10 Years of Give Us The Floor: read the impact Report
10 years.
As we prepared our 10-year impact report, I reflected on both what Give Us The Floor has accomplished and what it has taken to get here. When we began, the idea that young people could safely support each other online was met with skepticism. The idea that it could improve their mental health and be done at scale was even harder for many to imagine.
Over the past decade, that is exactly what we have built.
Over 16,000 young 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the country have found belonging, safety, and hope through our peer-led community. They tell us they feel less alone, more confident, and more capable to face their challenges. Many describe Give Us The Floor not simply as a program, but as a lifeline — and sometimes a family.
We did not replicate an existing model; we created something new at the intersection of technology, peer leadership, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth mental health. This work requires constant learning and adaptation, grounded in one principle above all: listening to youth. We do not claim to have all the answers; we have built an organization capable of evolving with conviction.
At a time when safe and affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are disappearing in many places, our commitment remains urgent and unwavering to continue building a community that is accessible, empowering, and led by youth themselves.
Some key numbers from our 10 years:
After only 1 month in the program
85% say they were helped with their struggles.
83% feel less lonely.
70% experienced improved mental health.
77% feel better about themselves.
97% consider Give Us The Floor to be a safe space.
Hugely important: 75% are not sure or are sure they couldn’t have gotten the help from somewhere else.
The youth we support are facing significant mental health challenges:
84% struggle with Anxiety
74% with depression
70% with loneliness
58% have suicidal thoughts
53% suffer from self-harm
37% from eating disorders
Many are also navigating discrimination, bullying, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and sexual harassment.
Their participation is key to building Coping and social skills that help them thrive beyond our program.
Read the detailed 10-Year Impact Report here
I want to extend a deep gratitude to the people who make this work possible:
Our funders and in-kind donors, without whom this work would not have been and would not continue to be possible. Our youth facilitators, who show extraordinary commitment to supporting their peers. It’s not always easy and it requires a lot of training. Our staff, who work with below-market compensation and discounted fees, because they believe deeply in this mission.
Like many organizations serving 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, we experienced a significant funding decline in 2025, with revenue decreasing by approximately 20% compared to 2024. The coming year will continue to present challenges — both financially and in ensuring the safety of the youth and staff we serve.
And yet, our determination has never been stronger.
Feeling seen, valued, and able to imagine a future is a human right for every young person. We will keep fighting so that every 2SLGBTQIA+ young person feels a sense of hope and belief in a bright future.
This work is only possible because people choose to stand with them. If you would like to be part of that, whether through a donation or by helping us strengthen our fundraising efforts, I would be truly grateful to connect.
How you can get involved to support this vital lifeline for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth:
Make a tax-deductible donation Even a small contribution helps us ensure that more young people can access support when they are in distress. (If you prefer to contribute by check, please mail to Give Us The Floor, 943 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103)
Volunteer your time and professional expertise to supporting outreach and operations for the org. We are a small, but mighty team. Any support we can get in helping to improve our reach, our operations, and the wellbeing of our staff and community is hugely appreciated. Areas we can currently use support:
Outreach and introductions to local leaders and organizations in your region (we currently serve all of the US and US territories)
Graphic design support/advisement
Video/content creation support
Cybersecurity support & advisement
Fundraising event support
Online fundraising support
Become a professional mentor to our teen staff. We are currently seeking mentors in marketing and public speaking for our Teen team.
Don’t see your personal areas of expertise listed above? That’s ok! We’d still love to hear from you.
In strength,
Valerie
Founder and CEO