The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center strives to build community, promote health and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the greater Milwaukee area. One of this organization’s programs is Project Q, which offers LGBT and allied youth ages 13-24 a safe, accepting, drug- and alcohol-free environment in which they can express and identify themselves freely without fear of being ridiculed or harassed. Project Q offers workshops; expression/arts-based activities; educational speakers; leadership activities that develop workforce, job and life skills; community service projects; alcohol, tobacco and other drug risk-reduction activities; and safe sex and healthy relationship education. Drop-in hours for Project Q are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 4-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, 3-7 p.m., at the Center (1110 N. Market St.). In addition, participants can receive case management services in which staff members meet one-on-one with youth to set and meet goals. Case management meetings are available weekdays by appointment only (call 414-223-3220).
Many dedicated volunteers and staff make it possible for Project Q to provide more than 600 teens and young adults annually with contemporary, interactive programming, with approximately 150 youth receiving case management services.
Upcoming programming includes healthy relationship classes that run through April 20 and are free and open to singles and couples. Classes run Mondays from 5:30-7 p.m.; to reserve a spot, call 414-292-3072. Additionally, Project Q and the Center are seeking transgender resources and books for their library as well as children’s books on LGBT topics. For more information about volunteering, donating or taking part in Project Q’s programming, call 414-223-3220 or visit projectqmke.org/youth.