IOYS builds access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support.
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When Regina Dipadova founded Inside Out in 1990, it was in the heyday of Focus on the Family and Colorado Springs’ reputation as a city of hate. Dipadova recognized that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2+) youth in the Tava (Pikes Peak) region are at highest risk in their peer group for various health-related problems, including drug and alcohol abuse, school drop-out, physical abuse, sexual abuse, homelessness, and suicide.
To address the needs of the LGBTQIA2+ community Dipadova worked with the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment’s (EPCDHE) McMaster Center for Drug and Alcohol Treatment to start the Inside Out Program for LGBTQIA2+ youth. The program offered support and recreational activities for LGBTQIA2+ youth as well as counseling for drug and alcohol problems.
In September 1995, the Board of Inside Out was formed and began to seek support for program expansion and an increase in services for LGBTQIA2+ youth as a 501(c)3 non-profit. In 1997 Inside Out Youth Services became a nonprofit and expanded their impact. Inside Out continues its work creating a safe space for LGBTQIA2+ youth and their allies, and promoting education and outreach into the El Paso County region.
Visits by 216 youth to our programs in 2025, including our in person & virtual programs.
Hours of services in the community center in 2025.
Of young people received basic needs resources in 2025.
People trained across 24 trainings on how to better support LGBTQIA2+ young people.
of people trained reported gaining practical skills to empower LGBTQIA2+ young people in 2025.
students impacted by advocacy efforts statewide and locally in 2025.
Of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year—including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people. LGBTQ+ youth of color reported higher rates than white peers.
*According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People
Of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
*According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People
Of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics.
*According to the Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People
Governor Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis speak to Inside Out’s mission and impact.
Download our 2024 annual report which shares our impact in detail and provides more about our youth and our supporters.
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2025: Inside Out was recognized with a Prism Award from One Colorado
2021: Inside Out won the Mental Health and Wellness award from Colorado Publishing House
2020: Inside Out awarded Bronze for CS Indy Best of Colorado Springs Nonprofits category during 30-year anniversary
2020: The AIDS Coalition for Education Recognized Inside/Out Youth Services for Programs Making a Difference in Preventing HIV/AIDS
2019: CO State Proclamation in recognition of Ally Up!
2019: COS City Proclamation in recognition of Inside Out Youth Services
2018: Indy Inclusion Award: Legacy Award Winner
2016: Indy Inclusion Award
2015: El Paso County Public Health award for youth tobacco prevention
2014: Judy Shepard Family Values Award
2014: Organization of the Year COSPride Award
2011: The Steve and Dorothy Humanitarian Award
2008: Colorado Springs Assets for Youth