Youth center
closes

Austin's Out Youth center has served the LGBT youth of central Texas for longer than some of its members have been alive, but a recent financial crisis forced it to shut its doors in March. Out Youth, with a roster of about 50 active teen members, supported young gays and lesbians with a 24-hour help line, counseling, peer groups, education programs, social activities, and community outreach. The group, in operation for 16 years, also organized rallies at the state capitol and put together an LGBT prom.

"Out Youth has every intention of returning," says board member Bryant Hilton, who is working on acquiring new funding.

In the meantime, former Out Youth member Nick Snyder, 20, has launched an online group for other members "to keep the spirit of Out Youth alive."

Out Youth's answering service, (512) 419-1233, and the group's Web site, OutYouth.org, are still up and running.