Glacier Queer Alliance Supports LGBTQ+ Youth in the Flathead Valley

Queer people are everywhere, doing everything, and it’s important for them to feel permission to accept all parts of their identity.

In Montana’s Flathead Valley and Glacier region, Glacier Queer Alliance (GQA) is on a mission to provide positive, safe, community resources, events, and spaces for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Through their community center, GQA offers programs that build connection, understanding and belonging. From their FLY teen group to clothing exchange and Pride celebrations, GQA provides resources and activities that support and uplift LQBTQ+ youth, families and allies in Kalispell and the surrounding rural areas.

As one of our newest GO! Grantees, Headwaters Foundation is proud to support GQA’s mission. Through their work, they are ensuring that every young person – regardless of their background, orientation or gender identity – has the opportunity to feel welcome and valued in their community.

We caught up with Bryan Bebb, Executive Director of Glacier Queer Alliance, about how their programs are creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, the unique challenges these kids face in Montana, and how the community can come together to support and celebrate them.

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What opportunities do your programs create for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, and how do they build connection and belonging? 

The FLY Group, which stands for Flathead LGBTQ+ Youth, was started by Love Lives Here and brought under our umbrella two years ago. Every week at our community center, kids can hang out, have a meal, play games, make crafts, and explore their identities. It’s a space for autonomy, connection and self-expression, and it’s guided by the kids. We also host the FLUTTER group, which meets monthly for kids 12 and under who might be questioning their gender identity and their parents who want to support them. The group also includes queer adults with children this age. We set up a big table, serve a meal, and parents connect socially and discuss important issues while the kids play together. Both programs offer great support for LGBTQ+ kids and their families, as well as queer parents.

How does Glacier Queer Alliance support LGBTQ+ youth navigating challenges at home and in their communities?

Youth who have support at home tend to embrace their identities, but for those who don’t, it can be much harder. These kids often wait until they’re 18 or only express themselves when they’re away from home. It’s hard to change home environments, but we have worked with many parents through our FLY and FLUTTER programs, and they have helped us engage with schools and teachers and advocate for more support, like getting Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) running again. This is particularly important given challenges in the Flathead area, like school boards banning teachers from displaying rainbows and our local leaders pushing anti-trans legislation.

How have recent events impacted the needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families and the role of Glacier Queer Alliance? 

After the election, we saw a big uptick in need for our programming and attendance at our groups. Many people felt scared and isolated and wanted to connect. The kids don’t necessarily want to talk about the election—they just want to be in a happy rainbow space, which we provide! We also had our biggest Thanksgiving event ever, which we call “Queergiving,” and ran a “Say My Name” workshop to guide people through the name change process. There’s a sense of urgency, as some fear they might lose the ability to take this step in the future.

How do you think living in Montana shapes the experiences and identities of LGBTQ+ youth?

Montana’s LGBTQ+ community doesn’t always fit the typical pop culture image. Many queer folks here embrace their outdoor identity, which can sometimes feel at odds with being openly queer. There’s a misconception that you can’t be queer and do things like fight fires or hunt. Queer people are everywhere, doing everything, and it’s important for them to feel permission to accept all parts of their identity. That’s why we offer such a wide range of events and activities – to help people embrace their full selves.

How can folks support and get involved with Glacier Queer Alliance? 

We’re about to open applications for our board of directors, which is a great way to contribute. Board members support our events throughout the year. You can also participate in planning meetings every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Please attend our events – find out about those by following us on Facebook and Instagram, checking out our website, and signing up for our email list. We also love participating in local events, so please invite us to set up a booth! Donations are always appreciated –  whether it’s funds, or food for our groups – it all makes a difference and helps us provide more activities, from movie nights to rafting and skiing.

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Thank you to Bryan for sharing how Glacier Queer Alliance is creating spaces where LGBTQ+ youth and their families can thrive. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or make a donation to GQA, your support helps make Montana a place where everyone belongs. Let’s work together to uplift LGBTQ+ youth and ensure they know they are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.