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Mission Statement
The Mission of
Outright Vermont is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments
for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning
youth.
Outright Vermont (ORVT) is one of the longest standing queer
organizations in Vermont and the only one that works specifically
with young people. By striving to empower queer youth, model positive
cross-generational learning and leadership, and to address lateral
oppressions including racism, classism, and heterosexism, ORVT
is building a safer, healthier, and more supportive world for
all young people.
Founded in 1989 by local gay and lesbian activists, ORVT helped
to create visibility, support, and advocacy throughout the 90s
for the queer youth community in Vermont. Our work has now expanded
to encompass Education and Outreach, Health and Wellness, Direct
Services, and Social Justice Organizing. ORVT is now one of the
few independant, queer-youth only, organzations in the United
States which still provides both Direct Service and Education
& Outreach services.
Vision
We envision a world of compassion, love, and
understanding where:
*all young people's lives are celebrated;
*young queer people are given the information and tools to make
healthy life decisions, especially concerning intimacy and sexual
relationships;
*bullying, taunting, harassment, and other forms of oppression
are not tolerated; and
nonconforming gender roles and sexuality are no longer targeted
as justifications to be cruel, dominate, or control others.
Our programs, groups, and services (unless otherwise stated)
are for young LGBTQ (or queer) people, ages 22 and under. Our
office, staff, and resources are available to queers and their
allies of all ages. During business hours this space is a working
office. (While staff are always accessible, they may not always
be available. Please ask for time, instead of assuming time.)
While in our space we ask that all youth, staff, and volunteers
follow these guidelines:
- This is a place to feel comfortable, relax, and have fun!
Please treat it with respect.
- Respect other people and their belongings.
- Assume good intentions.
- Confidentiality covers everyone.
- Own your actions: What you do, how you behave, and what you
say can and will impact others.
- Keep it safe: No drug or alcohol use before or during your
time here; no touching or talking with the intent to arouse;
and no physical or emotional violence in the space.
Those who individually or collectively jeopardize the safety
of our space or those who are inappropriately using our space
will be asked to leave until they can honor those guidelines.
Why use "Queer"?
Since the late 1990s, Outright Vermont youth and younger generations
of queer youth have used the word queer as a term of empowerment
and unification, intending to include within this term the larger
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community.
We recognize and honor that the word queer is still very hurtful
for some members of the LGBTQ community. We believe that this
term will continue to become less wounding and more empowering
through reclaiming it and through further community education.
Outright Vermont encourages people to recognize their personal
intent when using identity terms such as "queer" and
to dialogue about the power of these terms.
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