About Oasis

“Oasis Youth Center transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive. Oasis envisions a world in which queer youth are valued in the community as strong, creative leaders”

Oasis Youth Center is the only drop-in and support center dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ youth ages 11-24 in Pierce County. We are a youth-adult partnership in which youth and adults come together for shared teaching learning and action! 

Oasis is committed to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ youth to be proud of who they are with the encouragement they need to become healthy, productive and fully participating members of the community. Supported by a team of dozens of staff and volunteers, Oasis offers an amazing array of activities to more than 500 youth annually.

Celebrating 35 Years

Our Vision

Oasis transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive. Oasis envisions a world in which queer youth are valued in the community as strong, creative leaders.

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Our Values

  • Supporting and empowering youth
  • Creating a healthy community
  • Providing essential resources
  • Promoting cultural diversity
  • Advocating for civil rights

Our History

Oasis was formed in 1985 by a group of concerned community members who wanted to help LGBTQ youth cope with discrimination and find support. Oasis is celebrating over 28 years of history and we are currently compiling an Oasis History Project to document the many great achievements and milestones witnessed over the years. If you have an Oasis story to share, please contact us. 

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More than 5,000 youth, staff and volunteers have participated in the program since 1985, and we would like to hear from as many of you as possible. If you are an Oasis alum or past volunteer, get back in touch with Oasis by emailing us at oasis@oasisyouthcenter.org

LGBTQ Training

Oasis Youth Center delivers high-level consultation and training to support ongoing community and professional development. Each training is led by experienced professionals working in the LGBTQ community. Consultation and training is tailored for your group’s needs. Trainings typically include trained Speakers Bureau youth members who can share relevant, first-hand experience and expertise. 

Please fill out our contact form to request a consultation or training for your group.

Community Resources

If you would like to know more about a community resource or would like Oasis to help connect you with a resource, please let us know. We are happy to help!

REACH Center – If you are a youth experiencing homelessness, please contact us to schedule an intake appointment through the REACH Center’s ACT Team, our community’s program for housing unaccompanied youth and young adults (ages 16-24). The ACT Team conducts intakes on-site at our Tacoma location during programming.
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Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN offers resources for students, educators, and professionals to create programs and policies so that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 

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Rainbow Center (RC) 
RC is a safe, accessible and welcoming community space for meetings, activities and events that strengthen the lives of people in the LGBTQ community. RC supports Greater Pierce County by providing a centralized source of information and referral for and about the LGBTQ and allied communities.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) – Through education and service, prevents HIV  infection, assists persons affected by HIV/AIDS, addresses related health problems, and combats associated stigma and discrimination. PCAF offers weekly HIV testing at Oasis and the RC – every Thursday from 6-8 pm

PFLAG-Tacoma – PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) offers direct support to people looking for answers to their questions, and help with strengthening family relationships. PFLAG-Tacoma meets the 2nd Thursday of the month.

Gender Alliance of the South Sound – Dedicated to assisting the transgender community within the South Puget Sound area of Washington state

INFO

Crisis hotlines

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