The Goal at the End of the Rainbow: Give LGBTQ Youth a Place to be Themselves

Rex Fuller

The enthusiasm for her new role bubbles up as soon as Nadine Bridges starts to speak. “I love it here,” she says. Nadine just started as director of youth services at The GLBT Community Center of Colorado where she runs the Rainbow Alley Youth Program, and she’s already diving into her new role with gusto.

“When I attended the strategic planning meeting at The Center the other day, I was blown away with how enthusiastic the board was and how welcoming everybody is,” she comments. The Center is currently creating a strategic plan for the next three years and, though it was only her second day on the job, Nadine presented to the board and discussed the future of Rainbow Alley. “The extent of experience, the connections both locally and nationally … I’m just blown away. It’s amazing. The volunteers here have been nothing but welcoming. I feel at home.”

Rainbow Alley provides support, resources, and referrals for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or are questioning their orientation. The program also provides a drop-in space as well as programming where young people can explore their developing identities and build life skills for healthy living. Now celebrating sixteen years of providing supportive services for young people, Rainbow Alley is regarded by many as a national leader in the field.

“For me, Rainbow Alley offers youth an opportunity to be in a safe space,” Nadine continues. “Although I see things changing for our young people, in regard to there being much more open and welcoming communities, it sounds like, at least from what I’m hearing, youth still don’t feel they can be who they truly are. Yesterday, I was actually meeting with two youth here and they were saying the reason they continue to come to Rainbow Alley is that this was the first place they felt welcome. They’ve built friendships here. They’ve built community here. That’s what I want: Opportunity for young people to be proud of themselves and feel empowered, regardless of what their situations are. Everything I do is geared toward that ultimate goal.”

Nadine comes to The Center after working with Denver Urban Scholars. She first became aware of the program when she encountered youth who needed additional support. “I had a lot of youth who came out or who were questioning or who were not out at all and just needed a safe space to be who they are,” she remembers. “I dropped them off here and met with the folks at Rainbow Alley and was impressed with what I saw.”

For the time being, Nadine is excited about continuing Rainbow Alley’s success. Drop-in hours will continue, Tuesday through Friday from 3 – 8pm in The Center’s youth space.

“I want Rainbow Alley at the forefront of supporting LGBTQ youth,” Nadine concludes. “I hope people will look toward Rainbow Alley in regard to best practices. I also hope the youth we serve will become mini ambassadors for the work we are doing here and in turn, youth will come to us. I want parents to know we are a resource for them too if they need one.”

Learn more about Rainbow Alley online at GLBTColorado.org/Rainbow-Alley, or give them a call at (303) 733-7743.