The Youth of Rainbow was founded by Melissa Thomas and her partner Sharr'on Robinson in July 2011. It is a safe place for any lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning or straight ally to express themselves and find support.

"We want to be a resource for families who don't quite know how to deal with the woes of the LGBTQ teen and their wants, thoughts, needs, and issues," explained Thomas.

Josiah Richardson, a Y-O-R member, said that "Youth of the Rainbow is an organization that allows and promotes not only passion, but freedom." This belief in their youthful members' potential provides the basis for initiating multiple programs that encourage social development, workforce preparation, and community integration.

Community support for Y-O-R has been realized by Baltimore Freedom Academy's generous gift of use of their facility as a home base for the organization. Baltimore Freedom Academy's curriculum and culture are focused on social justice and activism.

Through the GLCCB and Y-O-R partnership, the group created temporary artwork to display at the 2012 Baltimore Pride Festival and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's annual Creating Change Conference, held in Baltimore last January.

The group is offering a Life Skills class beginning this fall. Y-O-R is currently in dire need of both volunteers and funds.

For meeting times and more information visit YouthOfTheRainbow.org.