Youth First Texas is the only non-profit organization in Dallas exclusively committed to providing social services, education opportunities, and recreational activities to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (GLBTQ) Youth through age 22.

Our mission is to provide group interaction and individual support for GLBTQ Youth by providing age appropriate activities, programs, and resources that facilitate empowerment and self-acceptance.

YFT has been in existence since 1999. At that time, there was no community organizations with a primary program servicing GLBTQ youth. Volunteers from several community organizations were frustrated from the lack of attention given to this growing population. They created YFT as the only organization in Dallas whose sole mission is to provide social, recreational and leadership opportunities to GLBTQ youth. With a youth leadership board working in conjunction with the executive board, programmatic decisions are made by the youth. The role of the executive board is to guide and support these programs.

There are more than 50,000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GBLTQ) youth estimated to be in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Some are fortunate to have an accepting home environment. Others live without hope in isolation and fear. Those feeling alone and lost make up a staggering 50% that contemplate suicide every day. Many services so desperately needed by youth today are not available due to homophobia or a lack of resources.

Today, Youth First Texas (a 501c3 nonprofit) has proven to be the primary youth-servicing organization in the GLBT community in Dallas. Providing multiple support groups for specific populations (Latino, young women and high-school age groups); a Mentor Program; Life coaching services for short term issues, an E-Pals peer support email program; youth leadership board & national leadership training; a drop-in center and computer lab; recreational programs and social events.