For more than thirty years, our U-21 program has provided one of the few places for Albuquerque’s LGBTQ+ youth to socialize in a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment. Every Friday night, participants under the age of 21, come together to hang out with friends and take part in events. Our events range from DnD nights to craft nights to cooking nights. We also have a thriving book club and a variety of guest speakers.
Participants in U-21 reflect a wide spectrum of race, religion, and socio-economic backgrounds. The participants are all different and understandably have different reasons for attending U-21. Most young people come every Friday night because they enjoy playing games and socializing with their peers. U-21 is a place where you can be fully you and have a great time. In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are still being debated and members of the community are still victims of prejudice and abuse, organizations such as U-21 are critical to the health and well-being of our city’s youth.
Click here to read more about U-21's rich history.
U-21 Calendar
If you have questions about events please contact us. U-21 is observing current health and safety precautions.
U-21 Book Club
Every month U-21 participants vote on the book we'll be reading. Participants keep the book and are welcome to talk about the book however they feel comfortable. All books are LGBTQ+ and a great time to read. If you'd like to donate money to help us buy books please do so here. The November theme is Memoirs and the pick is Anne of Greenville by Mariko Tamaki. Feel free to see our book choice as well as the ones we considered below.
Past Book Club Picks
"It Gets Better" U-21 Alumni Video
Hear U-21 alumni talk about how it gets better, and how U-21 played an important role in their lives.
For Parents:
The U-21 youth program is facilitated by an inspiring group of volunteers that have all been vetted by the Program Director and agree to abide by strict confidentiality policies. Facilitators have access to resources including several licensed counselors and contacts at the Children Youth and Families Department, should the need arise to refer a matter out to a trained social worker. Do you have questions about raising an LGBTQ+ youth? You are not alone. There are lots of resources that you can access to get answers to questions.
Parent-only Facebook group You can discuss issues with other parents by joining our parent-only Facebook group. Our Facebook group is a great place to find useful resources, ask questions, and make connections. Updates about the U-21 schedule as well as changes due to weather or other emergencies will be posted there as well. All discussions and posts are confidential. Your children do not have access to the page.