You belong

We build access, equity, and power with
LGBTQIA2+ youth, ages 13-24.

Celebrating 35 Years & Growing Together

As Inside Out Youth Services proudly celebrates 35 years of service and advocacy in our community, we are reminded of the courage, resilience, and support that have made our work possible. Throughout these decades, you have stood with us in championing safe spaces and opportunities for LGBTQIA2+ young people to thrive.

Over these years, the Gayla has been a joyful tradition, bringing together allies and advocates in a night of celebration. As we look ahead, we are excited to share that we will be transitioning from the Gayla to the annual fundraising event: the Ally-Up Breakfast.

Why the Transition?

  • Community Celebration of 35 Years
    Our 35th anniversary marks not only our history, but also the next chapter of growth. The Ally-Up Breakfast will allow us to honor our roots while engaging even more community members in a setting that fosters greater connection, storytelling, and impact.
  • Reemergence & Renewal of IOYS
    After recent years of change, IOYS is reemerging stronger and more focused than ever. The breakfast format provides a powerful way to showcase our renewed mission, inspire continued allyship, and bring fresh energy to our supporters.
  • Accessibility & Broader Engagement
    A morning gathering removes financial and scheduling barriers, welcoming a wider circle of allies who may not have been able to join an evening gala. It is our hope that more voices, more advocates, and more supporters can gather together to sustain this work.
  • Sustaining Our Future
    The Ally-Up Breakfast is designed to maximize fundraising impact while minimizing costs, ensuring that even more resources go directly to empowering LGBTQIA2+ youth.

We are beyond grateful for your past support of the Gayla, and we look forward to standing with you — side by side — at the Ally-Up Breakfast, continuing to build a future where every young person can live with pride and authenticity.

Save the date, November 18, 2025 and stay tuned for more details soon! Together, we will continue to uplift, empower, and celebrate the youth we serve.

 

 

Join our Board of Directors!

Board members are vital to our mission of supporting LGBTQIA2+ youth in the Tava-Kaavi (Pikes Peak) region. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences who are passionate about equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment. As part of their service, board members help integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) principles into IOYS governance, committees, and overall culture. Please click here to learn more!

LGBTQ Youth Flag Parade In Colorado Springs

Our Mission

IOYS builds access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support.

Our Vision

Wholeness. Inside and Out.

Our Values

Intersectionality

Nourishment

Self-expression

Integrity

Dancing/dance

Engagement

Openness

Unicorns

Transformation

Get Involved

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA2+ youth? In addition to accepting donations, Inside Out offers multiple advocacy and volunteer opportunities.

Attendees Of LGBTQ Youth Services
Programs

Our programs support youth through discussion groups, drop-ins (online and in-person), outings, leadership opportunities, counseling, and food and clothing support. Our goal is to ensure that each of the lives we touch goes on to live a healthy and long existence as their authentic happy self.

LGBTQ Youth Support Group
Advocacy

Our adult workshops train parents and youth-serving adults how to advocate and support their youth through allyship and community resiliency. We also work with community partners, schools, and organizations to advocate for youth and teach them how to be inclusive, change-making leaders.

Give!

Every dollar you spend with us is put directly toward aiding and assisting the LGBTQIA2+ youth of the Pikes Peak region. Your thoughtful donation makes a big difference for the youth attending Inside Out.

Be an annual sponsor!

The work we do year-round at Inside Out Youth Services wouldn’t be possible
without the generous support from our sponsors.

View our annual sponsorship levels for 2025.

If you are interested in a year-long sponsorship, please contact our Development team

Looking to get in touch about improving the lives of LGBTQIA2+ youth?

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