Messages from our Executive Director
July 22, 2025
Re: ALSO Youth Returns to Sarasota with a New Center
Dear ALSO Youth Community,
After nearly 10 months without a physical home in Sarasota, I’m overjoyed to share that we once again have a center in the heart of the community.
The loss of our previous space to Hurricane Milton was deeply felt by our youth and staff alike. But thanks to the strength of our community, and the resilience of the young people we serve, we’re back and ready to begin this next chapter.
This is more than just a move. It’s a fresh start.
We’re building this space intentionally, with care and purpose, guided by what our youth truly need to feel safe, affirmed, and empowered.
While we've missed having a physical home in Sarasota, our work never stopped. Throughout this time, our Manatee center remained active, and generous community partners welcomed us into their spaces, ensuring our youth programs could continue. With this re-entry into Sarasota, we’re expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to youth across both counties.
To help us bring this new center to life, we’re asking for your support.
A monetary gift is the most effective way to ensure we can furnish and stock the space thoughtfully and safely; everything from comfortable seating for support groups to art supplies and gender-affirming resources.
🌈 Will you help us turn our new space into a true home? Make a matched donation through the Flanzer Trust.
We’re so grateful for your support, and even more excited for what’s to come. Thank you for continuing to believe in a future where LGBTQ+ youth are seen, celebrated, and supported every step of the way.
With gratitude,
Annie Berkness (she/her)
June 18, 2025
Re: Supreme Court ruling (U.S. v. Skrmetti)
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors is discouraging for families nationwide. We want every LGBTQ+ young person in the Sarasota and Manatee Counties to hear this clearly: you are valued, you are loved, and ALSO Youth will keep fighting for your right to safe, affirming health care.
Today’s ruling does not change Florida law, and our counseling, support groups, and crisis-navigation services remain fully available. We will continue working with healthcare partners and legal advocates to protect access for all who need it.
To the youth we serve: our doors, phones, and hearts are open. To our community allies: your support is more vital than ever.
Together we will build the safer, prouder future every young person deserves.
With gratitude,
Annie Berkness (she/her)
April 23, 2025
RE: Welcoming Annie Berkness as Interim Executive Director of ALSO Youth
Dear ALSO Youth Community,
We want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our mission: to create safe, affirming, empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies across Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
As of April 4th, I’ve stepped in as Interim Executive Director at ALSO Youth. I’m honored to serve in this role and to work alongside our dedicated team, board, and community partners during this important chapter in the organization’s growth.
Earlier this spring, we said farewell to our former Executive Director, Mel Gosselin, who accepted an exciting new leadership opportunity in her home state of New Hampshire, allowing her to be closer to family and longtime friends. We are grateful for her contributions to ALSO Youth and wish her all the best in this next chapter.
Our work is as vital as ever. Across our region, LGBTQ+ youth are seeking connection, care, and spaces where they can be seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are. ALSO Youth is here to meet that need through counseling, community, creative expression, leadership development, and advocacy.
Like many youth-serving organizations, we’re evolving, and we’re focused on strengthening our internal systems, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring long-term sustainability so we can serve this generation and the next.
In the coming months, you’ll see new opportunities to engage with ALSO Youth, including a reimagined art and expression festival, our June Bingo Night, and deeper investments in youth-driven programming.
We’re building something rooted in joy, justice, and connection - and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.
Thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude,
Annie Berkness (she/her)