October Updates
Side by Side, October 2024
Side by Side at the 2024 Virginia Pride Festival!
Virginia Pride Festival, presented by OutRVA, brought an incredible crowd of 30,000 people to Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond on Saturday, September 14. The festival was a vibrant celebration, with show-stopping performances from Tank and the Bangas, Crystal Waters, and Robin S, plus plenty of family-friendly fun at the Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion. Side by Side was proud to be part of the excitement! We connected with festival-goers sharing information about our programs and the work we do to support LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia. It was an inspiring day filled with community, music, and pride!
Executive Corner
Hey Y’all!
I hope this message finds you well! I want to take a moment to talk about something that's at the core of everything we do here at Side by Side—safety. It's not just about keeping the doors locked and the lights on (though that’s important too); it's about making sure that every youth who walks through our doors feels emotionally and physically safe.
Recently, we've drifted from some practices that once helped us maintain that security, and as we refocus on our core values, it’s time to bring a few of those back. To ensure we’re creating the safest environment possible, we need to realign ourselves with our group norms and guidelines that foster respect, inclusion, and care. They might seem small, but they are powerful in maintaining a space where every person feels valued and protected. Part of this return to our foundation is embracing the limitations we face as an organization. We want to do it all, and we wish we could—but we can’t. That’s why prioritizing the safety of our youth and team is key. As we move forward, we’ll continue to prioritize those values, even if it means making tough decisions about what we can realistically achieve in the short term.
In exciting news, our Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is making its comeback! Uplifting youth voice is a big part of who we are, and also something we have gotten away from since the pandemic. YLC is an incredible way to help young leaders develop skills in advocacy, outreach, and leadership. We’re focusing on creating opportunities for youth to have a say in their own experiences, to lead, and to build something bigger than themselves. If you are a youth interested in joining YLC please email me at marquis.mapp@sidebysideva.org and I’ll send you a link to our application.
I’m so proud of where we are headed and excited about the role youth will play in shaping our future. Thank you for being part of this journey and ask that you continue to support us with your time and your dollars so that we can keep making Side by Side a place where everyone can feel safe, heard, and empowered.
With Gratitude,
Marquis D. Mapp, QMHP-C
Executive Director
Upcoming
Save the date! Glitter Glam Jam is Back!
Mark your calendars! Glitter Glam Jam is returning on Saturday, January 25, 2025! It’s the ultimate dance-a-thon party with a purpose, all in support of Side by Side’s mission to uplift and empower Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth. Grab your friends, lace up those dancing shoes, and get ready for a night of non-stop fun! Teams will hit the floor in an epic dance battle, all while raising crucial funds to support Side by Side and competing for exciting prizes. And the best part? You can join the celebration—this party is open to everyone!
Curious to learn more? Join us for Glitter Glam Jam Happy Hour at Quirk Hotel on Thursday, November 7th. Stay tuned for more sparkling details—you won’t want to miss this!
Giving Tuesday!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 3rd—it’s Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity! This year, we’re raising vital funds for to support our work empowering and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth across Virginia. Your contributions help create safe spaces, offer resources, and ensure every young person feels seen and valued. Stay tuned for how you can get involved, and together, let’s make a lasting impact this Giving Tuesday!
Holiday Closure
Our office will be closed on Monday, October 14th, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Please note that there will be no Support Group meetings or drop-in hours on this day.
Volunteer Opportunities
Rep. Jennifer McClellan 17th Annual Harvest Festival
We’re excited to be part of Rep. Jennifer McClellan’s annual Harvest Festival at the Science Museum! Come join the fun as we connect with the community, hand out candy, and show off our festive costumes. Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer at our table and help us spread some seasonal cheer!
When: 5 - 8 pm, Thursday, October 31, 2024
Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Varina HS’s 3rd Annual Fall Festival
Join us at Varina High School's 3rd Annual Fall Festival hosted by the PTSA on October 13th from 12pm – 8pm! It’s a fun-filled day with bounce houses, face painting, a cutest dog contest, a Halloween costume contest, raffles, and more. Celebrate the season with games, food, music, and community spirit, all while supporting Varina High School.
Side by Side is looking for volunteers to help at our table from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and 2 – 4 pm. Interested? Contact Cristin at cristin.reyes@sidebysideva.org to sign up and be part of the fun!
Support Local
Love is Love Package
Planning a trip to Richmond and want to support a local hotel that benefits Side by Side? Check out Quirk Hotel! They are proud to support all in the LGBTQIA+ community year-round Quirk’s Love is Love Package incorporates overnight accommodations, a Love Swag bag, a $50 food and beverage credit, plus a $10 donation to Side by Side. Use promo code: LOVE