Rainbow Labs: Provide Mentors For LGBTQ+ Youth
The idea of Rainbow Labs launched in 2020 by Jacob Toups, and Luis Vasquez was to address the unique challenges faced by queer and gender non-conforming youth. Jacob and Luis both know these unique challenges as they encountered them growing up in their communities. Bullying and lack of supportive environments in these communities never allowed them to connect to other members of the Queer and Gender Nonconforming community. This community of peers was not found until much later in life where they found safe and supportive spaces to explore their identities. In creating Rainbow Labs, they want to ensure the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth find their community, peers, and safe spaces earlier on while gaining a sense of empowerment to propel them into bright futures.
Our programs embolden Queer and Gender Nonconforming Youth to discover, curate, and experiment with the elements of a fulfilled life through community building and the lived experiences of mentors. Here are what some of our youth are saying about our programming.
“I love everyone involved, this was amazing and I'm SO sad it's over already. I came away more confident in myself, and who myself even was to begin with, and happier in knowing there are so many people of all ages and backgrounds who feel the same. I can't thank you enough.
“Throughout these past weeks, I have discovered things from my own being that I did not know were even there.”
“You can be you and everyone is so kind and you can always speak your mind and they will have your back.”
“This was the first time I've been in a space where I felt 100% accepted by the people around me, so I definitely got what I wanted out of having mentors. Overall this was by far one of the coolest experiences of my life.”
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