🌈 Fourth Fridays: 
Where You Belong

A relaxed social group for LGBTQIA+ teens & allies (Grades 9–12)

NEXT EVENT Friday, March 27
🫶 Who's in the room? People who see you, whether you're out and proud or just figuring things out.
“One thing I like about Fourth Fridays is the way we have dinner together and talk about whatever we feel like. When I come here, I feel like people know me. This is a safe place to be.”

- Aiden (they, them) 16 
Show up as you are.
Bring a friend or come alone.
Find your people.
🗓️2026 Dates:
January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, 
September 25, October 23, November 20, December 18 

We meet from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Note: Transportation reimbursement is available—don't let the lack of a ride stop you. 
Reach out to us for an easy fix!  Message us on Insta or FB or email us. 
Hey you. Yes, you. 😊
Looking for your people? 

A place where you don't have to explain yourself or put on a show? 

Where you can just... breathe?

You found it.

Every month from September to June, LGBTQIA+ youth and allies in grades 9–12 come together in Peekskill for something simple but powerful: 

Community that gets you.

Register for the next 4th Friday

(helps us make enough food!)

Learn More  

Get Involved

as an attendee, volunteer, supporter or guest speaker

Learn More  

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter

Learn More  
🌈 Attend Fourth Fridays
You belong here. 

Whether you're out, questioning, or supporting a friend, if you're in grades 9-12, this space is for you.

What you need to know:

-It's completely free
-You don't need to be "out" to anyone
-Allies are welcome 
-Need special accommodations or space to recharge? We've got you covered
-Transportation reimbursement available
-We keep it small and cozy on purpose


"One thing I like about Fourth Fridays is seeing queer adults. It makes me happy to see people like me that made it."

- Shane 14 (He/Him)


NEXT EVENT Friday, March 27
The Humans Behind the Magic✨
We're not just another youth program. We're a chosen family of volunteers who show up with one simple belief: 

Every LGBTQIA+ person deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Who shows up for you? 😊
Our volunteer team includes people from all walks of life. Artists, teachers, city councilpeople, a librarian, a gardener, a comic book artist, a lighting designer, a musical performer, a sexuality educator, a writer, a bookstore owner, and more.

What do we all share? 

We're all trained and background-checked, and we're here because we care. 
NEXT EVENT Friday, March 27

Affirmation

Everyone deserves to be valued for exactly who they are

Safety

Emotional and physical safety come first, always

Compassion

We listen without judgment and lead with open hearts

"One thing I like about Fourth Fridays is the open-mindedness of everyone who attends, including the adults. When I come here I feel affirmed."
 -Payton (he/they) 15

Belonging

We believe that no one should ever feel alone

Empowerment

We support you in finding your voice and truest self

Joy

You deserve fun, laughter, and celebration, too


🍽 A Free Warm Meal

(and yes it's good)

🎲 Fun activities

like games, art, and real conversations

💬 No-pressure connection

in a space built for you

NEXT EVENT Friday, March 27
When You Walk In: 🍎 
The first thing you'll notice is the smell of something delicious. Every night starts with a free, warm meal. 
Whether it's pasta, chicken, or veggie options, there's always a plate waiting for you. No need to bring anything but yourself.
What Happens Next? 🎨
After we eat, we mix it up with icebreakers and activities. Think games, creative projects, or group discussions where you can share your thoughts (or just listen if that's more your style). We keep things chill and low-pressure. Sometimes we have guest speakers present on topics you've actually asked for. Sometimes we just hang out and talk about whatever's on our minds.
Our Ground Rules 📜
We have a living group agreement that sets guidelines for how we'll be with each other. 

Things like using gender-inclusive language, respecting boundaries, and not touching without consent. We wrote it together at our first meeting and revisit it monthly to make sure it's still working.


Need a minute?  Step away anytime, bring headphones, take breaks. 

We're here to support you, not overwhelm you.
The Real Magic ✨
There's always time for real connection. Whether you're chatting with volunteers or meeting other teens from different schools across Westchester (and beyond), this is your space to be seen and heard, to laugh or vent, or just exist without explanation.

"One thing I like about Fourth Fridays is how we all have a voice. When I come here, I feel safe, and have a community." -Kane (she/her) 16
-Kane (she/her) 16
🤝 Volunteer With Us
Ready to show up for LGBTQIA+ youth in northern Westchester? We're looking for compassionate adults who want to create a safe, affirming space.


What we're looking for:

-Adults who genuinely care about youth wellbeing
-Commitment to respect, boundaries, and inclusivity
-Willingness to complete a background check and training
-People who can show up consistently


"A program like this might have helped me to be myself so much sooner than I did.  I volunteer here to make my community safer for LGBTQIA+ youth and because this represents hope for a future in which all youth know they are valued." 

— Michael (They/Them)


Our Story📚
Fourth Fridays began in 2024 when our community saw a need and decided to fill it. What started as a grant-funded initiative through the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley quickly grew into something bigger. A collaboration with Peekskill Pride, The Loft, Center Lane, and other LGBTQIA+-affirming organizations that brought together some of the most compassionate people you'll ever meet.
🎤 Share Your Skills or Your Passion (Guest Activity Leaders)
Have expertise, experience, or a story that might resonate with LGBTQIA+ teens? We invite guest speakers to present on topics our youth request.
📧 Stay Connected
Get updates on events, resources, and ways to support our community.
Come as you are. 
Kick back, eat well, be real. 
This is your space.


Charlie DiGruccio (he, him)

Charlie serves as President of the LGBTQIA+ nonprofit Peekskill Pride, as a Councilman for the City of Peekskill, New York, and as a high school English Language Arts teacher in the Bronx.

Brian Fassett (he, they)

Brian is a business owner and community leader in Peekskill, New York, serving on the Peekskill Common Council since 2022. He has led local initiatives through the Peekskill Business Improvement District, where he remains on the Board, and as a founding president of Peekskill Pride, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community with passion and purpose. Brian and his husband, Sepp, have been together for more than 25 years, building a life rooted in love, service, and advocacy.

Alanna (Allie) Fraase (she, her)

Allie is the co-founder of Croton Rainbow Club, a community group for LGBTQIA+ elementary aged kiddos, allies, and families. Allie owns her own residential interior design business and is a licensed real estate agent in the Hudson Valley.

Laura Piucci (she, her)

Laura serves as the Secretary of Peekskill Pride. She is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for the LGBTQ+ community. Laura lives locally with her wife and son, drawing inspiration from their family to build a supportive environment for the future.

James Young (he, they)

James lived as an isolated and fearful teenager before they started the first LGBTQIA+ youth group in Westchester County. Since then, they have received awards from various LGBTQIA+ organizations (including GLSEN) for their advocacy, activism, and artistry for over 3 decades. They currently teach at Monroe College in the Bronx and feel lucky to come full circle and serve queer youth in our community-based program, as they remember what it was like before they found community.

Rev. Dr. Michael Tino (they/them)

Michael is a Unitarian Universalist minister with over three decades of experience as a sexuality educator. They are the co-author of Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Young Adults and an Affiliated Community Minister of the UU Congregation of the Hudson Valley. They live in Peekskill with their husband and daughter.


You're Not Alone—And Neither Are the People Who Love You

If you're in crisis, please reach out:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NEXT EVENT Friday, March 27

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