LYNN — NAGLY, the North Shore Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth, held the grand opening of its new satellite office at the Demakes Family YMCA on Thursday night.
NAGLY Program Director Tony Leone, Chair Kirsten Freni and Treasurer Peter Konrad hosted the event. The opening of the Lynn site marks the fourth NAGLY office in Essex County, with the other three locations being in Salem, Gloucester and Newburyport.
The office will hold meetings every first Thursday of the month for those 14 to 23 years old. Those who attend will have the opportunity to meet new people, participate in events or find a safe place to be themselves.
Leone said most NAGLY participants come from Lynn and the office would help expand outreach to the community. He noted that transportation would also be easier for those living in Lynn.
“We saw youth coming from Lynn prior, but often we found transportation difficult and the comfortability level wasn’t always there,” said Leone. “So we wanted to make sure that the Lynn community felt safe.”
Leone has been a part of NAGLY for five years.
Mayor Jared Nicholson, School Committee member Lenny Pena and Ward 3 Councilor Coco Alinsug attended the opening ceremony. Nicholson applauded the community building NAGLY has done in Lynn, and said that a physical space at the YMCA can create a positive impact for youths.
“It is so exciting to see a physical place,” said Nicholson. “Community is about your relationship and NAGLY has created a really powerful community in Lynn through its work and relationship with its students and its peer-to-peer relationships.”
Alinsug, who was the executive director for NAGLY for 10 years, said the organization has tried to expand to Lynn for years but could not find an affordable space to open an office. With the new location at the YMCA, Alinsug said this was a step forward for the organization.
“We had no full support then,” said Alinsug. “Now for me to see this here, it’s an amazing moment.”
About 12 people attended the event, including Lynn resident Felix Kine, who has been a part of NAGLY since they were in the seventh grade.
Kine, who now attends New York University, said they are very excited about the new office in Lynn, and hopes the city will continue to increase support, awareness and hold events recognizing those who identify as LGBTQ+.
“There’s a lot of us, but there’s a lack of support here,” said Kine. “Six years ago, we held a pride event. Let’s hold more events.”