Our Mission

Side by Side is dedicated to creating supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish.

*Please note “LGBTQ+” refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people. The “+” at Side by Side acknowledges that there are many additional identities related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity not included in those acronym such as but not limited to agender, asexual, genderqueer, genderfluid, pansexual, or queer.

Strategic Priorities

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Side by Side’s work focuses in on the following key strategic priorities

 

Commitment to Black LGBTQ+ Youth

We have made a public commitment to the flourishing of Black LGBTQ+ youth in our community.

 

Vibrant Community

We are a community of diverse and fabulous individuals, who recognize the power of working together to support youth and each other.

  • By working with others, we build partnerships.

  • By supporting each other, we foster a healthy community.

  • By seeking to support adults who love, educate, and work with LGBTQ+ youth, we constantly expand our community.

Youth Centered

We base every decision on what’s best for LGBTQ+ youth, working to meet their needs and support their dreams. 

  • By meeting LGBTQ+ youth where they are, we are side by side with all LGBTQ+ youth in central Virginia and beyond.

  • By being open to learning from LGBTQ+ youth, we provide important programming and services.

  • By remaining youth centered, we prioritize our work to support LGBTQ+ youth survive and thrive.

 

LGBTQ+ Voice

We are a voice for our community, one of comfort, education, and progress.

  • By embracing intersectionality, we are a powerful voice for all.

  • By consistently speaking out, we create dialogue. 

  • By educating and training, we empower others.

Tradition of Support

We remember and celebrate our history of supporting LGBTQ+ youth, as a way to help us build a successful future.

  • By maintaining our connection to our past, we remain a national leader in working with LGBTQ+ youth.

  • By building on our history, we grow our financial strength.

  • By learning from our successes and failures, we evolve.

 

History

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In 1991 Side by Side was founded under the name the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth or ROSMY and rebranded in 2016 with the help of the VCU Brandcenter.

 
 

1991

Founded in Richmond, Virginia as the Richmond Organization for Sexual Minority Youth (ROSMY)

1996

First college scholarship for youth offered

1997

First TV commercials advertising youth groups hit the airways

 

1998

Youth Advisory Council (now called YEL: Youth Engaged in Leadership) is founded

2001

First Alternative Prom hosted

2007

Steve Midgett Memorial Library is founded

 

2008

Charlottesville support group started

2010

Institute for Equality (now called Side by Side Training) begins, educating youth service providers throughout Virginia

2011

Hosted the first Run for ROSMY

Trans support group started

 

2013

Middle school support group for youth ages 11-13 started

2016

ROSMY renamed Side by Side

2017

LGBTQ+ Youth of Color group launched in Richmond

 

2019

Launched Host Home program and homelessness services for LGBTQ+ young adults 18-25

2020

Launched Pride Place at Virginia Home for Boys and Girls