Pridelines is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by gay and bisexual youth for LGBTQ youth and their allies in the wake of Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign.  Rooted in a peer-led/adult-facilitated youth group model, and with the help of Dr Marilyn Volker, Peter Meyer and other concerned adults, the group began meeting at Miami-Dade College in 1982.  In 1999 the group incorporated, moved into its own space and changed its name to Pridelines Youth Services.  Fundraising efforts quickly increased, Health Department contracts soon followed and programs grew contributing the growth of Pridelines Youth Services.  Pridelines was one of the first community-based HIV testing sites in Miami-Dade County.  More than 35 years later, Pridelines continues to provide safe space, social support, skills building, leadership development and referrals to mental health, health care and support services for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies throughout South Florida. 

Today, the agency has grown and matured just like our youth.  In 2015, Pridelines Youth Services shortened its name to Pridelines, reflecting our desire to support the lives of all members of South Florida’s LGBTQ community.  We will continue to ensure that our LGBTQ youth have the support they need, while also committing to doing so throughout their lifetime.  As we grow, Pridelines will expand programs and services for adults and families to provide life-long support for our community. 

Service

• providing assistance to those in need
• focusing on underserved/marginalized populations and communities
• being present, engaged and responsive to the needs of our communities
• advocating for Social Justice on a local, national, and international level

Excellence

• committed to perform beyond expected standards
• pushing boundaries, be innovative and adaptable

Inclusivity

• respecting and welcoming all individuals across all our programs, services, and media platforms
• being mindful of bias when engaging others by remaining educated and current on/about issues impacting our diverse communities

Empowerment

• creating safe spaces for personal growth, development, self-expression, and where trying new things is okay
• being an incubator for new ideas, groups, and initiatives
• supporting community through partnerships that leverage the voices of underrepresented people and communities in equitable ways
• empowering and support our staff, volunteers, board and participants to be leaders in our communities
• providing leadership and development opportunities within our organization

Fun

• maintaining a positive outlook
• exhibiting a sense of humor and ability to laugh at self
• creating the best outcome in any situation
• demonstrating and creating enthusiasm in everything we do
• creating a friendly and inviting environment

Accountability

• to our community, each other, and ourselves
• to our mission, guiding principles, and values

• All the decisions we make focus on the improvement of the lives of South Florida’s LGBTQ community members, especially youth.
• We focus on identifying resources for the LGBTQ community, particularly for youth, creating the most comprehensive system of services.
• We work together in building relationships based on equality and mutual respect.
• Our programs are flexible and respond to the emerging needs and issues of the LGBTQ community with a focus on youth.
• We are committed to creating an affirming, nurturing and inspiring environment that encourages self-expression, personal growth and community.
• We have a demonstrated commitment to providing leadership opportunities to empower LGBTQ youth as full participants in the governance of their own services.
• We have a demonstrated commitment to providing health services, including HIV and STI testing to ensure the health and safety of the community, and to de-stigmatize HIV/AIDS.