Growing American Youth is a social support organization for youth who live in or near St. Louis and who are 21 and under and may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. Growing American Youth has been serving St. Louis area youth for 30 years. The group meets weekly at a church; members discuss their lives, self-acceptance, coming out

Coming out

Coming out is a figure of speech for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's disclosure of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity....

, and fitting in with peers, as well as LGBT history

LGBT history

LGBT history refers to the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples and cultures around the world, dating back to the first recorded instances of same-sex love and sexuality of ancient civilizations. What survives of many centuries' persecution– resulting in shame, suppression,...

 and notable LGBT people. Straight allies

Straight ally

Straight ally is a colloquial term that describes a heterosexual person who supports equal civil rights, gender equality, LGBTQ social movements, and challenges homophobia. A straight ally believes that LGBT people suffer discrimination and thus are socially disadvantaged...

 also attend.

Among other events, including lock-ins

Sleepover

A sleepover, also known as a pajama party or a slumber party, is a party most commonly held by children or teenagers, where a guest or guests are invited to stay overnight at the home of a friend, sometimes to celebrate birthdays or other special events...

 and arts events, the group organizes a yearly prom for same-sex couples who are forbidden to attend the regular high school prom. They are represented yearly at St. Louis PrideFest

St. Louis PrideFest

St. Louis PrideFest is an annual parade conducted by Pride St. Louis, Inc. on the last Sunday in June in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the second largest parade in St. Louis. It represents the city's support to the LGBT community. - History :...

, with over 400 LGBT and allied youths marching in the 2011 parade.