Enlarge Steve Bentley (left) and Ivel Posada pose for a photo with the iPad door prize.
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Posted: July 12th, 2010 Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman

Two years ago, Ivel Posada, now 18, knew he was gay but didn't quite know how to bring up the topic with his family and friends. He sought out online chat rooms, where he could ask questions anonymously. Soon he discovered Time Out Youth, an organization where he could not only be himself, but also help others struggling with similar issues and concerns.

Today, he's on Time Out Youth's board of directors and on his way to Harvard University to study history and law. Until he leaves for Massachusetts, Posada will continue talking to members of our community about acceptance, gay rights, and what it feels like to be a gay youth in the Queen City.

Time Out Youth offers a supportive place to share, advocacy opportunities, recreation and a connection to peers and the greater lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and questioning population in Charlotte.

It's a safe haven where Charlotte's youth, regardless of their sexual orientation, can expect to remain anonymous. Even the organization's recently revamped website affords a little extra protection. It includes a privacy button in the top right corner of the screen. Click it, and you'll appear to be reading CNN.com.

Fortunately, Posada says, today's youth are more accepting of each other's sexuality. Still, he understands how difficult it can be to come out of the closet. That's why he encourages anyone with questions to start online and, when they're ready, attend one of the group's meetings, which are held several times per week.

While a lot of the organization's programs revolve around support groups, there's fun, too. For example, Tuesdays alternate between movie night and art workshops. Time Out Youth also offers self improvement programs that reinforce leadership qualities and others that focus on honing public speaking skills.

On Sunday (July 11), the organization held its fourth annual fundraising event - Gaga for Dada - at Theatre Charlotte. "Dada," of course, references the status quo-challenging artistic movement from the early 20th century.

Steve Bentley, the organization's director, says the event is Time Out Youth's main source of revenue. The event, which included fellowship, art and live performances by a variety of talented Charlotteans, attracted a capacity crowd of 220. Ticket sales alone tally to $10,000. The organizers credit Vito Abate for their success saying, "It would not be possible without his creativity and dedication and that of the amazing cast and crew he pulls together every year."

Bentley says organizations like Time Out Youth are critical, and points to recent school climate studies for proof. Those studies indicate two-thirds of the student population are aware of anti-gay comments in school, some encountering up to 25 per day. Or, as he points out, "...one every 14 minutes."

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