Two years ago, a few queer teens and their supportive parents made their way to South Press Coffee and the Rainbow Teen Group was born. Thanks to Kaelyn, the founding member, local LGBTQIA+ kids between the ages of 12-16 have a safe place every other week to socialize, uplift one another, and be their authentic self.

Every other Friday in the Vocational Suite at the Knox Pride Center, some really amazing teens get together. Sometimes they play games or make crafts. They will often tell stories and jokes, always talking over each other, but always listening. They always laugh, but sometimes they cry, too, because when you feel safe with others, you can be vulnerable.

The same can be said for the parents, who meet in the Collaboration Suite, as their kids hang out a few doors down with Traci. The parents have each other just as much as the teens do, and what’s really beautiful is that they all have each other. The level of support provided through this group is tremendous, and it has expanded beyond the couple of hours every other week they meet.

Since the first meeting, the group has grown significantly. More new friends join all the time, and as the group grows and learns together, more opportunities present themselves.

The teens are growing up, and many of the original members will age out. The group will expand and change over time as the members expand and change. Soon, the Rainbow Teens will be starting a new chapter. Upcoming plans include a Call to Action, led by the teens and their families. There are so many decisions being made every day, locally and nationally that directly affect those in the group, and they plan to take a stand. Just existing is a protest, but they want to make more of an impact in their community.

Knox Pride was honored to open its doors to this incredible group once they outgrew South Press. Though, the group regularly frequents everyone’s favorite coffee shop, especially when Knox Pride Bingo happens on the same night of a meeting. The Rainbow Teens is a shining example of the extraordinary impact the Pride Center continues to make in our community and the Rainbow Teens are proof that safe spaces, allyship, love, and acceptance changes lives and makes a lasting impact.