Supporters of Worcester Area GLBTQ+ Youth (SWAGLY) is a social support club for LGBTQIA+ young people and allies who are 11-18 years old. Since 1984, SWAGLY Programs have been a part of the lives of countless LGBTQ+ youth in the greater Worcester area. We offer weekly programming at AIDS Project Worcester and our sibling site, Leominster Public Library, that provides a space for youth to build community, be creative, play games, complete activities, and be affirmed in their LGBTQ+ identities! SWAGLY APW is also a program for health promotion where youth above 13 receive age-appropriate information and resources on topics including sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, consent, harm reduction for substance use, self-care, and more.
Main Group: SWAGLY at AIDS Project Worcester
Meeting Address: 165 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Meeting Times*: Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 (ages 11-18, average 16-17)
*Schedule subject to cancellations and organization holidays. Please see our Facebook or Instagram for updates!
Sibling Site: SWAGLY North at Leominster Public Library
Meeting Address: 50 West Street, Leominster, MA, Cormier Center for Young Adults
Meeting Times*: Mondays from 4:00 to 5:00 (Ages 11-18, average 13-15)
*Schedule subject to cancellations and library holidays
Our Main Meetings
During the average SWAGLY meeting, we make introductions, socialize, play games, watch films, and discuss current events. Previous activities we’ve run include canvas painting, pumpkin carving, gingerbread house decoration, and more! On Mondays, we order a small dinner for youth (taking into account allergies) and our Young Adult Peer Leader, Nick (he/him), takes the lead in facilitating the meeting. On Wednesdays, our Adult Advisor, Él (they/elle), facilitates the meeting. Visit our Facebook for an updated activity calendar.
Our Space
Our SWAGLY room is located in the AIDS Project Worcester building at 165 Southbridge Street in Worcester, MA. The room is stocked with various resources for wellness and entertainment including a snack cabinet and minifridge, a mini-library, condoms, menstrual products, coloring materials, board games, mental health workbooks, and several gaming consoles. Because we are housed within APW, a public health organization, we have free on-demand STI and HIV testing available to youth every Wednesday from 5:30-6 during our meeting hours.
The AGLY Network
We are a member of the AGLY network, one of the longest-running organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth in Massachusetts. Each LGBTQ youth group in the AGLY Network offers a variety of social support programming and development opportunities that build on the strengths and abilities of LGBTQ young people across the state. This unique statewide network ensures that high-risk LGBTQ adolescents and young adults from urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Massachusetts have access to comprehensive, culturally competent HIV/STI prevention. (bagly.org)
Worcester Pride and Youth Events
Every year, APW, SWAGLY, and Pride Worcester collaborate on a youth prom event during the September Pride Month celebration in the city of Worcester. More info coming soon!
Contact:
General Information: swagly@aidsprojectworcester.org
SWAGLY North Information: swaglynorth@aidsprojectworcester.org
SWAGLY Adult Advisor, Él Martinez (they/elle)
Email: emartinez@aidsprojectworcester.org
Advisor/Peer Leader Cell: 774-578-0817