An October “deconstructing ableism training” at QYS (Image: Queer Youth Space)

Queer Youth Space — “a youth-led and youth-run nonprofit” — is leaving E Pike and searching for a new home. The news was posted by the group to Facebook earlier this week following months of attempted fundraising to keep the 900 block E Pike location open.

The group got a big boost in 2010 when it was selected for a $100,000 City of Seattle grant to help it create a cultural space and headquarters. After an epic search, QYS opened its Threewings community center in late 2012. A year later the group was organizing benefits and looking for funds to help pay the rent for its heart of Pike/Pine location.

QYS will close its space with an ice cream social and a forum to discuss the search for a new home. You can learn more at facebook.com/qysseattle.

Our most humble community members, supporters, and friends:

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that QYS will be closing the doors of its E. Pike St. location. As saddened as we are, we are extremely hopeful for starting with a clean slate and moving forward. We look back at the incredible memories and moments shared, and experience and knowledge this past year has granted us with an immense happiness, and we hope that you all join us in moving forward.

This week will be our last week of open hours, Saturday being our very last day. Along with Teen Link, we will be throwing an ice cream social that afternoon, starting at 3pm. We invite you all to join us for a fun and great time!

A new location has yet to be decided, but we will post an update when our new space is opened later in the year; updates on groups/programs will be posted soon as well!

If you would like to know more about the future of QYS, we invite you to attend our next community forum this coming Sunday, January 26th at 1:30pm in our space.

We thank and appreciate the support and love we have received and continue to receive from each and every one of you. Thank you for a marvelous year and we look forward to an even better 2014

Much love,

Queer Youth Space