Drop-In Centers

Youth Outlook offers safe, supportive, and affirming services for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and the community. Please see our list of online and in-person Drop-In Centers below, including locations and suggested ages.

Our Drop-In Centers meet weekly and are a social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about various topics that really matter to them, providing a place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Trained staff and volunteers lead all programming, which includes identity and self-esteem, physical and mental health, political awareness, healthy relationships, and other topics requested by attendees. *Most groups welcome youth ages 12-20, exceptions are noted by each location.

Click here to download current flyers for each off our drop-in centers. Feel free to post them at your organization!

Introducing Rainbow Sprouts

Rainbow Sprouts is for LGBTQ+ youth grades K-6 and their caregivers and families. We meet the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Naperville/Aurora area.

Please complete the registration form to confirm your attendance. Email rainbowsprouts@youth-outlook.org with questions.

Current Drop-In Centers Meeting Times & Locations

Please Note: Masks are still required for indoor, in-person drop-in centers. We will comply with CDC recommendations on any future statements issued on mask usage and temperature checks required.

DeKalb Drop-In

Mondays, 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Please email dekalb@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Peoria Drop-In *Now Open!!*

Mondays, 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

Please email peoria@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Naperville Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email naperville@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Joliet/Lockport Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email joliet@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Ottawa Drop-In

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Please email ottawa@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Virtual Drop-In

geared toward youth 12-20 years old

Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.

Zoom – Please email virtual@youth-outlook.org for details.

Virtual Young Adult Drop-In

geared toward young adults 18-24 years old

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m-8:30 p.m.

Zoom – Please email youngadult@youth-outlook.org for details.

Transcend Palatine Drop-In

geared toward trans and non-binary youth, but open to all

Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Please email transcendpalatine@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Transcend Naperville Drop-In

geared toward trans and non-binary youth, but open to all

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Please email transcendnaperville@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Please email naperville@youth-outlook.org for location information.

Downers Grove Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email downersgrove@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Elmhurst Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email elmhurst@youth-outlook.org for location details.

Sterling Drop-In

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Please email sterling@youth-outlook.org for more information.

Q Chat Space

QChat Space Q Chat Space provides live, chat-based, professionally facilitated, online support and discussion groups for LGBTQ+ teens 13-19. Q Chat Space gives teens who can’t access in-person resources or are hesitant to attend face-to-face groups safe, affirming support directly through their digital device.

Youth Outlook facilitates the Friday chats at 4PM and 6PM CST. Visit QChatSpace.org to register and see all daily chat options.