Rainbow Labs

Rainbow Labs emboldens Queer and Gender Nonconforming Youth to discover, curate, and experiment with the elements of a fulfilled life through community building and the lived experiences of mentors.

The idea of Rainbow Labs launched in 2020 by Jacob Toups to address the unique challenges faced by queer and gender non-conforming youth. Jacob knows these unique challenges as he faced them growing up in a small town in Texas. Bullying and lack of supportive environments in his communities never allowed him to connect to other members of the LGBTQ+ community. This community of peers was not found until much later in college where he found a safe and supportive space to explore his own identity. In creating Rainbow Labs, he wants to ensure the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth find their community, peers, and safe spaces earlier on while gaining a sense of empowerment to propel them into bright futures. In fact, in a recent focus group with LGBTQ+ youth, one of our youth mentioned, "There are not enough mentors out there. I know if I had a mentor, I would feel more supported in my life – school, family, and friends."

Rainbow Labs provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. We do this through an innovative afterschool mentoring program for underserved LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-17.