ABOUT give us the floor
Our Vision
If 2SLGBTQiA+ young people can share freely and safely with peers the difficulties they go through, stigma and taboo are removed. They feel better and are able to believe in themselves and in the future.
Give Us The Floor (GUTF) is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization. We provide 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in distress with the peer-positive human connection that they are too often missing. We help 2SLGBTQIA+ youth deal with distress through inclusive, innovative and unique online peer Supportive Group Chats that provide constant contact and anonymity in a safe youth-only community, breaking the isolation and shame cycles they are experiencing. Trained youth facilitate the confidential groups and participants help each other with prevalent mental health and social issues such as depression, isolation, anxiety, identity, discrimination, bullying, relationships, domestic violence, and body image.
“Youth have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people around them. When young people have troubles, frustrations, concerns, worries, or life events that affect them, they often turn to peers rather than adults for help.”
~ Barbara B. Varenhorst, Ph.D.
INSPIRING confidence & resilience through safe & judgment-free peer support for 2slgbtqia+ YOUTH
Our format creates a safe community online where youth can learn how to share and listen both to each other and to their own emerging voices and identities.
GUTF participants who actively participate in a Supportive Group Chat report an increased sense of connection and belonging.
Participants communicate anonymously as often as they wish via closed group chats - no one-on-one communication is possible
They share daily life struggles, insights and accomplishments, encourage each other and provide non-judgmental feedback without fear of stigma, taboo or shame
Groups are organized by age and primary discussion topic to keep the chats relevant and relatable
Youth who need more help are quickly identified and given resources to help them
To learn more about our impact, read our 2023 Impact Report
How do we ensure that Give Us The Floor is a safe place? Read Here
youth Creators
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Eva Lynn is a student studying social work and psychology. They have been a part of Give Us the Floor in some capacity since high school. Outside of Give Us the floor Eva Lynn is involved in dance and they help lead F.R.E.E (Fellowship of the Revolutionaries Empowering the Enslaved). They enjoy the outdoors and love to participate in activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
(They/Them, She/Her)
Social Media Assistant
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Courtney feels a profound need to promote transparency and honesty as a mental health care professional and loves working with adolescents. Since 2018, she has worked to support and manage the supportive group chats with the adult team, while leading the crisis prevention and intervention responses for GUTF. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology and works with individuals for a non-profit agency.
(He/Him)
Graphic Designer
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Kelsie has acquired extensive experience working with at-risk youth in both residential and clinical environments for several years. Her passion and dedication in assisting this particular demographic, who are grappling with severe emotional and behavioral challenges, has provided her with invaluable insight, experience, and skillsets to facilitate and assist young people of all ages in the coping, management, and resolution of everyday difficulties and life lessons. Kelsie received her Bachelor's in Psychology and is currently working towards gaining a Master's degree in mental health counseling.
(She/Her)
Content Creator