Welcome to the Openarms Youth Project Website!

Imagine for a moment that you had a safe space to meet with peers and mentors, where you had the freedom to express yourself without fear of judgment or criticism. In this place you felt safe to tell the truth; free to share how you feel and think; and realized that you're not alone. How might it have changed your life? How might it change the world?

» LOCK IN WILDLY SUCCESSFUL!!!

Our first ever Lock-In has come and gone and we might all be getting rested up by now. It was an amazing night of dancing, karaoke, wi II, movies, pool tournament, ping pong, make-up classes, musical chairs and dance contest. Kudo's go out to Ken, Carol, Misti, Ben, Pam and Billye for their excellent planning and organizing, to Darin, Steven, Brendan (Scout), Curtis, Tom, Miss Mary, Dallas, Joe, Josh, Trent, Josie, Sasha & D.J. Tim for keeping a watchful eye and pitching in to help as needed. A Big thanks to Ron for loaning us his Karaoke C.D.'s to use, it is amazing how many stars we have at OYP. A big thanks to the 86 youth who showed up and had a GREAT Time, you are the reason we do this and appreciate your support and participation. Keep an eye out for the next lock-in dates coming this winter.

» MISS OYP USOFA 2011

August 14th we will be holding our annual Miss OYP USofA pageant where Miss Daphne Rio will be giving up her crown to someone else. Join us for this evening of elegance and great talent as the contestants compete for the title of Miss OYP USofA to represent you at Miss Oklahoma USofA in December. See Tim or Daphne for Entry forms and information.

» PRIDE WAS AMAZING!

Big kudos go out to OKEQ for putting on another hugely successful pride in Tulsa this year. OYP had a float for the first time in two years and it was a blast. Thank you to all the youth who worked on it this year. Our 2010 T-Shirts sold out on Pride Saturday and we are going to reorder for those of you that did not get one.

» Private Counseling Services Available

Openarms Youth Project has a counselor available every thursday evening to meet with you and or your family. She arrives around 4:30 and is usually there till about 9:00. You may drop in any time for a visit with her or schedule and appointment. Her name is Leigh Ann and she is just great.

» THURSDAY GROUP AND DINNER

Come by and hang out at the center which opens at 4:00, with dinner served at 6:30 and group discussion at 7:00. You will make new friends and see all your regular ones. Come on by on a Thursday to hang out and have fun at Tulsa's Only GLBTQ youth center: Openarms Youth Project Inc.

» MISSION

Bringing Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth and their friends together to build a peer based community that empowers them to end isolation, create a progressive youth voice; increase well being and self-esteem; and change the communities in which they live. Openarms Youth Project accomplishes this by offering peer based education, advocacy, recreation, information and leadership opportunities.