In 2022, The Center began work to form a new program to reach LGBTQ+ young adults. A gap in our previous program offerings was observed - that while the Rainbow Alley youth program existed for community members ages 10-17, The Center did not have a space for young LGBTQ+ people to go once they aged out of the program.
As many of us know, young adulthood can be a tumultuous and sometimes lonely time. The transition from teen years and high school to young adult life with more independence and responsibilities is a difficult jump to make, especially if the necessary support, resources, and community are missing.
With these things in mind, The Center hired Viet Nguyen (she/they) for the new position of Manager of Young Adult Programs in September of 2022. Our youth & young adult programming team began meticulously laying the groundwork for a new program: Saga, slated to be launched in January 2023.
Saga’s foundation draws inspiration from Dr. Alex Wagaman’s seminal research article, “What does it mean to be a successful adult? Exploring perceptions of the transition into adulthood among LGBTQ emerging adults in a community-based service context.” Dr. Wagaman’s research identified four critical areas for successful young adult development, which were adapted to become the core framework of the Saga program:
- Community-Supported Independence: Providing resources and guidance to foster self-reliance and self-sufficiency among LGBTQ+ young adults.
- Close Relationships/Family Kith: Cultivating a supportive network of relationships within the LGBTQ+ community, akin to a chosen family.
- Personal Preservation: Empowering individuals to preserve their authentic selves in the face of heteronormative and cisnormative pressures.
- Strength to Engage with Heteronormative and Cisnormative Contexts: Equipping participants with the resilience and skills to navigate mainstream societal norms.
Plans were laid for the program to run in a hybrid model, operating as a social and educational space for LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 18-24) to build close relationships with peers, engage with educational workshops, and participate in community events. Resources to aid participants in development of professional and life skills include job-seeking assistance, resume and cover letter drafting, and interview preparation, with more be available in the future. The program intends to balance skill development workshops with fun social outings in order to foster relationships between participants and to form a supportive community.
Through the creation of the Saga program, The Center hopes to support LGBTQ+ young adults in their progression to adulthood by offering them the guidance and peer support needed so they can thrive in this new stage of their lives.