Identity Youth Center

Identity Youth Center is a dedicated youth organization providing a safe, affirming, and empowering space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their allies across Broome County and the Southern Tier of New York. Founded in 2008 as a community initiative of the Southern Tier AIDS Program, the center serves adolescents and young adults ages 13 through 24.

Located on State Street in downtown Binghamton, the center operates regular weekday afternoon drop-in hours where young people can socialize, study, relax, and build positive peer relationships. The space is equipped with public computer terminals, video games, board games, an extensive LGBTQ+ lending library, art supplies, and free healthy snacks. Staff members and peer educators provide guidance, crisis de-escalation, and referrals to local mental health counselors, medical providers, and affirming community resources.

Empowerment and health education are central to the center’s mission. Through its signature educational series, Beyond the Rainbow Wall, the center conducts interactive workshops on anti-bullying, safer sex, sexual health, financial literacy, and job readiness. The Youth Leadership Council allows participants to take an active role in planning center events, community outreach, and annual Pride celebrations. Youth can drop in during open center hours on State Street without appointments. Community supporters can get involved by donating art supplies, volunteering as workshop speakers, or making financial contributions through the Southern Tier AIDS Program.