We serve LGBTQIA+ youth ages 5-24, their families, schools, and community connections by providing support, resources, referrals, social belongingness and special events; in Larimer and Weld Counties, Colorado.

Our programming provides community, family, peer, and individual protective factors against self-harm, suicide, substance misuse, and youth homelessness through engaging young people in their future and connecting them with resources they need to get there.

Our SPLASH Mission

SPLASH supports LGBTQIA+ youth and their families to enrich and affirm their identities by creating positive social experiences, advocating for their rights, and building communities of belongingness so that young people can thrive. ^{updated 2021}

Our SPLASH SafeSpace Statement

In all SPLASH spaces youth, volunteers, and staff are expected to respect the confidentiality, identities, names and pronouns of all participants. What is shared in SPLASH spaces, stays in those spaces. Everyone should feel safe exploring their own identities in a space that is respected by all, where mistakes are learning experiences, and judgment of others is not tolerated. SPLASH spaces may be in-person or online. The only exception to confidentiality in a SPLASH space is when there is disclosure of past or present harm or danger regarding oneself and/or another person.

Our SPLASH Non-Discrimination Statement

SPLASH does not discriminate based on race, culture, ethnicity, language, physical or emotional (dis)ability, age (youth services are age-restricted), religion or spirituality, socio-economic status, family status, geographic location, educational status, immigration status, judicial background, dietary needs, HIV/medical status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, romantic or sexual orientation.

Prism Palace, Our Dedicated Space

Located at 2721 s College ave #4A, in Midtown Commons Fort Collins, next to Panhandlers Pizza. Youth groups, meet-ups, drop-in hours, and LGBTQ+-affirming meeting spaces are available. We do not currently have “business hours”, but you can access our public calendar here. Prism was designed by youth and gives young people access to adult supervision while connecting with their peers. #PrismPalace by SPLASH can be accessed from Fort Collins and Loveland by regional public transportation, the FLEX.
Prism and our restrooms are ADA accessible, including access for mobility devices.

HOW WE SERVE:

Ambassador Leadership Program & Youth Board of Directors

Young people who participate in our programming have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles with other youth. Our Ambassador program provides training in Suicide Bystander Intervention, mental health and protective factors, that build their skills as leaders to guide them into leadership within their vocational or higher education scenarios. Our Board of Directors has a strong youth voice, as they learn to govern their programming and serve as key stakeholders in the direction and engagement of SPLASH Youth Groups.

Our groups are primarily youth-run, many of our SPLASH Ambassadors put together activities and peer support. They use, and are learning, transferable professional, leadership, and communication skills through a hands-on approach with often immediate feedback from their peers and guidance from experienced community leaders.

OUT Families

A connection for families to create “play dates” or other (virtual or in-person) get-togethers to support the growing identities of their children.

A (currently online) fun and spontaneous group for young people ages 5-11 that provides connection to other young people who are as fabulous as they are. We encourage families/parents/caregivers to attend Adult Swim to get additional resources specific to their child’s needs. Parents/Caregivers are required to attend with their child.

GAUGE – Generating Acceptance & Understanding of Gender Expression

Our GAUGE group is specific for transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive teens, ages 12-18. Led by Volunteers who also happen to be transgender, this space opens up conversation and resources that our youth under the transgender umbrella need the most. Trans Allies should attend our regular teen groups.

Spectrums

Our Spectrums group is specific for LGBTQIA+ youth who are also Neurodivergent. This sensory-safe and accessible space does not require diagnosis and accessibility needs are honored by everyone in the space. This includes, but is not limited to youth who have ADHD/ADD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Bipolar, Depression, Tourette’s, Epilepsy, OCD, CPTSD, and PTSD. In order to keep this a sensory-safe space, please do not wear strong-smelling scents or any jewelry that flashes.

SPLASH Teen Groups

Our groups are often youth-led and consist of weekly meetups and special events that give LGBTQIA+ youth a safe space to join together for learning about the LGBTQIA+ community. Middle school and high school aged youth can join us for activities, conversation, resources, identity explorations, education, (the occasional game of Among Us), and connecting with other youth, we aim to connect with other teens in socially supportive and appropriate settings. We specialize in helping young people become leaders of their GSA’s or SAGA’s in their schools, because we know that young people must feel safe in order to be ready to learn at school.

You can learn more about how we reach youth by following #splashnoco on any social media platform.

QTPOC

We are currently accepting volunteer applications for leaders of this group which will be specific to queer and trans youth of color. The group dynamics and engagement will be set by Volunteers and youth who attend.

QueerYA (formerly called Gap)

Peer-led spaces for LGBTQIA+ young adults, ages 16-24. Please fill out this form or email to get involved.

SPLASH Publications

Queeriosity magazine is currently under construction and will be released in Fall 2023/Winter 2024.

SPROUT Panels

Recently developed, SPROUT Student Panel, (Students Promoting Re-education, Openness, Understanding and Tolerance) is a student panel provided to professionals who work with youth for a better understanding of the lives, studies and entertainment of queer youth. Email for scheduling options.

Adult Swim – SPLASH Families

Our weekly parent support group (currently online) helps parents to learn more about their youth’s identities in a space that is safe for parents/caregivers to be vulnerable and real about their own struggles and successes. This space is peer-led by parents/caregivers and is vital to the health and well-being of our SPLASH’s youth. Email for information or visit our virtual page to join.

Support SPLASH

Support us! SPLASH Youth Groups are a 501(c)3 and depend on your loving and passionate support to continue providing a safe space for all youth.
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