A safe space for Queer youth to dream big.
Rainbow Labs is a bold, joyful space where Queer and Gender Nonconforming youth (ages 12–18) in Los Angeles can be themselves, find community, and explore who they want to become — one connection at a time.
Everyone deserves a safe place to explore their future.
At Rainbow Labs, we believe identity isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we built a series of after-school programming (both in-person and online) where LGBTQ+ youth can connect with the lived experience of mentors, build friendships with their peers, and explore the elements of a fulfilled life that’s totally their own.
Too many Queer and Gender Non-Conforming (QGNC) youth are navigating life without support.
10% of youth in California schools — that’s over 600,000 students — identify as Queer and/or Gender Nonconforming.
In the juvenile justice system, that number jumps to 15%, or around 13,000 young people.
39% of QGNC youth seriously considered suicide in the last year. They are 5 times more likely to have attempted it than their straight peers.
Despite this great need, only 5 out of 5,000+ mentoring programs in the United States focus on QGNC youth. That’s not just a gap — that’s a crisis.
We build spaces where QGNC youth feel seen and supported.
We run research-based, trauma-informed after-school programs that give young people a safe place to feel seen and supported — often for the first time.
Together, we co-create programs that help youth build real friendships, learn life skills, and dream about what’s possible.
And the results speak for themselves: Our participants consistently report feeling more confident, more connected, and more hopeful about their futures.
Programs Designed by QGNC youth, for QGNC youth
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Storytelling
6-12 week in-school program where LGBTQ+ youth share their stories, lead projects, and shape their community. Their ideas drive the program — and their voices lead the way.
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Science & Technology
A STEM-focused mentorship program designed to address the underrepresentation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in science and technology.
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Sports
Welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth to play, connect, and build confidence through team sports, seasonal leagues, and inclusive sports clinics led by supportive mentors.
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Leadership
From October through June, LGBTQIA+ youth serve as advisors to Rainbow Labs’ staff and board, contributing insights on programming, recruitment, and community needs.
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Political Science & Civics
Lead advocacy efforts, shape local policy, and build inclusive communities—guided by mentors and in partnership with the SGV LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy Coalition.
We’ve got the receipts.
Since launching, Rainbow Labs has:
Rainbow Labs is proud to partner with:
Shifting the Narrative
From personal stories to program highlights, here’s how our community is rewriting what’s possible.
