Each year, when Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) begins preparing for Pride Month, we’re reminded of something profound: for many LGBTQIA+ young people, simply being visible is an act of courage.

At BGCB, we often talk about the role of trusted adults: how mentors, staff, and caregivers help shape a young person’s sense of self and possibility. But from the perspective of BGCB Vice President of Community Engagement Leslie Wu Foley, when it comes to LGBTQIA+ inclusion, it is often the young people who are leading. Too often, adults need to do more listening, learning, and showing up.

“We always say our Clubs are for everyone,” says Leslie, “But saying it and showing it are two different things. In the past, our teens have shown us the way. Now it’s our turn to follow through.”

Last year, BGCB’s participation in the Boston Pride Parade was led by our teens. They built the vision, curated the playlist, designed the signs, and invited peers from across the city. Their leadership was inspiring, but so was their vulnerability. As the event drew closer, some teens opened up about how hard it can be to actually participate.

“Some of them hadn’t come out yet,” Leslie shared. “Even those showing up as allies felt incredibly visible. And I realized I had asked them to do something that, for many of them, was really hard. It took so much courage.”

Even in spaces that feel open and affirming, societal and cultural stigmas run deep. And when teens carry the full weight of representation, it can feel isolating.

“This year, we’re shifting focus and asking adults to show up,” explained Foley.

Not just because it’s Pride Month, but because your presence matters. When an LGBTQIA+ teen sees a trusted adult walking beside them, it sends a powerful message. It tells them they’re not alone. It tells them they’re valued for who they are.

Research affirms just how powerful that presence can be. According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult in their life were 40% less likely to attempt suicide. A single supportive relationship can be life-changing — and lifesaving.

That same commitment to progress led BGCB to help launch SOOLY, the State of Our LGBTQ+ Youth, a citywide coalition of more than 25 youth-serving organizations and allies. Now directed by the City of Boston, SOOLY meets regularly to strategize how we can combine resources, share knowledge, and work together to ensure LGBTQIA+ youth across Boston are safe, supported, and seen.

“Our young people need to see the adults in their lives show up for them in an explicit, systemic and sustainable way,” Leslie said. “To say not only ‘I’m here for you,’ but ‘I see you.’ That visibility matters.”

Over the past year, some BGCB staff have shared a similar sentiment as the teens. Being fully authentic in all the spaces that you occupy in your life isn’t always easy.

“That signaled to me just how deep the stigma goes,” Leslie said. “If our staff don’t always feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work, how can we expect our young people to?”

That realization helped spark the launch of BGCB’s first Queer Straight Alliance.  A space to support LGBTQIA+ team members and ensure they feel seen, valued, and empowered to be role models. Creating safe spaces for youth starts with safe spaces for the adults who serve them.

“It’s easy to be an ally when it doesn’t cost you anything,” Leslie added. “But real allyship shows up. It stands next to a young person when they feel vulnerable. It walks with them, not behind them.”

This year, as we prepare to walk again, we’re inviting every adult in our community — staff, parents, Board members, and allies — to take that step with us. Together, we’ll show up for our young people and for one another, because real change happens when we lead with purpose, care, and conviction.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is more than an organization. It is a movement rooted in belonging and opportunity for every young person. Our participation in the Pride Parade is a powerful moment, but it is just one expression of our ongoing commitment to ensuring youth are seen, supported, and celebrated throughout every neighborhood in Boston and Chelsea.

Join Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston at the Boston Pride for the People Parade on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. at Copley Square.

We look forward to seeing you there!