We Are Family (WAF) is a South Carolina Grassroots non-profit organization that cultivates affirming programming and community initiatives focused on leadership development, community and civic engagement, and advocacy for LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, etc.) and ally youth up to the age of 24. We offer a wide variety of youth programming and broader community support. WAF began in April 1995, under the direction of Tom Myers, the father of a gay son. Tom recognized the need for support for LGBTQI+ youth, and WAF was born from the love of a father for his son. WAF initially focused on the use of direct mail to provide constructive information to people and community leaders that LGBTQI+ youth would normally seek out for counsel and support. The staff sought out speaking engagements whenever possible, at churches and other public places to spread a message of understanding and acceptance. In early 1997, WAF began to offer direct services (SafeSpace) to LGBTQI youth in the Tri-County area through a weekly peer support group.
