Youth and Family

Our Youth and Family programming aims to encourage future leaders by creating safe spaces for young people to connect and developing pathways to engage, support, mentor, and nurture queer youth, their allies, and their families.

Youth & Family Groups and Events

  • The monthly Youth Social is held at The Volusia Pride Community Space in DeLand.

    From preteen to young adult, all LGBTQ+ youth and allies are invited to come hang out and get to know others in your community. This meetup will be a casual get together with an open discussion. Each social is facilitated by members of DeLand Pride’s Youth Outreach Committee.

    Meetings are held the last Saturday of each month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

  • The youth Dungeons & Dragons group provides a safe and affirming space, offers participants a welcoming environment to explore creativity, build social connections, and develop problem-solving skills. The group emphasizes inclusivity and respect, allowing players of all identities and backgrounds to feel seen and valued. Campaigns and content focus on uplifting narratives, diverse characters, and collaborative storytelling that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.

    If you are interested in participating, please email info@volusiapride.org for schedule and additional information.

  • Join us at the Volusia Pride Community Space every Wednesday from 3 to 5 PM for a safe, welcoming environment to relax, connect, and build community. Open to LGBTQ+ youth and allies, this is a space for support, creativity, and fun!

  • This group offers a compassionate and inclusive space where parents of LGBTQ+ children can connect, share experiences, and find guidance. This group offers a supportive environment for parents to learn more about LGBTQ+ identities, ask questions, and explore ways to nurture and affirm their children's journeys. Through shared stories and open conversations, parents gain insights, build community, and become stronger allies, fostering love and understanding within their families and beyond.

    More information coming soon…

  • Join fellow LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers at the Volusia Pride Community Space to make (tiny) new friends, dance and sing to some music, and exchange stories and tips with peers!

    Monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 11:30am-1pm

    This group is for parents and caregivers of young children (tots from 1 year to 5 years old) who identify as LGBTQ+. Siblings of toddlers are also welcome!

  • Pride Prom is an annual event catering to local area high school students, community college students, and other youth and young adult members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. Pride Prom provides space for our youth to come together for a memorable night of music, dancing, food, and fun in a safe and welcoming environment.

    This event is held every year in April.

  • The Volusia-Flagler Rainbow Alliance Scholarship Program offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in Volusia and Flagler County attending or planning to attend a college, university, or post-secondary vocational or technical program, including apprenticeship programs. The purpose of these scholarships is to promote and support the LGBTQ+ community in Volusia and Flagler Counties and encourage leadership in the community.

    For more information on and application guidelines for the VFRA Scholarship please visit www.VFRainbow.org

OUTfront Youth Leadership Program

OUTfront Youth Leadership Program is focused on empowering, educating, mentoring, and advising high school aged youth throughout their journey of queer advocacy in their school, community, and beyond.

Amidst the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in Florida, the U.S., and globally, there is an urgent need for community organization—not only to advocate for queer rights but to actively resist the movements and attitudes that oppress our community. We strongly believe in the power of education and the importance of equipping youth with the tools to advocate for themselves and their peers, creating meaningful change within their communities.

This 8-week after-school program is designed to meet that need. The program will guide students from foundational knowledge—understanding the significance of each letter in the LGBTQ+ spectrum and the value of visibility—to actionable strategies for queer advocacy and community organizing. Through guidance, mentorship, and practical experience, students will learn how to make a tangible impact within their schools, neighborhoods, and cities.

To further empower participants, the program offers small stipends to help fund their advocacy projects, ensuring they have the resources to bring their ideas to life. Spaces are limited to ensure a high level of engagement and personalized support for each participant.

OUTfront Youth Leadership Program will be held in the Fall and Spring of each school year! OUTfront Spring 2025 kicks off on Wednesdays starting March 5, 2025. For more information, please email info@volusiapride.org

OUTfront Institute coming Summer 2025!

Youth Resources

NOTE: These resources are not programs of Volusia Pride. Please reach out to directly for more information about their group and events.

  • Kaleidoscope, Stetson's Gender and Sexual Diversity Organization, is a community based organization that actively pursues opportunities to promote acceptance, friendship, and partnership of the LGBTQIAP+ community. We work to create a supportive atmosphere for LGBTQIAP+ and allied students to discuss their feelings and thoughts about sexual orientation and gender identity. Through education and awareness initiatives, we hope to reduce anti-gay violence, harassment, and discrimination by promoting a greater understanding between students, school administration, and the local Deland community.

    For more information on Kaleidoscope please visit:

    www.instagram.com/su_kscope/

    Or email kaleidoscope@stetson.edu

  • Provided by Florida Gulf Coast University Counseling Psychological Services (CAPS), this chart offers many resources throughout Florida.

    www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/healthandsafety/caps/files/trans_resources_chart.pdf

  • Zebra Coalition® is a network of organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24.

    The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.

    zebrayouth.org/

Contact us.

For more information on our Youth Outreach Programming please fill out the contact form and our Youth Outreach Committee will get back to you soon.

Thank you to our Youth Outreach Sponsors and Grant Providers

  • Contigo Fund

  • Matt Buth Foundation

  • Florida Public Utilities

  • Junior Service League - DeLand

  • Stetson University Bonner Program