We fiercely advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Advocate to Support LGBTQ+ Youth: Bishop McManus and the Worcester Diocese have enacted anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Read the policies here >>
Our petition, co-authored with YWCA Central MA and MassEquality, is growing in signatures, and we need your help to sign and spread the word! Join us in denouncing these harmful policies that are hurting our youth!
Update: Love Your Letters Public Response to Pope Francis (12/19/23)
Organizations, Elected Officials, and Institutional Leaders, cosign our public letter, here.
Exploring Identity Through Art, Fashion, & Design
Threads is a fashion design and identity development program that empowers high school-age LGBTQ+ youth to explore and express their identities through fashion design. Our education team works with these young people to provide the language, tools, and support they need to build resilience and pride on their journey of self-discovery.
In addition to teaching valuable life skills such as design thinking, communication, project planning, and creative expression, Threads also provides a safe and affirming community where young people can connect and build lasting relationships free of stigma and shame.
Queer AF XXIII is on Friday, September 8 during Pride Week in Worcester
The Queer AF 2023 show will be at Mechanics Hall on Friday, Sept. 8. The show is a community event that aims to smash mainstream beauty standards, elevate queer artists, and bring people together to celebrate queer joy.
Queer + Trans Young People
have far higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use and suicide than youth who are heterosexual and cisgender (American Psychological Association). For queer young people of color, these challenges are compounded by racism and race-related stressors (HRC).
Nearly 1/3
29% of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth. (Trevor Project)
120%
LGBTQ young adults had a 120% higher risk of reporting homelessness compared to youth who identified as heterosexual and cisgender. (DHS)
1 in 4
1 in 4 LGBT employees report experiencing employment discrimination in the last five years.
3x
The unemployment rate for trans people is 3 times higher than the national average.
Just One.
LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year (Trevor Project).
Love Your Labels is celebrating, supporting, and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth.
Our mission is to support LGBTQ+ youth through art, fashion, and design and work with families and communities to create inclusive and loving space everywhere.
Upcoming events.
From Drag Queen Story Time to our annual Queer AF: Art + Fashion Show, we hope to see you at our events that prioritize creating safe spaces for queer and trans people and our allies.
“It’s so loving and positive here. I feel that I can completely be myself.
— Van, Threads Student 2019
Your support saves lives.
We want to show young people who are struggling that it gets better. We want to celebrate the uniqueness of our communities. We want to see a world where no one needs to hide themselves or is treated differently because of who they are. You can help.