We are pleased to announce the return of our free counseling services for youth and young adults, made possible by the incredible support from YOU. Our dedicated clinical team is ready to provide compassionate care, ensuring that everyone has access to the mental health resources they need. We invite you to visit our website for more details on our services . For any inquiries, feel free to reach out via email.
We’re still going strong this summer and would love for you to join us. Whether you're looking for community, support, or just a space to be yourself, our groups are open and welcoming.
Check out our updated schedule!
Can’t make it in person? All groups are also available online.
To join, register through the Linktree in our bio. If you're 13 or younger, a Parent Consent Form is required.
After registering, our Support Groups Coordinator will follow up with a quick orientation. Please allow 1–2 days for processing—we’ll get you into group as soon as we can.
Questions? Email us at [email protected].
We are heartbroken and outraged by the end of funding for the 988 LGBTQ+ Crisis Line. Starting July 17, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer provide dedicated, identity-affirming support for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults—a devastating loss for a community already facing higher risks of mental health challenges.
In this moment, we are uplifting trusted resources that continue to show up for our communities with care, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
📍 For LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia:
We at Side by Side offer free, identity-affirming support groups for LGBTQ+ youth across the state. Any youth who meets the age and identity requirements is welcome, no matter where they live in Virginia.
💬 Support Groups & Drop-In Hours
Our groups provide emotional support, community, and space for healing.
Drop-In Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 4:00–6:00/6:30 PM
Weekly Support Groups:
Monday: Young Adult Group (18–24) 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday: LGBTQ+ Teens (14–18) 6:30–8:30 PM
Wednesday: Middle School Group 6:00–7:30 PM
Thursday: Transgender & Nonbinary Youth Group 6:30–8:30 PM
🔗 Interested youth can register through the link in our bio.
National Resources Still Available:
The Trevor Project
Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth, available 24/7
📞 Call: 1-866-488-7386
💬 Text ‘START’ to 678678
🧡 Free, confidential, and affirming support from trained counselors
Trans Lifeline
A peer-led support and crisis line offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
📞 Call: 877-565-8860
🌈 Services are confidential, affirming, and trans-led.
While the loss of the 988 LGBTQ+ Crisis Line is devastating, we will continue to stand up for one another. Please share this post widely—no one should face these times alone.
Our final speaker for the weekend is one of our very first Side By Side youth, Miguel Martin!
Miguel Martin is a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in clinical social work practice. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from VCU and is currently completing his clinical training with a focus on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and behavioral health assessment. Upon graduating next year, Miguel plans to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and open his own mental health practice dedicated to expanding access to culturally responsive, affirming care for marginalized and underserved communities.
Miguel’s connection to this work is deeply personal. As a former participant in ROSMY, he experienced firsthand the power of a safe, affirming space during his adolescent years. This experience continues to shape both his personal life and professional path. He is happily married to his husband, Trevor Martin, and they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on February 14. Outside of his academic and clinical work, Miguel values family, personal growth, and creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Chris Schoen (They/He) grew up in and around Richmond Virginia in the performing arts scene. They have worked for Richmond-owned and operated businesses for over 25 years, including Virginia Rep (theatre IV), Premiere Costume, Richmond Burlesque Community, Fallout RVA. and most recently, as the Communications and Development Manager for Diversity Richmond. Their passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community is directly related to the support they received from ROSMY (Side By Side) in their youth.
We are excited to welcome Chris to Springtime this weekend and can't wait to see you there, too!
🌹She's beauty, she's grace, and she's joining us at Springtime. She's living legend Dana St James!
Known for her "old school" approach to drag and utterly captivating style, Dana has been entertaining the masses for decades. As a nationally known and loved entertainer, she is equally known for her dedication to advocating for our queer community and transgender siblings around the world.
So join us at Springtime for a dose of the legendary Dana St James!
Springtime is all about celebrating the impact Side by Side makes in the lives of our youth... who then grow up to continue being the movers and shakers we need! That's why we're excited to be joined by Sarah Milston!
Sarah is the CEO and Founder of The Spark Mill - a strategic planning and change management consulting firm in Richmond. She began her journey with Side by Side on Auburn Street during high school in 1995, where she saw two girls kiss in the parking lot and suddenly understood she could have it all. She attended as a youth through college and was the organization's first Development Director, funded by the first grant the organization received from a local foundation. Subsequently, she has served on the Board and volunteered as a facilitator. When not at work, she is a wife and mother of two amazing teenagers who make their home in the Southside of Richmond.
Meet Sarah this weekend, Saturday, May 16 at Springtime! Tickets are still available on our website.
Own a rare and deeply meaningful piece of LGBTQ+ literary history with this framed publisher’s advance proof of Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran, accompanied by an original 1978 letter from Pat Loud to Bill Barnes.
This remarkable framed collection includes:
✅Publisher’s uncorrected advance proof of Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran
✅Original typed letter from Pat Loud to Bill Barnes dated May 31, 1978
✅Professionally framed and display-ready presentation
Find more on this treasure using the link in our bio. New items are being added daily and all auctions will end at 3:30pm EST on May 16, 2026.
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#AndrewHolleran #LGBTQHistory #bookworms #onlineauction #SideBySideVA
What kind of a party would it be without some entertainment??
We're excited to welcome our first headliner. Known for his high energy performances, devilishly handsome good looks, and giant heart for the community, he is sure to bring the heat this weekend!
🪻Welcome to Springtime: Mr. Godfreys 2026, Zyon Malichi Starr!
Every year at Springtime, we have a bountiful auction, featuring all kinds of experiences, items, and adventures donated by our amazing sponsors.
This year (very soon, might we add!), the auction will be live online so you can bid from anywhere in the world, even if you can't attend the event itself!
We suggest setting up your profile now, so bidding is even easier. Simply follow the link in our bio.
What good is a party without music? Any what good is music unless you have the best?
We're thrilled to have DJ Bear Bonez (@djbearbonez ) spinning for us all day at Springtime 2026! He's known around Richmond for his high energy picks, good vibes, and big bear hugs. 🐻🎶💗
See (and hear!) for yourself at the best event around!
🌸Springtime
📆Saturday, May 16
🕰12-4pm
📍Midtown Green, Richmond VA
