BreakOUT! New Orleans

All across the country, LGBTQ youth are more likely to be homeless, kicked out of school, arrested, and incarcerated. BreakOUT! seeks to end the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who are directly impacted by the criminal or juvenile justice system in New Orleans. We affect concrete policy changes to build a safer and more just New Orleans. We build on the rich cultural tradition of resistance in the South to build the power of LGBTQ youth through youth organizing, healing justice, and leadership development programs.

Youth Organizing

Through political education workshops and grassroots organizing curriculum 101, members learn about social justice issues that affect their lives and lead creative campaigns to build their power and fight for justice for LGBTQ youth.

Leadership Development

Members develop their leadership skills and potential through workshops and seminars such as“Hittin’ the Streets: Tips for Finding a Job,” Harm Reduction 101, Know Your Rights, Getting Your GED, and more.

Healing Justice

Members help plan monthly Healing Justice seminars such as Yoga, Self-Defense, Herbalism and Natural Remedies, Acupuncture, and an Intergenerational Night.

What We’ve Done

  • Held hearing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and community partners about experienced with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), resulting in an investigative report highlighting the discriminatory policing towards transgender women as a top concern for reform
  • Developed a video with FosterBear Films about our experiences with the NOPD called We Deserve Better, shown at all NOPD officer trainings
  • Testified about conditions for LGBTQ young adults held at Orleans Parish Prison in front of the federal Prison and Jail Rape Review Panel in Washington, D.C.
  • Helped develop and implement a model LGBTQ policy for youth at the New Orleans juvenile detention center, the Young Study Center
  • Amplified LGBTQ youth voices in City Council, local and national news, and more!

Become a Member!

Are you LGBTQ-identified? Are you 13-24 years old? Are you directly impacted by the juvenile or criminal justice system? Want to fight the criminalization of LGBTQ youth in New Orleans? Come to our “Building Our Power” meetings every Wednesday at 6:00pm at 1001 S. Broad Street, #217! Use the call box to dial BreakOUT!

For more information, check out the website or Facebook page.