Who is OUTstanding Amarillo?
OUTstanding Amarillo is the only non-profit organization in the Texas Panhandle exclusively committed to providing social services, education opportunities, and recreational activities for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (GLBTQ) population with a specific focus on youth through age 25.
Our Goal:
Our goal is to provide group interaction and individual support for GLBTQ Individuals by providing age appropriate activities, programs, and resources that facilitate empowerment and self-acceptance.
How we came to be in Amarillo, Texas:
OUTstanding Amarillo has been in existence since 1997. At that time, there was no community business or organization with a primary program servicing GLBTQ youth. Community volunteers were frustrated from the lack of attention given to this growing population. They created OUTstanding Amarillo as the only organization in the Texas Panhandle whose sole mission is to provide social, recreational and leadership opportunities to GLBTQ youth.
The Challenge:
There are more than 50,000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GBLTQ) youth estimated to be in the Amarillo/Texas Panhandle area. Some are fortunate to have an accepting home environment. Others live without hope in isolation and fear. Those feeling alone and lost make up a staggering 50% that contemplate suicide every day. Many services so desperately needed by youth today are not available due to homophobia or a lack of resources.
How OUTstanding Amarillo is meeting that challenge:
Today, OUTstanding Amarillo (a 501c3 nonprofit) has proven to be the primary youth-servicing organization for the GLBT population in Amarillo and the surrounding Texas Panhandle area. Providing multiple support groups for specific populations (transgender, young and high-school age groups, youth and adult counseling services), a mentoring program, life coaching services for short term issues, website and message boards, youth leadership board, a drop-in center where a variety of wellness & healthy living support groups gather, public computers, recreational programs and social events.