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youthoutlook.bsky.social
Youth Outlook
@youthoutlook.bsky.social
68 followers 37 following 96 posts
IL's oldest and longest running non-profit dedicated to ensuring LGBTQ+ youth and their allies are Safe, Supported, and Celebrated
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤎🩵🤍🩷
https://www.youth-outlook.org
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youthoutlook.bsky.social
Holiday update: Youth Outlook will be closed for the New Year starting tomorrow, Wednesday, 12/31/2025, through Thursday, 01/01/2026.
December 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Happy Holidays! This year, our gorgeous holiday card was designed by Intan Zulkifli (@palindora.bsky.social), the same artist who generously donated her talents to Dare to Scream 2 and the signage that came with it. 🧵(1/10)
A plate of cookies shaped like various different animals wearing scarves in different pride colors. The Youth Outlook Y-Wheel is also present as a cookie. Text says "All Are Welcome" in rainbow colors stylized to look like icing at the top of the image. There are multicolored sprinkles scattered throughout the background, and the Youth Outlook logo is visible at the bottom of the image, stylized to look like it is coming out of an icing bag.
December 23, 2025 at 9:19 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
In times such as these, when the most marginalized members of our community are under attack, visible, unrelenting joy is powerful. 🧵(1/5)
April 1, 2025 at 12:28 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Youth Outlook's Spring 2025 Volunteer Training begins Saturday, April 26th, 2025. 🧵(1/4)
A recruitment poster for Youth Outlook's Spring 2025 Volunteer Training. A Progress Pride Flag on a wooden pole hangs in the center of the image. Block text in white and rainbow colors reads "Support LGBTQ+ youth in your community!" The words "Elmhurst! Ottawa! Virtual Groups! Sterling! Peoria! And More!" are scattered around the flag. At the bottom of the poster, text reads "Calling all passionate individuals ages 21+ - In-person opportunities across northern and central Illinois -virtual volunteers also welcome" "Training begins April 26th". The Youth Outlook logo and Y-Wheel motif are visible over a pastel rainbow gradient background.
March 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
The time has come: Early Bird Registration for our 2025 Future Outlook Conference is NOW OPEN! 🧵(1/7)
Flyer that with a headline reads "Future Outlook Registration IS OPEN" and a bulleted list that reads "-Enhance your skills while earning CEUs. CPDUs, and CMEs; -Resource Fair and networking opportunities". A button says "REGISTER NOW" with the words "For early bird pricing!" beneath it. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. Across from it, there is a logo that says "Presented by: BMO" with the Progress Pride colors. The Youth Outlook Y-Line and Y-wheel motif are visible. Across from the bulleted list is a circular frame with a thin purple border surrounding a stock photo of two women wearing lanyards and discussing a program.
February 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Ken Mejia-Beal made history in 2021 when he became the first openly LGBTQ+ political chair in the state of Illinois. Prior to this appointment, he spent years working as an HIV/AIDS activist in Chicago. 🧵(1/5)
A poster that reads "Ken Mejia-Beal: Youth Outlook Treasurer and First Openly LGBTQ+ Political Chair in Illinois". The background of the poster is a crumpled paper texture. There are abstract red, pale orange/dark yellow, and green shapes in the upper left and lower right corners of the image. The center of the poster shows a photo of Ken wearing a bold orange suit with a black shirt and a black and orange striped tie. He has a white carnation with a blue ribbon pinned to his lapel. He is holding an award because this photo was taken at the Chicago LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The photo is framed by a zig-zag circle made up of red, orange, green, and black. Abstract yellow, green, and red streaks make up a background. There is red and green tape on each corner of the photo to make it look like it is taped to the poster. Underneath Ken's photo, there is more text the reads "Black History Month LGBTQ+ Leaders" in red, orange, green, and black text. A cartoon illustration of a Black person's raised arm holds a progress pride flag. The Youth Outlook logo is visible.
February 10, 2025 at 8:14 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
We know firsthand the power of community when it comes to facing tough times. It's how we've gotten through them before, and it is how we will get through them again. 🧵(1/3)
February 6, 2025 at 10:58 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
February is Black History Month! Join us this month as we highlight and celebrate local Illinois leaders of the Black LGBTQ+ community who exemplify Black Excellence every day.
Social Media graphic that says "Black History Month 2025" in multicolored red, orange, green, black, and brown text. It is framed with a zig-zag circle made up of similar colors. The background is a crumpled paper texture. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. The Youth Outlook Y-Line is visible. In the upper left and and lower right hand corners of the graphic, abstract curves made up of dark green, dark yellow, and dark red frame the entire image.
February 1, 2025 at 6:17 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Statement: Youth Outlook Stands in Solidarity for Federal Funding Restoration

Youth Outlook stands with the National Council of Nonprofits, the State of Illinois, and all organizations working to restore the release of congressionally approved federal funds. 🧵(1/7)
January 29, 2025 at 2:39 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
We promised you information about the Call for Speakers for our upcoming Future Outlook Conference in April, and we are here to deliver! We are delighted to report that our Call for Speakers is LIVE NOW! 🧵(1/9)
A flyer announcing a Call for Speakers. A purple text bubble in the upper left hand corner reads "Future Outlook 2025 Conference" in white text. To the right of that, a purple calendar graphic is next to the words "April 10-11, 2025 Naperville, IL". Bold purple text reads "Call for Speakers" in all caps. The Youth Outlook Y-line repeats beneath this header. To the right, another purple text bubble reads "Apply Today!" in bold white text. In the lower left hand corner of the flyer, a stock image of a smiling Black woman holding a microphone is visible. She has tight curls and wear a leather jacket and a yellow lanyard. The image has a circular purple outline. To the right of the stock photo, a bulleted list reads "-Earn at least $200 per selected session" "-Tangibly support LGBTQ+ youth by training fellow professionals" "-Earn CEUs and elevate your allyship". Beneath the bulleted list, bold black text reads "Apply Now! Rolling Review of Submissions. Last day for consideration is 2.17.25" The last sentence is underlined. The Youth Outlook logo is visible in the bottom right hand corner of the image. The Youth Outlook Y-Wheel motif acts as the background for the whole flyer.
January 28, 2025 at 2:20 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
We are excited to announce the dates for our THIRD annual Future Outlook Conference. Join us in Naperville on April 10th and 11th, 2025. You are welcome to join us for one or both days! 🧵(1/5)
ID: Flyer with the words "Save the Date" in a rounded purple textbox in the upper left hand corner. In the upper right hand corner, the Youth Outlook logo is visible. Bold purple text reads "FUTURE OUTLOOK 2025 CONFERENCE" in all caps underneath the purple text box and logo. The Youth Outlook Y-line repeats as an underline beneath this text, with a small filled in purple circle all the way to the right of the flyer. In the center of the image, a purple graphic of a calendar within a place marker site to the left of black text that reads "April 10-11, 2025 Naperville, IL". The bottom third of the flyer shows a stock photo of a diverse group of people smiling and applauding in a conference setting. They are all wearing orange lanyards. The image has rounded corners and a thin purple border. The Youth Outlook Y-wheel motif act as the background for the entire flyer.
January 24, 2025 at 7:16 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Holiday update: Youth Outlook is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, today, January 20th, 2025. This means there will be no DeKalb or Peoria drop-in programming today. We will resume regular programming tomorrow, 01/21/2025.🧵(1/4)
A pastel rainbow image with brown borders in the upper left and lower right corners. The Youth Outlook logo and Youth Outlook Y-Wheel motif are both visible. In the center, a transparent black and white illustration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is visible. There is a dark metallic gold outline of a crown floating above his head. A white speech bubble next to the illustration reads "Don’t allow anybody to cause you to lose your self-respect to the point that you do not struggle for justice. However young you are, you have a responsibility to seek to make your nation a better nation in which to live.”. It is captioned with the words "-- Excerpt from “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?”, given to Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967". There is another white rectangle with a thick purple outline beneath the illustration that reads "Holiday Schedule: We are closed Monday, January 20th, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day".
January 20, 2025 at 9:19 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Spotlight On: Youth Outlook's Continuing Education Offerings - Build your capacity for working with the LGBTQ+ population! This week, we're focusing our #TGDWellness series on highlighting the continuing education opportunities we offer🧵(1/5)
Header image with the trans flag colors that reads "Spotlight On: Youth Outlook's Continuing Education Offerings" "Build your capacity for working with the LGBTQ+ population.". The Youth Outlook, PHIMC, and Illinois Department of Human Services TGD program logos are all visible. The Youth Outlook Y-Wheel motif is visible. The entire image is bordered by progress pride colors on a diagonal slant. A gender diverse symbol with the trans flag colors is visible, as is a cluster of flowers in the trans colors.
January 17, 2025 at 1:07 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
This year, the incredible support of our community has meant the world to everyone at Youth Outlook. Your generous contributions directly fuel our mission.
An ice-skating penguin wears a purple hat and scarf. They are holding a progress pride flag in their right hand and a lavender envelope that has a piece of paper reading "Thank You" with a heart in their left. Header text reads "~ A Year in Review ~" and body text reads "2024 saw the exponential expansion of our services, and we couldn't have done it without our amazing community!". The background is an ombre pastel rainbow with the Youth Outlook Y-Wheel motif. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. The Youth Outlook Y-Line is visible.
December 28, 2024 at 5:43 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Happy Holidays from Youth Outlook!
A winter scene with a variety of ice skating penguins in different poses, arranged into a pyramid shape. Each penguin is wearing a winter hat with various pride flag colors: the lesbian flag, the bi flag, the trans flag, the pan flag, the aromantic flag, the nonbinary/intersex flag, and the asexual flag. There is a rainbow aurora across the sky. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. Cursive text reads "All Are Welcome: in black with a lilac outline.
December 26, 2024 at 4:02 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Holiday update: Youth Outlook will be closed for the holiday starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 12/24/2024, through Wednesday, 12/25/2024.
Holiday closure announcement against a pastel rainbow background with snowflakes and the Youth Outlook Y-Wheel motif. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. There is an off-white snowman wearing a pale blue scarf and a lavender winter hat. The announcement reads "Holiday Schedule: We are closed for the holiday on Tuesday 12/24/2024 and Wednesday 12/25/2024"
December 23, 2024 at 6:03 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
The time is almost here! Warm up with us and @belongfoxvalley.bsky.social at this INDOOR Winter Wonderland extravaganza (come on in; the weather's perfect!)
Same flyer from the previous post with the word "tomorrow" in all caps laid out over a gold ribbon covering most of the flyer.
December 12, 2024 at 6:06 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
All About: Vague Legislation

As part of our #TGDWellness series, we're taking the opportunity this week to spotlight some of the concerns that dubiously defined bills raise as well as one of the ways you can support us in pushing back. 🧵(1/8)
December 11, 2024 at 2:07 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Happy #PanPrideDay! We've given our handy dandy info post from last year a 2024 makeover, complete with updated stats! Check it out to learn a little bit more about this unique and valid identity.
Cover slide labeled "Pansexual Pride Day" in the colors of the pan flag with the subtitle "December 8th, 2024" in magenta text. The background is an ombre tie dye of the colors of the flag. The Youth Outlook logo is visible. There is confetti and streamers in the colors of the flag at the top of the image. A small frog holding a heart colored like the flag sits on a lily pad placed in the bottom right corner of the image on top of a diagonal ribbon in the colors of magenta, yellow, and cyan. The Youth Outlook circle motif is overlayed on top of the background. The main text is centered on a rounded rectangular shape with stylistic outlines. This is the framing for all subsequent slides. Slide titled "What is pansexuality?" "The Bisexual Resource Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to all identities that experience attraction to more than one gender, defines pansexuality as: Attraction to all genders and/or regardless of gender. This attraction could be physical, romantic, and/or emotional." Slide titled "What Are Our Numbers?" "In 2024 to date, about 15% of all new drop-in center attendees indicated they identified with the term “pan” in some way (this is in addition to the 25% from last year)!" There is a pie chart graphic with 15% highlighted in magenta and the remainder in cyan. Slide titled "What About The Flag?" "The magenta stripe is meant to represent attraction to the feminine, the cyan stripe is representative of attraction to the masculine, and the middle yellow stripe represents all other attraction within, between, and beyond the binary!" There is a photos of the pan flag in a circular frame to the left of the text.
December 9, 2024 at 1:28 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Youth Outlook is headed on the road! Join us and our friends from @belongfoxvalley.bsky.social for a Chicago Steel game next Friday!

mpv.tickets.com/schedule/?or...
Flyer for a hockey game between the Chicago Steel and Cedar Rapids. The background of the flyer shows 6 hockey players on the ice. The Youth Outlook Y-line, Youth Outlook logo, Belong Fox Valley logo, Chicago Steel logo, Fox Valley Ice Arena logo, and USHL logo are all visible. A red ribbon on the left hand side of the flyer reads: "Use offer code: YTHOUTLOOK1" "Special Offer" "$15 White Zone Ticket" "$5 from every ticket purchased will benefit YOUTH OUTLOOK" "For more information, contact Scott Foley at 630-597-2115 or email sfoley@chicagosteelhockeyteam.com". A black bar on the bottom of the flyer reads: "Steel vs. Cedar Rapids | Friday, December 13 | 7:05 PM"
December 6, 2024 at 4:29 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
It's International Volunteer Day! We could not do what we do without generous volunteers like you!

Keep an eye out for information about our 2025 training sessions if you would like to become part of this phenomenal team!

youth-outlook.org/get-involved...
square image with a pastel rainbow background and purple cursive text that reads "We "heart" our volunteers" and plain black text that reads "Thank you to all of our volunteers, both old and new!" There is a headline in white font outlined in black that says "International Volunteer Day" in the very center of the image. There are 3 circular frames arranged in an ascending diagonal from the lower left hand corner of the image. The center circle is bigger than the other two. Each shows various people gathered at teambuilding events. There is a progress pride heart and the Youth Outlook logo is visible.
December 6, 2024 at 1:41 AM
Reposted by Youth Outlook
illinois-eagle.bsky.social
A round-up of news from across the state.
illinoiseagle.com/2024/12/04/e...
Eaglets: Equality Illinois calls for support of name change bill – Illinois Eagle
A round-up of news from across the state.
illinoiseagle.com
December 4, 2024 at 7:08 PM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
We know we have a *lot* of work ahead of us in the coming months and years, and we know we can't do it alone. There are a multitude of ways to contribute towards making the world a kinder, more safe place, and that's where you come in. Please consider becoming part of our mission!
A flyer with the Youth Outlook logo that says "Stand With Us for LGBTQ+ Youth! Here's how you can help us meet the challenges ahead. DONATE: Your financial contributions ensure our services remain at no cost for the you and families relying on us. VOLUNTEER: We offer volunteer opportunities that match diverse interests, skills, and time commitments. DISCOVER OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Empower understanding, inclusivity, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in your community or professional organization." The previous three sections each have different QR codes. Another section reads "CONTRIBUTE SUPPLIES: Help keep our Drop-In Centers stocked with essential supplies. Organize a drive or contribute to any of the items listed below. To coordinate drop-off, email: info@youth-outlook.org. -Individually wrapped snacks -Beef Jerky/Slim Jim's -Fruit snacks -Fruit by the Foot -Individual bags of chips -Regular rice crispy treats -Cup O'Noodles -Mac and cheese cups (or other microwavable, shelf-stable meal replacements) Please avoid snacks with nuts." The final section says "SPREAD THE WORD: Share our mission with your friends, family, and networks. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn youth-outlook.org". There is a cropped photo of multiple people of different racial makeup holding hands wrapped in different Pride flags.
December 4, 2024 at 3:03 AM
youthoutlook.bsky.social
Hello, BlueSky! We are Youth Outlook, a nonprofit based in Illinois that provides support to LGBTQ+ youth and their allies via drop-in programming, Health and Wellness Navigation, Community Education and Professional Development, and family/caregiver support. We're excited to fly the skies!
December 4, 2024 at 2:48 AM