Out Now

The only queer youth organization in Springfield MA, Out Now provides a safe space for queer youth & allies to learn about themselves, develop lasting friendships and leadership skills, explore the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and so much more.

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Learn more about Springfield Out Now

Queer youth throughout the United States lack political power and opportunities. To create space for youth to build power, we use to a youth development model where youth are in leadership of the planning and programming of the organization. Intergenerational relationships coexist and are valued, though our primary focus is on developing an organization that respects and encourages youth to be critical thinkers and leaders sharing a commitment for justice for all.

Out Now 2024 Student Testimony

Adam

Adam

The first thing I noticed was the quietness of the school - and I don’t mean a scared quiet. Visit Adam’s Landing Page

Chloe

Chloe

I hope to encourage others to point out issues that they face daily in their school communities. Visit Chloe’s Landing Page

Ethan

Ethan

Being aggressive against bullying is a good thing. But when you’re aggressive without discretion, it becomes harmful to all parties involved. Visit Ethan’s Landing Page

Hailey

Hailey

Mr. Johnson said I could be more that my past, today I’m proud to say I believe him. Read Hailey’s Statement

Nelly 2024

Nelly 2024

Being an openly gay Latino student already comes with challenges, but the absence of a clear community of individuals going through similar struggles has had a detrimental impact on my education. Visit Nelly’s Landing Page

Out Now’s third mural is about recognition and representation

Out Now Mural 3 from above

Just like they did in Summer 2021 and Summer 2022 with Out Now’s first mural project, and second mural project, friends and family gathered for a painting party to dip their brushes in all the true colors and bring the beautiful vision to life.

It celebrates our pride & our place in our community and beyond,

as we lock arms & shout out:

Don’t hate, liberate!


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Out Now 2023 Student Testimony

Throughout Winter 2023, young people from Out Now once again worked to develop testimonial statements on what they need in order to do well in school. Several of the young people traveled to the Massachusetts State House in Boston to deliver their testimony to legislators at a public legislative briefing on March 7, 2023. Check out the statements that Out Now youth also created in 2021 and 2022.

Adam

Adam

It‘s important to feel safe in a place that you learn; to know that you are protected when you’re in this environment for almost your entire teenage life. Read Adam’s Statement

Chloe

Chloe

Just because schools “listen” to students doesn’t mean they will really “hear” them. Visit Chloe’s Landing Page

Ethan

Ethan

After the last two years, getting thrown into high school really feels like we are in a shaken up soda can that’s ready to explode. Read Ethan’s Statement

Nelly

Nelly

We get a lot of education about racist slurs, but nothing about homophobic or transphobic slurs. Read Nelly’s Statement

Another round of color

Out Now completes a second mural in downtown Springfield

In Summer 2022, young people from Out Now engaged in a second collaboration with muralist Mimi Ditkoff. Together, they created a powerful piece of art that celebrates pride and resistance and that features two members of the Out Now community.

Just like they did in Summer 2021 with Out Now’s first mural project, friends and family gathered for a painting party to dip their brushes in all the true colors and bring the beautiful vision to life.

Learn More
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Out Now 2022 Student Testimony

Adam

Adam

It made me feel comfortable enough to be who I truly am in that classroom. Read Adam’s Statement

Chloe

Chloe

A human is a human no matter who you are. Visit Chloe’s Landing Page

Ethan

Ethan

When teachers create a positive—emotionally safe classroom—I see that I learn best: this is the optimal learning environment for students. Visit Ethan’s Landing Page

Theresa

Theresa

When teachers create a positive—emotionally safe classroom—I see that I learn best: this is the optimal learning environment for students. Read Theresa’s Statement

Out Now 2021 Student Testimony

Briar

Briar

They did not focus on me as an individual; I felt more like they herded us like cattle. Read Briar’s Statement

Ethan

Ethan

Teachers play a very important role in how we feel as students. Read Ethan’s Statement

Kellin

Kellin

Trans kids shouldn’t be scared to go to school, and they shouldn’t have to be put under more stress feeling like they need to educate their peers. Read Kellin’s Statement

Lonelypilot

Lonelypilot

I would like to talk about the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth at school. Read Lonelypilot’s Statement

Out Now Mural Project 2021

In Summer 2021, young people from Out Now worked with muralist Mimi Ditkoff to bring their testimonial statements for Students Speak to life. Together, Mimi and the young people envisioned a visual comparison between what school is currently like and what it could look like in the future if schools were truly safe and supportive for queer youth.

In September 2021, Out Now youth gathered with Mimi and with dozens of friends, family, and community members to host a painting party. Everyone got to participate in creating the mural. Then the completed mural was installed on the side of the old Stone Wall Tavern in downtown Springfield.

This video by Focus Springfield Community TV documents the “reveal” party when the mural went public. It features interviews with Out Now folks talking about the experience of creating the mural.

This video contains a slide show with photos from the mural painting party.