According to a 1997 survey, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender young people in Massachusetts are five times more likely than their peers to use cocaine, miss school because of feeling unsafe, and to attempt suicide, and twice as likely to smoke cigarettes before age 13. They need special help.

CIGYSA is one of 14 community-based Alliances of Gay & Lesbian Youth in Massachusetts, serving youth on the Cape — located at CIGYSA House in downtown Hyannis. CIGYSA House is open to all youths under age 22, who honor and respect differences — in ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation, or whatever. In an area with relatively few off-season recreational opportunities for young people, the Center sponsors dances, coffee houses, movie nights, and other activities; weekly general meetings; clinical meetings with therapists, including drop-in hours for one-on-one counseling; health education on physical, behavioral, and psychological issues including self-esteem; and parent-child mediations. This is a philanthropy with the courage to be concerned where others practice avoidance or outright rejection.

You can help marginalized young people on the Cape by supporting a place where they can feel respected, accepted, safe, and welcome.