Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) supports the community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, and questioning teens in Montgomery County, MD.
A lot has changed since RYA started in 2006. We’ve welcomed hundreds of LGBTQIA+ teens to our couches, where they’ve asked thousands of questions, shared stories, laughed, made life-long friends, and realized they’re not alone.
We’re RYA - We Get It.
RYA welcomes 13- to 18-year-olds across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity. We celebrate neurodiversity and create a welcoming and engaging space that encourages youth to return.
Are You a Teen Looking for Support?
RYA is your space. Whether you're here to vent, vibe, learn, or just feel seen, this is for you.
Speak freely — no judgment, just real talk.
Our Youth Group
A Space Just for Teens
RYA’s Youth Group is a peer-led, healing-centered space created for teens. With two trained adult facilitators present, youth are encouraged to speak freely, be themselves, and connect with peers who get what they’re going through.
Whether you want to talk about identity, mental health, family, or just need a break from pretending — you belong in a safe and affirming environment.
Join RYA twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Sundays | 3:45 - 6PM
Teens ages 13-18 are welcome!
At UUCR (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville)
100 Welsh Park Dr, Rockville, MD 20850
Parents, educators, and counselors, your support matters.
Learn how you can support queer and questioning young people in your life by helping them access an affirming, youth-centered space.
Help Make RYA Possible
RYA is one of the only consistently running programs for LGBTQIA+ youth in this part of Maryland. We’ve been working with teens since 2006, and we’re not stopping.
Support Queer and Trans Youth by Getting Involved with RYA.