ONE-IN-TEEN YOUTH SERVICES

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Circa 2006- 2008 Welcome to One-In-Teen Youth Services!

We are pleased to have you visit our website and are always searching for ways to better serve GLBTQQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) youth who can visit One-In-Teen on the web. This site is undergoing constant expansion, so please pardon our mess in spots - our construction crew is made up entirely of volunteers and we are grateful for the time and energy they put into this site.

One-In-Teen Youth Services (OIT) is a Nashville-based youth agency serving sexual minority/GLBTQQ young adults from ages 14 to 21. OIT is the longest running such organization in the state of Tennessee and serves youth from all over Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

Founded in 1989, and formally incorporated as a Tennessee non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation in 1993, OIT was developed to assist sexual minority youth in creating support and leadership opportunities for themselves and their peers. Its services have expanded since its inception from a weekly support group, top now include support for school-based Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs), community education, scholarhips, and developing alternative social activities for youth, the mose successful of which is the annual Alternative Prom.

Currently, we are offering services in Nashville, but we are committed to expanding our services to new locations outside Nashville. OIT offers services from its own independent space on 29th Avenue North.

For more information on the organization, attend one of our regular Wednesday evening meetings or an upcoming event, contact us via email, or call us on the phone. A volunteer is often available by pager during the business day and early evenings. If you need to speak to a volunteer, please leave a message when you call and the volunteer will be paged. When volunteers return the call, they are discreet and will treat any information shared as private.

If you are in crisis or in danger, please contact the Crisis Intervention Center at 615-244-7444.

 

PROGRAMS

Weekly support & socialization group - Wednesday, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
An alternative prom
Community education
A coordinating link for high school Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs)
Guest lecturers on diverse topics
The Wood Scholarhip for the Arts to assist GLBT students pursuing education in the arts.

NEWS

Their own kind of church from the national publication: Advocate Magazine - Issue 967 - July 18, 2006 (JPEG download)
Nashville's One-In-Teen Featured in the Advocate by Jerry Jones (published within insideOut on July 10, 2006)
Do we reject our LGBT children? from Advocate.com online issue June 29, 2006.
American Psychological Association statement on homosexuality from the Spectrum website at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
One-In-Teen opens gay youth center in 'gay business district' by David Miller (published in Out & About Nashville in April, 2004)
Gay teens struggle to find support at school, form alliances peers by Holly Edwards (was published in the Tennessean on March 8, 2003)
One-In-Teen severs from RCC by Joseph Brant (published in Out & About Nashville in October, 2003)
GLBT youth learn about relationships, politics, and social change (published in Out & About Nashville in December, 2003)
Teen pride shines through adolescent diversity by Jerry Jones (published in the Nashville Pride Guide in June, 2003)
High school teens feel the heat of the homosexual hot button by Mary Williams and Scott Young (published in the Nashville City Paper Online on January 31, 2002)
Press Releases

Below are the press releases issued by One-In-Teen Youth Services:

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Meeting address
109 29th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203

Mailing address
P.O. Box 40886
Nashville, TN 37204

local phone - 615.321.7288
toll free - 1.877.ONE-IN-TN (877.663.4686)
email - info(at)one-in-teen.org

 

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More Background on One-In-Teen Youth Services

One-In-Teen Youth Services stands as a prominent, Nashville-based organization supporting GLBTQQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) youth, with a legacy that traces back to its founding in 1989. As Tennessee’s longest-running organization of its kind, One-In-Teen has been instrumental in shaping the social landscape for LGBTQ youth, providing support, advocacy, leadership development, and safe community spaces. This article offers a thorough and context-rich overview of the organization, from its detailed history and stated goals to its cultural and social significance, including its programs, press coverage, and enduring impact.

Ownership and Structure

Founded in 1989, One-In-Teen Youth Services was formally incorporated as a Tennessee non-profit [501(c)(3)] corporation in 1993. The organization was established out of a need for a sustained support network for sexual minority youth in Middle Tennessee. Leadership throughout its history has included community activists, mental health professionals, educators, and the youth themselves, reflecting its grassroots foundation and focus on peer-driven change.

The Board of Directors has historically included individuals from diverse backgrounds in support services, health care, education, and the local LGBTQ+ community, with several notable reorganizations, including one in 2003 that prioritized the search for an independent, permanent space for One-In-Teen’s activities.

Mission, Goals, and Philosophy

One-In-Teen’s mission is to support sexual minority youth in creating leadership and support opportunities for themselves and their peers. The organization upholds a strong philosophy of youth empowerment, non-judgmental inclusion, and cultural advocacy. Central goals include:

• Providing safe, affirming environments for GLBTQQ youth ages 14–21.

• Offering consistent support groups to foster peer friendship and self-esteem.

• Creating alternative, substance-free social activities such as the highly anticipated annual Alternative Prom.

• Supporting school-based Gay/Straight Alliances (GSAs) through collaboration, education, and mentoring.

• Promoting community education to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQ youth challenges and resilience.

• Awarding scholarships to support youth pursuing higher education, particularly in the arts.

• Nurturing future leaders through direct involvement in board activities, program development, and advocacy.

Facilities and Locations

One-In-Teen maintained various meeting locations as it evolved:

• The original independent youth center opened in 2004 at 1700 Hayes Street, Suite 100-B, in Nashville’s West End/Elliston area.

• The longest-standing address was 109 29th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203.

• Over previous years (before securing its own location), the group met in community spaces, including St. Ann's Episcopal Church and earlier at the Rainbow Community Center (RCC).

These centers hosted weekly meetings, support forums, lectures, and special events. The consistent aim was to ensure accessibility, safety, and privacy for attendees, with volunteer staff available for crisis response and mentorship.

Audience Served

One-In-Teen Youth Services was established specifically to support GLBTQQ youth and their allies, ages 14–21, from Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. It welcomed both LGBTQ youth and straight allies, reflecting a commitment to broader social inclusion and the dismantling of stigma. Youth from urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds found community and support at One-In-Teen, making it a vital regional hub for marginalized young people.

The agency also worked closely with families, schools, social workers, and educators, offering community education and direct involvement in addressing issues such as bullying, discrimination, and mental health.

Key Programs and Activities

Weekly Support & Socialization Groups

The organization’s cornerstone offering has been its weekly Wednesday night group, where youth engage in peer support, socialization, and topic-driven discussions. The agenda often included guest speakers who addressed topics like health, relationships, civil rights, coming out, and navigating school life as an LGBTQ youth.

Alternative Prom

One-In-Teen is perhaps best known for its annual Alternative Prom—a drug- and alcohol-free celebration geared to LGBTQ youth and their allies, ages 14–20. With creative themes like “Rainbow Stars on the Red Carpet,” these events provided a joyful, welcoming space where all youth could attend with dates or friends of any gender or orientation. Attendance was robust, at times reaching 85 or more teens, underscoring both the popularity and necessity of such affirming spaces in the region.

Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) Outreach

Recognizing the importance of in-school support, One-In-Teen played a leadership role in founding the Middle Tennessee Council of Gay/Straight Alliances. Working with student leaders, the council offered a peer network for GSA organizers facing challenges in their schools—ranging from administrative pushback to outright hostility.

Scholarships and Guest Lectures

The Wood Scholarship for the Arts stands as a testament to One-In-Teen’s commitment to academic and personal growth, providing financial aid to GLBT students pursuing higher education in the arts. Guest lectures and educational workshops covered vital topics such as HIV/AIDS awareness, healthy relationships, activism skills, and navigating college life.

Community Education and Advocacy

One-In-Teen also contributed vigorously to community education: facilitating workshops, advocating in the media, and collaborating with local organizations. Its goal was to raise awareness about the unique challenges facing LGBTQ youth, reduce isolation, and foster dialogue among parents, teachers, and the broader public.

History, Growth, and Milestones

Early Development

One-In-Teen’s foundation in 1989 was a direct response to the lack of support for sexual minority youth in Tennessee at the time. Through volunteers, the organization started with small, consistent peer groups and slowly gained a reputation for reliability and discretion—crucial in a state not always welcoming to LGBTQ rights.

Expansion and Self-Reliance

Initially meeting at LGBTQ community centers and later churches, One-In-Teen’s board eventually prioritized the move to a dedicated, independent space, both as a symbol of autonomy and a practical expansion of its service capacity. This culminated in the opening of the Hayes Street and later the 29th Avenue North centers.

GSA Movement and Regional Impact

By 2002, thanks in part to national trends but also local advocacy, school-based Gay/Straight Alliances began to multiply. One-In-Teen supported students—often at significant personal risk—in founding the first Metro Nashville GSA at Hume-Fogg Academic High School in 1999 and continued to serve as an organizing and mentoring body for new GSAs region-wide.

Board Reorganization and Independence

A significant turning point was the 2003 decision to sever its association with the Rainbow Community Center. This move was driven by the youth and board, reflecting their desire for independence and a focus on the best interests of their members.

Community Influence

One-In-Teen’s Alternative Prom became not just an annual event, but a powerful counter-narrative—an affirming rite of passage in a context where exclusion at mainstream proms was still common. The group also organized and hosted lecture series featuring social and political leaders, building bridges between youth and adult activists.

Press & Media Coverage

One-In-Teen has been featured in both local and national publications, highlighting its leadership and influence. Among the coverage:

• Featured in The Advocate magazine for its unique blend of support and activism.

• Local recognition in Out & About Nashville (reporting on the group’s growth, programs, and milestones).

• Coverage by The Tennessean and Nashville City Paper on the struggles and successes of LGBTQ youth forming school-based alliances and confronting discrimination.

• Academic support from bodies such as the American Psychological Association—cited in One-In-Teen’s educational efforts.

These articles have preserved One-In-Teen’s legacy and provided critical visibility for LGBTQ youth issues across Tennessee.

Cultural and Social Significance

In an environment historically averse to LGBTQ inclusion, One-In-Teen’s work has served as a beacon of hope. The group provided not only practical services and emotional support, but also helped legitimize LGBTQ youth as deserving of dignity and voice.

The annual Alternative Prom prefigured the nationwide emergence of similar events and is remembered by alumni as transformational. The group’s legacy of advocacy, leadership, and self-determination continues in the work of former members, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in LGBTQ activism, public health, and education.

Organization Details, Insights, and Examples

One-In-Teen’s programs emphasized:

• Structured support: Activities operated with rules for discretion and privacy, understanding the potential vulnerabilities faced by youth participants.

• Volunteerism: The organization was almost entirely volunteer-run, with staff reachable for crisis response and mentorship outside of meeting times.

• Recognition of Diversity: The group welcomed a wide diversity of backgrounds and identities within the LGBTQ spectrum.

• Youth Empowerment: Youth served as board representatives and participated directly in policy, event planning, and outreach.

Example: The decision to move from the Rainbow Community Center and establish a fully independent youth center was made with significant youth input and buy-in.

Testimonials and Reviews

Anecdotal reviews from participants consistently praised the group’s warmth, inclusivity, and the sense of freedom it fostered. Board members and supporters often described seeing tangible improvements in participants’ confidence, well-being, and leadership skills.

Awards and Recognition

One-In-Teen did not focus on external awards, measuring its success more in the lives touched and the number of youth served. Nevertheless, its programs, especially the Alternative Prom and GSA outreach, received wide acclaim in LGBTQ circles and the Nashville nonprofit community, being frequently cited as models for inclusive youth programming.

 

One-In-Teen Youth Services played a profound role in supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth in Tennessee. Through its wide range of initiatives—from weekly support groups and school outreach to its iconic Alternative Prom—it redefined the possibilities for Southern LGBTQ youth seeking community and affirmation. Although the current status of the organization is best understood in historical terms, its pioneering spirit lives on in countless other organizations and individual lives influenced by its work.

 

 

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