Our story
Since 1992, a place to belong.
ALSO stands for Advocacy, Leadership, Support, Outreach. For more than three decades ALSO Youth has offered peer support, community, scholarships, and free counseling for LGBTQ+ youth ages 10 to 24, their families and friends, and the wider community.
1992 to today
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1992
A support group starts in Sarasota
People alarmed by high rates of suicide among gay and lesbian teens founded ALSO Youth. With PFLAG, Planned Parenthood, and YMCA Youth and Family Services, volunteers ran a support group for Sarasota area youth.
1990s
Into the schools, through hard years
The founders reached out to school officials and started a training program for educators. Betsy Nelson, ALSO Youth's first President, helped lead the organization through Don't Ask Don't Tell, the Defense of Marriage Act, and Florida's ban on same-sex adoption.
Nov 2021
ALSO Jr. launches
A new program for LGBTQ+ youth ages 10 to 12 at launch, so the youngest members have a space of their own.
Jan 2022
A Unity Award
Sarasota Magazine gives ALSO Youth's president, Mary Tavarozzi, its Unity Award.
Mar 2022
Manatee Pride at the Riverwalk
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ community members and allies gather at Bradenton Riverwalk for Manatee Pride, hosted by ALSO Youth.
Feb 2023
Prom night
ALSO Youth holds its annual Prom at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.
Oct 2024
Hurricane Milton
The storm destroys the Sarasota Center. The Manatee Center stays open, and community partners lend their spaces so programs keep running.
Mar 2025
More counseling
A grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation funds more counseling for LGBTQ+ youth.
Apr 2025
New leadership
Annie Berkness steps in as Interim Executive Director. Today she leads ALSO Youth as Executive Director and CEO.
Jul 2025
Home again in Sarasota
After nearly 10 months without a physical home in Sarasota, ALSO Youth opens a new center there.
Jul 2026
$30,000 for free care
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awards $30,000 to expand free counseling, support groups, and behavioral health services.
Sep 2026
The De Furia Enrichment Scholarship
A new scholarship of up to $1,500, in memory of the Hon. Rick De Furia, for enrichment beyond the classroom.
Today
Two centers, ages 10 to 24
Drop-in nights, support groups, free counseling, and scholarships in Sarasota and Bradenton, for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and friends.
Around ALSO Youth
Thirty years of ALSO Youth, celebrated at the 2022 gala. 
A Friday night at the center, all together. 
Sharing ALSO's mission with a new audience, June 2026.
ALSO Youth today
Founded in 1992, ALSO Youth empowers LGBTQ+ youth ages 10 to 24 and their families by providing safe, affirming spaces where they can connect, grow, and thrive. Serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties, ALSO Youth offers free mental health counseling, peer support groups, leadership development, life-skills programming, scholarships, outreach, and community-building opportunities that foster resilience, belonging, and well-being.