A Ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (UUCC) is launching a pilot ministry called the Community of Rainbow Affirming Youth (RAY). This ministry builds on the well-received third-Friday gatherings for LGBTQ+ teens and youth allies that began in 2025 through the former Youth Academy. The pilot will run from January through April.
RAY will offer facilitated social gatherings for LGBTQ+ youth and youth allies, ages 12–18. These gatherings are designed to create a safe, affirming, and engaging environment where young people can connect with peers, build social skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging and self-acceptance.
The Community of Rainbow Affirming Youth is a collaborative effort led by UUCC members, with a team providing co-facilitation, communications, administration, and logistics. Educator Valerie Hura of Endeavor Personal Growth, LLC works with this ministry through content development and facilitation as well as her community relationships developed while Youth Academy Coordinator. The first gathering will take place on Friday, January 16, and we invite you to help us spread the word by sharing the details below with families who may be interested.
Community of Rainbow Affirming Youth Event:
LGBTQ+ Youth & Allies
Join the Community of Rainbow Affirming Youth at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland on Friday, April 17. Teens who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or as allies will have the opportunity learn and socialize together.
In celebration of Earth Day, the Community of Rainbow Affirming Youth (RAY) is thrilled to partner with the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership to host Flowing Together: Expressing Interdependence with the Natural World Through Watercolor Painting.
Using water gathered from Doan Brook, LGBTQ+ teens and teen allies (ages 12–18) will explore the theme of interdependence—between people, place, and planet—through watercolor painting. Guided by Emily Kao, Executive Director of Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, participants will learn how the brook connects and sustains our community, and reflect on their own relationships with nature and each other.
Youth will have the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, and memories through art. Finished pieces may be shared independently in an online gallery hosted by Doan Brook as part of their Voices of the Brook initiative.
The evening will conclude with a Choose Your Own Adventure after-party, featuring games, crafts, art activities, and plenty of space to relax and connect.
We hope you’ll help us share this opportunity and support LGBTQ+ youth in our wider community as we continue building spaces of affirmation, creativity, and belonging.
Event Details:
Topic: Flowing Together: Expressing Interdependence with the Natural World Through Watercolor Painting
When: Friday, April 17, 6:30–10:00 PM
Who: LGBTQ+ Youth & Youth Allies (ages 12–18)
Where: 21600 Shaker Blvd, Shaker Heights, Ohio
How: Register your teen by emailing Valerie Hura at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org
