June 20, 2025
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YOU BELONG!
Why Belonging Matters for Every Young Person
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, we believe in something powerful: every young person deserves to feel like they belong.
After more than 80 years of serving youth, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong sense of belonging can change lives. It’s the difference between a kid feeling invisible or feeling seen. Between showing up or dropping out. Between surviving or thriving.
Belonging isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
A Safe Space for Everyone
We know that belonging matters for all youth, but it’s especially vital for kids and teens in the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up can be hard enough—but doing it while feeling isolated or judged makes it even harder.
According to national data:
- 46% of LGBTQ+ youth report feeling unsafe in at least one school setting.
- Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) fear their LGBTQ+ identity will negatively affect their college or higher education opportunities.
- And just one accepting adult—just one—can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ+ youth by 40%.
These numbers are not just statistics—they are a call to action.
That’s why our Clubs work every day to create spaces that are safe, inclusive, and affirming—places where every young person can show up as their full, authentic self. No masks. No fear. Just acceptance, encouragement, and opportunity.
As one Club alum, Angel shared:
“My Club creates an environment where everyone is welcome. …When I started sharing that I was gay, the Club staff made me feel safe, supported, and welcome. And for the first time, it was like, ‘OK, it’s OK. I can be myself now.’”
– Angel, Boys & Girls Club alum
When You Belong, You Thrive
Belonging sparks confidence. It fuels friendships. It opens the door to trying new things, building life-changing skills, and dreaming bigger dreams.
Whether a young person wants to learn to code, create music, try a sport, volunteer in their community, or just hang out with friends who “get them”—they can do that here. Our Clubs offer so much more than programs—they offer a community.
And that community tells every kid who walks through the club doors:
You matter. You’re valued. You belong.
Your Great Future Starts Here
Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. But to get there, they need a place that believes in them — especially on the days when they don’t quite believe in themselves.
That’s what we’re here for.
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, we don’t just welcome all kids—we celebrate them. LGBTQ+ youth, kids from every background and neighborhood, every race and identity—you belong here.
So come in. Be yourself. Bring your dreams.
Because your great future starts here.
