Teen Club

Last December, Richard Cizik, the chief lobbyist for the National Association of Evangelicals, acknowledged that gay kids growing up today face less isolation and stigmatization than ever before. "Fifty-two percent of young evangelicals favor same-sex marriage or civil union," Cizik said. Sure, times are changing. But the prospect of one day marrying the person of your dreams doesn't make being an adolescent — straight or gay — any less challenging.Numerous support organizations exist around town for gay adults, but venues for teens are slim. In fact, as far as we know, there's only one: Passages Youth Center. Though it's located in the basement of the Trinity United Methodist Church (620 East Armour Boulevard, 816-931-0334), Passages is a secular youth center for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, ages 14 through 20. On Saturday nights, Passages hosts Club Queer, a drug-free, alcohol-free, hate-free dance party that runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Drinks and snacks are provided; all you need is a photo ID, $5 and a good attitude.
Saturdays, 8 p.m.-midnight, 2009