|
Q: What is The Hetrick-Martin Institute?
A: The Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is the oldest and largest non-profit agency created to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth between the ages of 12 and 21. HMI offers a wide range of programs including After-School and Supportive Services. Visit Programs and Services to find out more about what HMI has to offer
Q: How did HMI get started?
A: The Hetrick-Martin Institute was created in November 1979 by Doctors Emery Hetrick and Dr. Damien Martin, who were life-partners. Emery was a psychiatrist who devoted his life to educating psychiatrists around the world about the challenges facing lesbians and gays. Damien was a professor at New York University who worked tirelessly to educate the general public about the needs of lesbian and gay young people.
In 1979, Doctors Hetrick and Martin heard the heart-breaking story of a homeless 15 year-old boy who had been beaten up and kicked out of his emergency shelter because he was gay. They were so moved that they gathered a group of concerned adults and created what was then called the Institute for the Protection of Lesbian and Gay Youth (IPLGY). In 1988, the Institute was renamed The Hetrick-Martin Institute in honor of Emery Hetrick and Damien Martin's life-long commitment to serving the needs of lesbian and gay youth.
Q: Who comes to HMI?
A: It’s exciting, it’s comfortable and it’s mad cool! Above all HMI is a safe place where young people can be who they are without the fear of being ridiculed, harassed, beaten up, or treated different.
It doesn’t matter whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, transgender female or male. It doesn’t matter if you are “Out, loud and proud” or on the “DL”. “In the Closet” or “Living Large”. You can be a goth or a geek; a baller or a candy raver, --- or, WHATEVER.
If you are 12 to 21 and want to be a part of a progressive youth program set in a hate-free space, then HMI is for you.
Q: What is HMI’s Mission?
A: The Hetrick Martin Institute (HMI) believes all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to reach their full potential. HMI creates this environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth between the ages of 12 and 21 and their families. between the ages of 12 and 21 and their families. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, HMI seeks to foster healthy youth development. HMI's staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models.
Q: Where is The Hetrick-Martin Institute located?
A: The Hetrick-Martin Institute is in the heart of the East Village. Located at 2 Astor Place @ Broadway, HMI & HMHS are easily accessible and conveniently one block away from both the N&R (yellow) and 6 (green) subway lines.
|
