Colors + Youth Center: A safe spacer for LGBTQ+ teens in Northeast Ohio [Video]

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — Colors + Youth Center in Fairview Park is a first-of-its-kind center on a mission to strengthen LGBTQ+ youth and allies by promoting wellness.

Executive Director Kameron Pepera said kids and teens from all across Northeast Ohio travel to be a part of its many programs.

“We really wanted to focus on having a youth-only space for LGBTQ plus youth, so that they can claim it as their own, really have an autonomous space that they can say this is something that is mine, and really make sure that they can have that freedom to be whoever they are when they are here,” said Pepera.

The center provides three programs Monday through Wednesday: monthly meetups, sensory-friendly sessions and art therapy in partnership with the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County.

“They like to sit around here and do artwork. They like to paint. They like to create a …