teen Drop-In Center, and share their voice to create the Affirmations you want to see!
YAC members join monthly meetings and commit to serve for a school year (August – July) Graduates of the Lavender Leadership Academy: Teen Cohort qualify to apply when applications open each year.
Upcoming Youth Events
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Regardless Of… Group
A Narcotics Anonymous meeting open to anyone recovering from use of narcotics.
Trans Men’s/Masc Lounge
Affirmations and Stand With Trans are partnering to create a safe space for our trans men and trans masc folk to find support and build community.
Queer Death Cafe
A monthly group exploring for queer and trans folks to discuss death with no objectives or themes. This isn’t therapy or grief counseling — it’s a space for honest, thoughtful conversation.