ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Youth Alliance makes it known that it’s a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and young people who are questioning their sexuality in Central Florida to be themselves.
Scott Woodrick, a volunteer with the organization, has made it his mission to help them feel safe, because he believes the community needs that support right now.
What You Need To Know
Scott Woodrick is a volunteer with the Orlando Youth Alliance
The organization works to create a safe space for LGBTQ youth and those questioning their sexuality
Woodrick said that support is needed in the community
The organization offers weekly peer-to-peer support groups, educational programs and social events
“It’s really been kind of negative, if you want the truth,” Woodrick said. “But we have — it’s just burned us on to do more work here with the youth that need these kinds of services.”
Since 1990, the Orlando Youth Alliance has brought together weekly peer-to-peer support groups.
The organization also offers educational programs like a recent self-defense class and monthly social events like a recent ice cream social at The Center Orlando.
“There’s no verbal bullying,” Woodrick said. “There’s no physical violence. There’s no self-owns … you have to be positive toward your fellow man.”
Woodrick said empathy was limited, if there was any at all, when he was questioning his sexuality, and said he doesn’t want that for the young people he works with.
“I’ve never had kids of my own, but I can give this opportunity to youth that need it right now,” he said. “It’s very satisfying.”
