About

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley is dedicated to creating safer schools and communities for LGBTQ+ youth. We provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth to gather, learn skills, and receive support that directly benefits their general and mental health.
Our organization is committed to fostering a supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive and be their authentic selves. We strive to empower them to embrace their identity, find their voice, and build a bright future.

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley was founded in 2010 by Dr. William Long, a practicing family physician who was seeing young patients struggling with their sexual identity and being bullied for their perceived sexual identity, with nowhere to turn for resources or a safe place to gather. Dr. Long contacted several community members, medical and mental health professionals, and patients and began the steps to create OUTright Youth to provide a safe environment where LGBTQ+ young people and their allies could meet, interact, participate in educational and recreational activities, and obtain referrals to resources that would help promote their health safety and well-being.

We believe that every LGBTQ+ youth can embrace who they are, define their future, and positively impact the world.

Our Mission

At OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley, our mission is to create a safe space and provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) youth and their allies.

Through our work in the community, we aim to create safer schools and communities for LGBTQ+ youth while providing a safe space for them to gather and learn skills directly benefiting their general and mental health.

Our Vision

To serve as a vehicle of change in our community by helping LGBTQ youth navigate adolescence and young adulthood in positive ways while educating others regarding the worth, value, and benefits of a diverse population.

We want to build a society where LGBTQ+ youth are celebrated, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential, free from discrimination and prejudice.

Anti-Racism
Statement

OUTright Youth is committed to recognizing and addressing all forms of racism and ethnic oppression. We work to reduce racial injustices both within the center and the community and resist forms of discrimination impacting LGBTQ youth of color. OUTright is dedicated to actively work towards creating an environment which acknowledges and dismantles racism and systemic oppression.

Meet the Team

In addition to our staff and Board of Directors, we have a group of fantastic Volunteers, who make this work possible!

Executive Director

Kim Bost

Kim is driven by a vision of inclusivity, and is an ally and advocate of LGBTQ+ youth in our community. As the Market Manager for Hickory's beloved farmers market, and three runs for the state legislature advocating for equal rights, she brings deep connections and a wealth of experience to her role. Kim is committed to expanding programs and resources that empower young individuals while fostering community involvement.

Program Director

Rachael Woodard

Rachael Woodard has an MBA from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Psychology from Western Michigan University. She has worked with a diverse range of people throughout her career including those with physical and developmental disabilities, kids of all ages, teens, college students, the elderly, and more. She loves working with the youth (and volunteers, parents, and staff!) at OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley and hopes to be there for years to come!

Founder and President

Dr. William Long

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley was founded in 2010 by Dr. William Long, a practicing family physician who was seeing young patients struggling with their sexual identity and being bullied for their perceived sexual identity, with nowhere to turn for resources or a safe place to gather. Dr. Long contacted several community members, medical and mental health professionals, and patients and began the steps to create OUTright Youth to provide a safe environment where LGBTQ+ young people and their allies could meet, interact, participate in educational and recreational activities, and obtain referrals to resources that would help promote their health safety and well-being.