What we Believe
Mission
To build a brave, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, non-judgemental, and visible space and community for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth, families and allies in Southwest Colorado.
Vision
To demystify stereotypes and empower through education. We envision that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies will direct and develop youth led educational, social, and emotionally supportive activities that will benefit overall well-being.
Values
The Rainbow Youth Center values community and connection centered in vulnerability, compassion, and justice. We value authentic and safe relationships. We value the whole person as they are. We value wellness and creating opportunities to live one's best life possible.
Our Norms
Respect; We respect names, pronouns, orientation, gender and philosophies.
Confidentiality; What is said at RYC stays at RYC, but what is learned here leaves.
Boundaries; We will respect all boundaries (visual, auditory, physical, etc.).
Brave Space; We will create space for growth while being mindful of what might be uncomfortable for others
The Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center (RYC) does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and consumers..
History of the center
In roles as a guidance counselor and a school-based mental health provider at Durango High School during the 2014-2015 school year, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth approached us. They voiced concern and need for a space they could attend after and outside of school that will accept them for who they are and assist in their growth and healthy development. RYC held focus groups with youth, allies, and family members to gather more information about the needs. One youth reported, “I didn’t even know there was a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) in our school. I am not even sure I would feel comfortable going.” Another youth stated, “I would love to be able to have a place to go and feel comfortable with my peers.” A parent stated, “Sometimes, I am not sure how to handle as a parent everything my child is going through.” A High School coach remarked, “I have had several students approach me for support around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues stating they do not have a safe place to go to get support and don’t feel fully supported at school or at home”.
We opened our doors for programming on September 15, 2015 with 18 youth participating in our opening night. We currently run three programs each week, with between 8 - 20 youth attending. In addition, we provide one Saturday event per month. There is never a fee of any kind to take part in drop in nights or weekend activities.
We have a strong base of volunteers that show up and make the Youth Center possible, and our Board of Directors, created in 2016, is made up of seasoned non-profit veterans with a passion for our organization.
The youth find support and guidance from one another, as well as from the volunteers and staff. We offer one-on-one mentorship to those youth who need it, and we have been able to extend this option to youth in the area who are too young to attend our drop-in times. We offer a Queer Sex Ed curriculum as well as a program specifically designed for transgender and non-binary youth as well as their caregivers. Often other professionals join us to present short talks on services or opportunities they provide.
The increase of children under 10 who are identifying as transgender has been a source of concern for the community stakeholders who are uncertain about how to proceed. Roughly 65% of the youth who attend our drop-ins identify as transgender or non-binary, so we are well positioned to provide support to other agencies and organizations.
RYC is becoming the go-to resource in the community for 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. We are routinely approached to give staff trainings or offer guidance one-on-one for professionals in the area who are coming into contact with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
RYC Staff
Xander Hughes | Executive Director
Pronouns: he/him/his, they/them/theirs.
Xander is transmasculine and queer, and is of the Dine’/Navajo Nation. Xander moved from the southeastern Kansas area to Durango, CO in 2014 to attend Fort Lewis College. After having taken off a couple years of school, Xander graduated in the Winter of 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Gender and Sexuality Studies and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. Xander’s passions lie in social change, advocacy, and education. Xander started as a college intern in 2019, stayed on as a volunteer, was on the Board of Directors, and is now Co-Director. He is a long term facilitator for the Tea Time programming at RYC, Co-facilitator of the Youth of Culture programming, oversees Queer Scouts, and does all other programming. He also has a cute cat named Bubbles and enjoys watching anime on time off.
Kat Pamplin I Assistant Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Kat graduated from Fort Lewis College in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's in English Secondary Education and has a passion for empowerment through literacy and education. Prior to graduating, she worked with RYC as a volunteer and youth mentor, and directed Animas High youth to paint the colorful mural outside of the RYC office. Her gender and sexuality are Queer, and she feels pride in her 2SLGBTQIAS+ family. Kat believes in the abolishment of the restrictions put on our bodies, our identities, and our expression, as well as intentionally acknowledging the way we benefit from or are harmed by colonialism and imperialism in our community. She lives in Durango with her partner and their cat, Toadie, and dog, Pumpkin. She was awarded "Most likely to become an Esports legend" in Winter 2022 by her staff while working as a Residence Director at FLC.
Beck Hix I Program Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers, they/them/theirs
Beck moved to Durango from Moriarty, New Mexico in 2019 to attend Fort Lewis College where she graduated with Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Bachelor’s in English. Beck has a passion for working with young people, building community, and social justice. Beck started at RYC as an intern in Fall of 2022 before starting full time as the Program Lead. Beck facilitates all RYC programs and school GSAs. In her off time she can be found at the movie theatre or coaching basketball at The Fort!
Kat Dicken I Mentorship program manager
Pronouns: She/her/hers/They/them/theirs
Kat moved from Phoenix, AZ in 2022 after graduating summa cum laude with their Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies to continue their education. They are completing their Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in the local Four Corners program in June of 2024. They began with their volunteer work and internship with the counseling program before taking on the mentorship program as the program manager. Governed by a strong sense of social justice and self-determination, she believes in spaces where everyone can feel welcome and safe to express their identities. Outside of work, you can catch her playing videogames, studying, or making an impassioned speech to her friends at a local coffee shop.
Z Wilbanks I Mental Health Outreach Specialist
Pronouns: He/Him/His/They/Them/Theirs
Zorion “Z” Wilbanks is trans-masculine and two spirit individual from the Ho-Chunk Nation, Pigeon Clan and Oneida Nation, Bear clan. Z became a Durango transplant to attend Fort Lewis College and graduated in Dec. 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science with double minors in Environmental Policy and Native American Indigenous studies. Z is active within the Four Corners community through environmental and social justice advocacy; and now within RYC as the current Mental Health Outreach Specialist. When Z is not working within the community, you will likely find them reading, playing chess or dominos, sketching a new costume for their next drag show, trying out a new recipe, paddle boarding with their dog, or going out to hike.
Luna Miller | RYC Counselor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Luna is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), completing her supervised hours for Colorado state licensure under the supervision of Jennifer Stucka-Benally, LCSW. Luna holds a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling with a Somatic Emphasis from Prescott College. Luna completed a Bachelor's Degree in Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 2009. She regularly incorporates art therapy interventions into her group and individual counseling work. Luna is a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, is CPR certified, and is a Wilderness First Responder. Luna has supported youth of all genders in therapeutic contexts for more than a decade, including wilderness therapy and eating disorder recovery. Luna co-facilitates the RYC Empower Pride group, a mental health support group for local youth, and the Caregiver Support Group. Luna is passionate about empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and families to live fully, listen to their inner wisdom, heal from harm, improve communication and find self-compassion. Luna believes that all bodies are beautiful, supports all gender identities and expressions, and is ready to meet you where you are to offer the mental health support you need. Luna currently accepts new clients ages 12-24 and offers coaching calls to parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Daxter I D.O.G.S (Director of Guest Services)
Pronouns: He/him/his
“Woof, bark woof!”
Board of Directors
Olivia Milsted I Board Chair
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Olivia moved from London, England to Cape Cod, Massachusetts when she was 9 years old. She attended Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA, where she received her B.S. in Psychological Science with a minor in Neuroscience, Cognition, and Behavior. From a young age she’s been encouraged and inspired to volunteer, explore new opportunities, learn, and help wherever she can. In August 2018, she took the leap to move by herself to Colorado to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Housing Navigation Center (HNC), a facility that helps people experiencing homelessness survive their experience, and connect back to permanent housing and other essential resources. She later took the opportunity to continue working at the HNC as the Coordinator, and was motivated to keep supporting, empowering, and connecting with her community, and promoting the success of the HNC and all those who use its resources. She has gained a passion for understanding the housing and homeless systems and challenging its inequities in hopes of building a more accessible, equitable, and affordable housing system. She recently accepted a position with the Office of Homelessness Initiatives with the State of Colorado, as a Homeless Programs Specialist, through which she will support homeless service providers across the state. Outside of work, she loves exploring, biking, hiking, sipping a good cup of coffee, and snuggling with her dog any time of day.
Julianne Begay I Vice Chair
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Julianne joined the RYC Board in January 2023 and currently serves the Board's Vice Chair. Julianne is passionate about giving back to her community. Her past volunteer experience includes serving on the board of the Southwest Colorado Bar Association and serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for vulnerable children, among other experiences. Julianne received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Native American Studies from Dartmouth College in 2010 and her Juris Doctorate from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in 2015. Julianne has been a practicing attorney for 8 years. Julianne's professional experience includes serving as in-house attorney for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, a staff attorney for Colorado Legal Services, Inc., and an attorney for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. Outside of work, Julianne enjoys, Crossfit, hiking, rec league soccer, learning how to mountain bike, and DIY home projects. Julianne joined the RYC Board because the organization's mission, vision, and values align with her approach to community service and she is passionate about providing a safe community for 2SLQBTQIA+ youth.
Hannah Hendry I Secretary
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
She is a special education teacher, and is passionate about inclusion for all children and their families. She loves living in Durango with her husband, and their two small children.
Sara Lopez I Board member
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Health with an emphasis in leadership and public health practice from the Colorado School of Public Health. Sara started work in 2013 as a nurse generalist with Summit County Public. Health running the immunization program and working in infectious disease, childcare and Head Start consultation, emergency preparedness, and maternal and child health where she grew a broad base for community engagement and program management. In 2016, she was promoted to Nurse Manager, supervising PH nurses and nursing programs, Early Intervention, and care coordination. In 2020, she served as the public health COVID-19 Containment Branch Chief, planning and executing early COVID testing, contact investigation and tracing, and the COVID-19 vaccination rollout utilizing a drive-through model. In 2021, she started with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as a Nurse Consultant in the Communicable Disease Branch before moving to the Immunization Branch, following her passion for prevention, education, community building, and social justice.
When not at work, Sara enjoys wander walking, biking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, paddling, cooking and spending time reading and adventuring with her partner Jess and their two dogs, Maizey (Feather) and Zella (Wonder Pig)
Founders
Along with Co-Director, Jennifer Stucka-Benally, the following are also founders of the Rainbow Youth Center:
Jennifer Stucka-Benally | Founder
Pronouns: Fae/faer/faers/they/them/theirs
Jennifer has a strong passion for social justice and a background being involved in advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. They identify as a queer, genderqueer individual. They gained their Master's in Social Work from the University of Denver and their undergraduate in psychology at the University of Washington. They have been trained in and have been working with adolescents, teens, and families for 17 years in Residential Treatment, Therapeutic Mentoring, Conflict Resolution, Child Protective Services, Community Mental Health, both in and out of schools, and Private Practice. They believe that every person deserves a safe world in which they can be free to be themselves and express themselves. They also believe that every young person’s voice is crucial and should be heard. Jennifer's hope is for the Four Corners Rainbow Youth Center to provide a space that is safe, nonjudgmental, and educational. Stucka moved to new adventures at the end of December, 2023.
Rowan Blaisdell
Pronouns: he/him/his
Rowan Blaisdell is a registered psychotherapist and father of two teens, one gay, one straight. Rowan has a masters in social work from the University of Denver and offers a support group for parents of LGBTQ kids, as well as private counseling services for individuals and couples. You can learn more about him on his website.
Sarah St. John
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sarah St. John left the East Coast and moved to Durango in 2001. She has a bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters degree in Counseling. Sarah has been a Professional School Counselor for ten years and has worked with youth and adolescents for 20 years. Sarah Has stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the Youth Center, but she remains one of our most enthusiastic and valuable supporters.