About

We Are Family's mission as a Southern grassroots nonprofit is to provide affirming spaces in the SC Lowcountry for LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, etc.) and ally youth through direct support, leadership development, and community engagement, with a focus on those who are low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Our vision is that LGBTQI+ and ally youth feel empowered to find their places in the world, in their families, and in their communities.

Created by the father of a gay son in 1995 when he could not find affirming supports for his child, We Are Family (WAF) is the oldest LGBTQI+ youth serving organization in SC. Since then, WAF has responded to the needs of LGBTQI+ youth to create safer and supportive spaces, and we currently serve 1,000+ youth in SC annually through supportive programs, community education, and youth-led advocacy. We offer a wide variety of youth programming and movement building initiatives focused on: 1) leadership development and social support; 2) health and wellness; and 3) community engagement and advocacy.