MISSION STATEMENT

The Queer & Trans Youth Music Project supports queer, trans, gender-variant, and gender non-conforming youth in Seattle (and beyond) through programming that focuses on music, empowerment, social justice, and community building.

OUR VALUES:

• Queer & Trans Visibility:  We are led by queer & trans people in all aspects of our organization and programming.
• Anti-Racism: We work to center the leadership and participation of People of Color in our programs and organizing. We do this by: educating ourselves about the contributions of people of color to our queer history and musical lineages; recognizing and respecting the traditional owners of the land on which our programs take place; and prioritizing POC campers and volunteers in our selection process and for leadership roles.
• Youth Agency and Leadership: Our Rogue Rainbow Team is specifically designed to center the voices, experiences, and ideas of young (13-20) queer, trans, and gender variant/non-conforming youth and Rogue Rainbow youth have the power to steer our collective organizing and enact change within our organization.
• Collective Liberation, Allyship & Solidarity: We recognize that systemic oppressions that we seek to dismantle (which include and are not limited to racism, transphobia, transmisogyny, adultism, ableism, and classism) can also show up in our interpersonal relationships and organizations. We expect everyone involved with QTYMP to reflectively engage with their identities and privileges, and support one another on the path towards healing, solidarity, allyship and collective liberation.
• Music, Fun, & DIY Ethos: We aim to challenge societal norms of identity in ways that empower each other and encourage collaboration, self-expression, and mutual respect. We encourage self-discovery through hands-on experience and risk-taking. We know that there is no “correct” way of playing music, and our music programs strike a balance between technique and experimentation. We embrace team-teaching and mutual support among campers, volunteers, and organizers.  
• Intergenerational Community: We encourage appropriate mentorship, connection, and accountability between youth and adults in our programs. By bringing together queer, trans, gender-variant, and gender non-conforming people of all ages, we strive to build a resilient and reflective community across generations, and in so doing create a world where queer youth are encouraged, supported, valued, included, and heard.