Inside Out Youth Services in Colorado Springs: Do They Provide Real Help for Kids, or Is There More to the Story?

If you live in Colorado Springs or the Pikes Peak region and have a child or teen exploring questions about sexual orientation or gender identity, you’ve probably heard of Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS). Founded in 1990, this nonprofit runs a community center at 516 W. Colorado Ave. and offers programs for LGBTQIA2+ youth ages 13–24. The organization positions itself as a “safe and affirming space” that builds “access, equity, and power” through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support. But in today’s heated cultural climate, parents and community members are asking tougher questions: Is Inside Out Youth Services a genuinely good service that helps kids? Does it actually reduce risks like suicide, homelessness, or substance abuse? Or is it part of a broader push that some critics label as ideological grooming? Here’s a clear, fact-based look based on their own website, public records, impact reports, and available news coverage. What Inside Out Youth Services Actually Does IOYS serves roughly 13–24-year-olds (including allies) with free, in-person and hybrid programs at their center (open Tuesday–Friday afternoons/evenings with drop-in hours).

Key offerings include:

• Support and social programs: Discussion groups, drop-ins, recreation nights (game nights, movie nights, karaoke), creative expression (arts and crafts), outings, and peer mentoring.
• Identity Development programs: Dedicated sessions focused on “transness, nonbinary, and gender expansive identities,” including discussions and education on gender identity and expression.
• Health, Wellness & Advocacy (HAC) programs: Cover physical/mental health, healthy relationships, queer history, life skills, job searching, community resilience, and policy impacts.
• Case management: Help with housing navigation, GED programs, SNAP/Medicaid applications, appointments, and referrals to mental health resources.
• Basic needs: Food pantry, clothing closet, and a mental health support fund (grants paid directly to vendors for wellness activities).
• Advocacy and trainings: They train adults and parents on allyship, run “Safe @ Schools” initiatives, and advocate against school policies they view as discriminatory (e.g., on sports, bathrooms, or pronouns). They also offer workshops on comprehensive sexual education (CSE) that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

The group was started in response to documented higher risks for LGBTQ youth (substance abuse, dropout, abuse, homelessness, and suicide). Their 2025 impact report highlights serving basic needs for about 40% of participants, logging 750+ community center hours, training 573 adults (with 99% reporting new skills), and influencing policy for tens of thousands of students. They’ve faced real threats—temporary closures after the 2022 Club Q shooting and other security alerts—but maintain armed security and continue operations. Do They Really Help Kids? Short answer: They provide genuine short-term social connection, basic resources, and a sense of belonging for many isolated LGBTQ+ teens. That can be lifesaving for kids facing bullying or family rejection. Programs like life skills, job help, food/clothing support, and peer groups address real needs and have no credible reports of harm or negligence. However, the long-term picture is more complex. IOYS heavily emphasizes gender identity affirmation (including dedicated “Identity Development” tracks) and advocates for policies aligned with the “gender-affirming care” model. Recent international reviews (such as the UK’s Cass Review and shifts in several European countries) have raised serious concerns about weak evidence for social transition or medical interventions in minors. Many youth with gender dysphoria have co-occurring mental health issues, autism, trauma, or same-sex attraction that resolve with watchful waiting and therapy—yet affirmation-first approaches can lock in a path toward puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgery with lifelong consequences’ does not provide medical care or hormones themselves. They refer to external mental health resources and focus on peer support and education. But their programming and advocacy treat gender identity exploration as inherently positive and expansive, without apparent emphasis on exploring underlying causes or desistance (the common outcome for most childhood dysphoria pre-puberty).

Parents should weigh: Does your child need a safe hangout spot and life skills? Probably helpful. Is your child being fast-tracked into a transgender identity through peer influence and adult-led “identity development” sessions? That’s where the debate gets heated—and where independent research shows mixed or concerning outcomes.

Are They a “Grooming Service”? No. There is zero credible evidence, lawsuit, scandal, arrest record, or investigative report accusing Inside Out Youth Services of sexual grooming, abuse, or predatory behavior toward children. Searches for controversies turn up nothing of the sort—only general culture-war rhetoric from critics of LGBTQ organizations and occasional threats against the group itself. The term “grooming” gets thrown around loosely online, often to describe any adult-led discussion of sexuality or gender with minors. IOYS does teach comprehensive sexual education and runs identity-focused groups, which some parents view as ideological indoctrination. But that’s a policy disagreement about age-appropriate content and the affirmation model—not evidence of criminal grooming or sexual exploitation. Bottom Line: Good Service or Bad Service? Inside Out Youth Services is a legitimate, long-running nonprofit that delivers real resources—community, food, clothing, mentoring, and basic support—to a population that faces higher risks of isolation and mental health struggles. For many kids, it’s a positive lifeline. At the same time, their strong focus on gender identity affirmation and school advocacy aligns with approaches now being questioned by scientists and regulators in other countries. If you’re a parent concerned about rapid-onset gender dysphoria, social contagion, or the lack of long-term outcome data, approach with caution. Talk to your child, seek multiple professional opinions (not just affirming ones), and consider whether peer-heavy “identity development” is the right environment during the turbulent teen years. If you’re in Colorado Springs and evaluating services for your family, visit their site (insideoutys.org), tour the center, review their materials, and compare with other youth resources. Informed parents make the best decisions—not blanket trust or blanket rejection. What are your thoughts? Have you or your family had direct experience with Inside Out Youth Services? Share in the comments (civil discussion only). This post is for informational purposes. Always consult licensed professionals for your child’s specific needs.

Basic Nonprofit Information

• Legal Name: Inside Out Youth Services (also styled as Inside/Out Youth Services in older records)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): 84-1407299
• Tax Status: 501(c)(3) public charity, tax-exempt since October 1997
• Founded: 1990 (initially as a volunteer effort; formalized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1997)
• Mission: “To build access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support.”
• Vision: “Wholeness. Inside and Out.”
• Target Population: LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults ages 13–24 (including allies), primarily in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak/Tava-Kaavi (El Paso County) region.
• Headquarters/Community Center: 516 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 (moved in early 2024 to the former site of a longtime gay bar; previously at 223 N. Wahsatch Ave., Suite 101)
• Phone: (719) 328-1056
• Email: info@insideoutys.org
• Website: https://insideoutys.org/
• Social Media: Active on Instagram (

@insideoutys

Board of Directors

They describe their work as creating “safe and affirming spaces” for identity exploration, life skills, and community connection while addressing higher reported risks of isolation, mental health challenges, homelessness, and suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.Leadership and Governance Current Board of Directors (as listed on their site):

• Dom Angiollo (Chair, he/him)
• Rafael Norwood (Vice Chair, he/they)
• Jasen Cooper (Treasurer, he/him)
• Danielle Redmond (Secretary, she/her)
• Edina Hanes (she/her)
• Olivia Compton (she/they)
• Dr. Tre Wentling (IOYS alumni, he/him)

The board integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) principles. They are currently recruiting additional board members. Past executive leadership has included Dr. Jessie Pocock (noted in older reports as a key figure, including testimony after the 2022 Club Q shooting). They emphasize that all staff and volunteers are mandatory reporters for child abuse/neglect. Programs and Services IOYS operates a drop-in community center with in-person and hybrid offerings (Tuesday–Friday afternoons/evenings). Key areas include:

• Support & Social Programs: Peer groups, discussion circles, game/movie/karaoke nights, arts/crafts, outings, and mentoring.
• Identity Development: Focused sessions on trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive identities.
• Health, Wellness & Advocacy (HAC): Mental/physical health, healthy relationships, queer history, life skills, job readiness, and policy education.
• Case Management & Basic Needs: Housing navigation, GED support, benefits applications (SNAP/Medicaid), food pantry, clothing closet, and a mental health support fund (direct vendor payments).
• Advocacy & Trainings: “Safe @ Schools” initiatives, parent/adult ally workshops (e.g., “Transparenting”), comprehensive sexual education (CSE), and policy advocacy (e.g., opposing restrictions on transgender participation in sports, bathrooms, or pronouns; pushing back against certain school board policies like those in District 49).
• Events: Youth Pride, Queer Prom, and community resilience efforts.

They do not provide direct medical care (e.g., hormones or surgery) but refer to external providers and emphasize affirmation and peer support. Recent challenges: Temporary closures or shifts to virtual services after the 2022 Club Q shooting and occasional security threats. Financials and Impact

• Positive Coverage: Frequently portrayed in local media (Colorado Springs Gazette, KOAA) as a vital lifeline providing safety, belonging, and resources. Recognized by groups like One Colorado (e.g., 2025 Prism Awards). Supporters highlight reduced isolation and practical help (housing, jobs, food).
• Criticism: As an organization deeply embedded in gender-affirming and expansive identity frameworks, they face pushback from those concerned about rapid social transition, peer influence, comprehensive sex ed for minors, and advocacy against biological-sex-based policies in sports/schools. They actively oppose measures seen as restricting transgender youth rights and have issued talking points on school policies.
• No Evidence of Criminal Issues: Extensive searches show no lawsuits, arrests, scandals, or credible reports involving sexual abuse, grooming, financial misconduct, or negligence. They have faced security threats and temporary closures due to safety concerns post-2022 Club Q shooting and other alerts.
• Broader context: Like many LGBTQ+ youth organizations, they operate in a polarized environment where “grooming” rhetoric is sometimes applied broadly to any adult-led discussions of gender/sexuality with minors. Their materials focus on affirmation, allyship, and resilience rather than exploratory or desistance-focused approaches.

Board members serve in a volunteer capacity (compensation listed as $0 in IRS Form 990 filings). IOYS emphasizes that board members help integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) principles into governance, committees, and organizational culture. They are currently recruiting additional board members who are passionate about equity, inclusion, and youth empowerment.

linkedin.com

Detailed Profiles (in the order listed on the site)

Dom Angiollo (Chair, he/him)
Limited public professional details are available. He is connected to the Colorado Springs area and has a background that includes the United States Air Force Academy and University of Notre Dame Law School (LinkedIn profile under Dominic Angiollo). He appears consistently as Board Chair or Co-Chair in IOYS materials, including the 2024 Impact Report. No extensive public bio, publications, or other nonprofit roles were prominently linked in searches.

Rafael Norwood (Vice Chair, he/they)

• Proud queer, 1.5-generation Mexican immigrant who relocated to Colorado Springs from Oregon in 2019.
• Currently or recently affiliated with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) in a health-related role (March 2024–October 2025 on LinkedIn).
• Joined the IOYS Board of Directors in August 2025.
• Featured in a 2023 StoryCorps interview with his boyfriend Troy Sanders, discussing identity, career in higher education, and experiences related to the Club Q shooting.
• Actively represents IOYS at events, such as the El Pomar Foundation’s “Get on Board” event in 2026.

linkedin.com

Jasen Cooper (Treasurer, he/him)

Very little additional public information beyond his role as Treasurer on the IOYS board. He is listed consistently in current board rosters on the organization’s website and 2024 Impact Report. No prominent LinkedIn, professional bio, or other affiliations surfaced in targeted searches.

Danielle Redmond (Secretary, she/her)

• Works at Children’s Hospital Colorado (Greater Colorado Springs area).
• Has served on the IOYS board since at least April 2021 (over 5 years as of 2026), including on the Development Committee.
• Involved in IOYS fundraising events, such as promoting the 2023 Gay-la (annual benefit with live entertainment, auctions, etc.).
• Maintains a professional LinkedIn presence tied to healthcare and nonprofit development.

linkedin.com

Edina Hanes (Board Member, she/her)

• Vice President of Human Resources at UCHealth (Colorado Springs).
• Holds credentials: MSML (Master of Science in Management and Leadership), SPHR, SHRM-SCP (Senior Professional in Human Resources).
• Proudly serves on the IOYS board and has spoken publicly about supporting the organization’s mission to build “access, equity, and power” with LGBTQIA2+ youth.
• Has appeared as a speaker at HR/healthcare conferences.
• Previously listed in some records as Board Secretary (role appears to have shifted).

linkedin.com

Olivia Compton (Board Member, she/they)

• Assistant Professor of Economics (Dr. Olivia Compton; academic background in economics).
• Began volunteering with IOYS in late 2023, helping LGBTQIA2+ youth, and soon joined the board.
• Serves as Vice Chair of the Policy & Advocacy Committee.
• Has provided public testimony on behalf of IOYS before the Colorado legislature, including in support of SB26-018 (Legal Protections for Minors) in March 2026 and other bills. She emphasized the organization’s work with youth and urged votes in favor of protective measures.
• Actively involved in policy and advocacy efforts for LGBTQIA2+ youth in the Pikes Peak region.

linkedin.com

Dr. Tre Wentling (Board Member, IOYS alumni, he/him)

• Assistant Professor of Women’s and Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).
• Coordinator of the Gender and Sexualities Studies Undergraduate Certificate program.
• Long-time connection to IOYS as an alumnus; has served on the board in various capacities over multiple years (listed in 2021 and 2024 impact reports and ProPublica 990 filings).
• Co-produces the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project (with Dr. Kumar and UCCS students), which includes themes related to Inside Out Youth Services, activism, and identity.
• Research and teaching focus on fluidity, politics, and identity; interviewed in outlets like Humanitou and CU Connections about helping students see themselves in curriculum.
• Contributes to discussions on history, language, and politics of identity.

west.uccs.edu

Additional Context

• Board Composition Changes: Board rosters have evolved. Older 990 filings and reports mention former or additional members such as Alana Lipscomb (former Vice Chair), Sophia Lisco (Bonner Fellow), Joanna Rendon, Heather Cloninger, Jacob Merrihew, Kathy Edwards, Michelle Skarr, and others. The current seven-member board reflects the most recent listing on the IOYS site.
• Governance: Board members receive no compensation. IOYS files annual IRS Form 990s (public via ProPublica and GuideStar), which confirm $0 compensation for listed board members. The organization highlights mandatory reporter status for staff/volunteers and a focus on DEIJ principles.
• Public Activity: The board supports IOYS’s advocacy (e.g., Safe @ Schools initiatives, testimony on legislation affecting LGBTQ youth), fundraising (Gay-la events), and recruitment. Recent posts encourage diverse applicants for board service.
• No Controversies Found: Searches across news, legal records, and social media turned up no scandals, lawsuits, or negative reports tied to any individual board member in relation to their IOYS service. All information is drawn from the organization’s own site, LinkedIn, legislative records, interviews, and public nonprofit databases.

insideoutys.org

No public records show individual advocacy campaigns or testimony from most board members outside their IOYS roles. Efforts are primarily organizational, with the board listed in impact reports as supporting the work. Safe @ Schools Coalition (Core School-Focused Advocacy) IOYS hosts and leads the Pikes Peak Safe @ Schools Coalition, a monthly (4th Monday, 4–5:30 p.m. virtual) group of students, parents, educators, administrators, and advocates. Its mission is “to advocate for the needs, development, and visibility of LGBTQIA2+ young people and the adults meant to support them.

Key activities and priorities include:

• Speaking at school board meetings and engaging administrators to oppose “anti-LGBTQIA2+, and especially anti-trans” policies in districts like D11, D20, and D49.
• Policy consultation and recommendations based on “best-practices and proven protective factors.”
• Resources on: all-gender restrooms, Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), suicide prevention, chosen names/pronouns, pride flags, and gender-affirming dress.
• Events: Semestral community gatherings, annual Student Panel (November), Educator Celebration (April), back-to-school/prom donation drives, and recent town halls/Gender-Inclusive Schools trainings (e.g., September 2025 with Dave Edwards).
• Calls to action: Join the coalition/steering committee, attend meetings, start/maintain GSAs (contact schools@insideoutys.org), or participate in “hot spot mapping” for youth safety.

insideoutys.org

In the 2024 Impact Report, 46 students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members attended Safe @ Schools Coalition meetings.

insideoutys.org

Specific School District Advocacy (2025 Guides and Actions) IOYS publishes detailed advocacy guidelines and talking points to mobilize community members against targeted policies:

• District 11 (D11) Advocacy: Opposes fast-tracked changes to instructional materials and library resource policies (e.g., May 2025 special session). Critics argue these concentrate power in the board, remove diverse perspectives (LGBTQIA2+, BIPOC), enable censorship of “obscene” or “pornographic” content, and violate the Freedom to Read Act (SB25-063). Guidelines include email templates, public comment scripts (3-minute limit), and calls to restore inclusive language, require diverse review committees, and demand apologies for prior textbook destruction.

insideoutys.org

• District 49 (D49) JBAA Policy: Opposes Policy JBAA (passed 2025), which bans transgender students/staff/guests from using restrooms aligning with gender identity. In January 2026, the board voted 3–2 to suspend it (step toward repeal), with further votes scheduled. IOYS provides updates, talking points, and encouragement to attend meetings and contact board members.

insideoutys.org

These guides emphasize personal stories, framing policies as harmful to mental health, safety, and equity. Legislative Testimony and State-Level Advocacy Dr. Olivia Compton (Board Member, Vice Chair of the Policy & Advocacy Committee) is the most active board member in public testimony. She routinely represents IOYS before the Colorado General Assembly (2025–2026 session), focusing on bills affecting transgender and gender-diverse youth. Examples of her testimony (on behalf of IOYS):

• SB26-018 (Legal Protections for Minors) — Supported the bill, arguing for privacy and against deadnaming/misgendering: “Transgender and gender diverse youth deserve privacy, and they deserve the right to live their life without a past they did not ask for following them.”

leg.colorado.gov

• HB26-1283, SB26-012 — Testified in support.

leg.colorado.gov

• HB26-1128 and HB26-1083 — Testified in opposition (bills postponed indefinitely).

leg.colorado.gov

• Additional 2025 testimony in support of other measures via the Policy & Advocacy Committee.

leg.colorado.gov

Other staff (e.g., Jaxon Hoskinson, School Advocate; Liss Smith, Communications & Advocacy Director) have also testified on related bills like student protections and anti-bullying measures.4. Broader Advocacy Impact (2024 Metrics)From IOYS’s 2024 Impact Report:

• Supported 58 local organizations via resource-sharing, policy consultation, partnerships, and advocacy actions.
• Impacted 752 educators with policy advocacy resources on LGBTQIA2+ youth empowerment.
• Reached 24,912 youth nationally and locally through violence prevention and policy advocacy.
• Engaged 57 parent/guardian/family caregivers via the TransParenting support group.
• Provided adult allyship workshops and “Transparenting” trainings.

insideoutys.org

Advocacy also includes amplifying youth voices to policymakers and opposing state/national restrictions on gender identity in schools/sports. Summary and Context The board’s advocacy is collective and governance-focused rather than individual (except for Compton’s prominent legislative role). It centers on affirmation-based policies, opposition to restrictions on transgender youth (restrooms, names/pronouns, curriculum, sports), expansion of GSAs/CSE, and suicide prevention through “connectedness” and safer spaces. This aligns with IOYS’s view that such measures address elevated risks for LGBTQIA2+ youth. All efforts are public via IOYS’s website (insideoutys.org/safe-at-schools, district-specific guides, impact reports). The organization frames this as protective; critics view it as ideological advocacy influencing school and state policy. For the latest or 2025 Impact Report details, check insideoutys.org directly (reports are downloadable). Board listings can evolve; current info is from the site as of April 2026.

Yes, Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) in Colorado Springs incorporates drag performances into several of their youth-oriented events. Here is a clear summary of what the public record shows:

Drag at IOYS Events

• Queer Prom (Youth Prom): This is their flagship annual event for ages 13–24 (sober, semi-formal, chaperoned dance party). Multiple years explicitly include live drag performances as part of the entertainment:
  • 2023 Queer Prom (“Glowhemian Rhapsody” theme): Included drag performances and refreshments.
  • 2025 Youth Pride and Queer Prom (“Pink Pony Disco” theme): Featured live drag performances; some attendees even joined in.
  • 2026 Queer Prom (“Queers in Space” theme): Continues the tradition of youth celebration events that have historically included drag elements.
• Pride Inside and Out (Youth Pride Festival): All-ages or family-friendly festival with food trucks, resources, activities, games, DJs, music, and drag shows. IOYS presents this event at the Hillside Community Center.
• Other mentions: IOYS events and Pride Month kickoffs have featured local drag performers (e.g., references to drag superstars or talent at their youth celebrations). They also list or link to Pride Drag Brunch resources in their site materials.

These events are promoted on IOYS’s official website (insideoutys.org), their social media (Instagram

@insideoutys

, Facebook), and local news coverage (FOX21, Peak Radar, etc.). The organization frames drag performances as fun, celebratory entertainment that builds community and belonging for LGBTQIA2+ youth and allies. Important Context on Age and Format

• Queer Prom is explicitly for ages 13–24 and described as chaperoned and sober.
• Pride Inside and Out is often positioned as an all-ages or broader community festival.
• There is no evidence from their site or reports that IOYS hosts or partners in Drag Queen Story Hour events aimed at young children (typically elementary age). Drag elements appear tied to teen/young adult social and pride events rather than storytime for little kids.

Partnerships or Ongoing “Work With” Drag Queens

• IOYS does not appear to have a formal, ongoing program titled “Drag Queen Mentorship” or similar. Instead, they invite or feature local drag performers as entertainment at their larger youth pride and prom events.
• Drag is treated as part of broader community-building, creative expression, and celebration within their programming (alongside game nights, arts/crafts, outings, etc.).
• They collaborate with the wider Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ scene, where drag is a visible cultural element (e.g., local bars, Pikes Peak Pride fundraisers, and Pride Month activities sometimes overlap or get cross-promoted).

No Evidence of Controversial or Hidden Activities Public searches (including their own site, impact reports, news articles, and social posts up to 2026) show drag limited to the above celebratory contexts. No records of IOYS running private drag sessions, training youth in drag, or anything beyond featuring performances at public or ticketed teen events. Like many LGBTQ+ youth centers, they view drag as an artistic and cultural expression rather than something inherently inappropriate for teens. Bottom line for parents/community members:
Yes — IOYS regularly includes drag performances at their Queer Prom and Pride festival events targeted at teens and young adults (13–24). These are not hidden; they are openly advertised as part of the fun, affirming atmosphere the organization promotes. If you are evaluating whether this fits your family’s values or comfort level for a 13–17-year-old, that is a personal decision based on the event descriptions (chaperoned, sober dance parties with drag shows).Would you like links to specific past event pages, more details on a particular year’s Queer Prom, or information on how to view their full event calendar?

Here’s a clear, factual discussion of Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) collaborations with local drag performers in Colorado Springs, based on their public event descriptions, social media, news coverage, and impact materials (up to April 2026).Nature of the Collaborations IOYS does not run a formal, ongoing “drag mentorship,” workshop series, or dedicated drag program for youth. Instead, the organization collaborates with local drag performers primarily as entertainment and cultural expression at two main annual events:

• Youth Pride and Queer Prom (ages 13–24, sober, semi-formal, chaperoned dance party)
• Pride Inside and Out (youth-focused festival, often described as all-ages or family-friendly in broader promotion)

These events treat drag performances as part of the celebratory atmosphere alongside DJs, dancing, food, vendors, games, and activities. IOYS frames this as building community, joy, self-expression, and belonging for LGBTQIA2+ youth and allies. Specific Examples from Recent Years

• Queer Prom Events (consistently described as including “live drag performances”):
  • 2023 (“Glowhemian Rhapsody” theme): Explicitly listed drag performances as part of the evening program for ages 13–24.
  • 2024 and 2025: News coverage (FOX21) confirmed live drag performances. In 2025 (“Pink Pony Disco” theme), attendees were reported to have “even joined in” some performances. Over 200 youth attended the 2025 event.
  • 2026 (“Queers in Space” theme, scheduled for May 30): Pre-event promotions continue the tradition of entertainment that has historically included drag.
• Pride Inside and Out (typically held the same day or weekend as Queer Prom, at Hillside Community Center):
  • Described with “live entertainment, including DJs, drag shows, music, and much more.”
  • Positioned as a broader festival with food trucks, resources, and activities.
• Other Occasional Mentions:
  • IOYS Instagram and event posts reference drag as part of “all kinds of fun” in youth programming (alongside game nights, movies, camping, etc.).
  • One 2026 Instagram post highlighted specific performers for a related or upcoming event: Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare, and Cassius DeVille (noted as a previous Queer Prom attendee who returned as a performer).
  • Broader local context: IOYS operates within the Pikes Peak LGBTQ+ scene, where drag is a visible element at Pride-related activities. They occasionally cross-promote or appear alongside other community events that feature drag.

How Collaborations Work

• Performers: Local Colorado Springs-area drag artists are invited or hired to perform at the events. Specific names (like Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare, and Cassius DeVille) appear in targeted promotions, but most event pages use general language (“live drag performances” or “drag shows”) rather than listing full lineups in advance.
• Scope: Limited to stage performances at public or ticketed teen/young-adult events. No public evidence of drag performers leading workshops, providing one-on-one mentoring, teaching makeup/drag skills in regular drop-in programs, or participating in case management, identity development groups, or school advocacy.
• Age Focus: Queer Prom is strictly 13–24 and chaperoned/sober. Pride Inside and Out is more broadly promoted but tied to youth services. There is no indication of drag story hours or performances aimed at pre-teens/children through IOYS.
• Partnership Style: Casual and event-based. IOYS partners with local artists and creatives in general for creative expression (arts, music, etc.), and drag fits into that umbrella for pride celebrations.

Public Perception and Context

• IOYS View: Drag is presented as artistic, fun, and affirming — a way for youth to see joyful self-expression in a “safe and affirming space.”
• Community Reactions: Local news coverage is generally positive or neutral, highlighting attendance and celebration. Some public comments on social media and news posts express concern about drag performances being part of events accessible to 13-year-olds, viewing it as inappropriate adult-oriented entertainment in a youth setting. Others defend it as harmless cultural expression.
• No Deeper Ties Found: Searches across IOYS’s site, impact reports, news, and social media show no evidence of drag performers serving on staff, volunteering in core programs (e.g., case management, HAC groups, or Safe @ Schools), sitting on the board, or influencing policy/advocacy. Collaborations appear confined to entertainment at celebratory events.

Bottom line: IOYS’s work with local drag performers is real but narrowly focused on featuring them as performers at Queer Prom and Pride Inside and Out. These are openly advertised annual youth pride events for teens and young adults (13–24), not hidden activities. The named performers (e.g., Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare, Cassius DeVille) are local talent invited for specific shows. If you’re a parent evaluating this for a teen, the key details are the age range (13+), chaperoned/sober format, and the public nature of the events. Event pages on insideoutys.org usually provide the latest descriptions, ticket info, and any performer mentions. Would you like me to look up more details on any of the named performers (Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare, Cassius DeVille), check a specific year’s event photos/descriptions, or explore how other local youth organizations handle similar events? Let me know what angle to dig into next.

Here are the publicly available details on the three named local drag performers mentioned in connection with Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) events, particularly for the 2026 Youth Pride and Queer Prom (and related promotions):

Alexander Couture

• Instagram: @the_alexander_couture (over 2,500 followers as of recent data)
• Style/Description: Self-described as a “Film, Literature, Theatre, Leftist, Notoriously Queer” drag NB (non-binary) artist. Performs under the name Alexander Couture (sometimes styled as Alexander Angel-Couture).
• Local Ties: Active in the Colorado Springs and broader Colorado drag scene. Frequently appears in local event promotions and has been featured at various drag revues and community shows (e.g., references to performances at venues like Hunter’s).
• IOYS Connection: Scheduled to perform at the April 17, 2026 event (ages 13–18 in some promotions) alongside the others. Listed in IOYS-related Instagram posts promoting “stunning performances” for Queer Prom / Youth Pride.

Medusa Oshumare

• Instagram: @medusaoshumare (smaller following, around 16 followers with limited posts)
• Style/Description: Describes their drag as “Activism & Musicals but make it drag” — focuses on lip sync and live singing. Emphasizes themes of activism blended with theatrical/musical performance.
• Local Ties: Emerging or lower-profile performer in the Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak area drag community. Part of broader Colorado drag nominations and events (e.g., “Freshest Faces of Colorado Drag” discussions).
• IOYS Connection: Named alongside Alexander Couture and Cassius DeVille in multiple 2026 promotional posts for the April 17 event, highlighting their performances for the youth audience.

Cassius DeVille

• Instagram: @cassiusdeville
• Style/Description: Nonbinary drag king (pronouns: he/him out of drag, they/them in some contexts). Known for personality-driven performances. Holds the title Reigning Mr. Trans San Diego (). Has competed in pageants like Mr. Luminosa.
• Background: Based in the Oceanside / San Diego area (California), but travels or appears in other scenes. Has performed in San Diego drag events, showcases, and competitions. Described as energetic and personality-focused.
• IOYS Connection: Explicitly noted as a “previous Queer Prom attendee” who is returning as a performer. Featured in 2026 promotions for the April 17 event (ages 13–18), with posts emphasizing “stunning performances” from all three.

Overall Context for IOYS Events These three performers were highlighted together in multiple Instagram posts (from IOYS and partner accounts) promoting the April 17, 2026 event (6PM–10PM, described in some posts as ages 13–18, with free plated dinner, music, art, and drag performances). The main Queer Prom 2026 (“Queers in Space” or similar themes) remains listed as ages 13–24, sober, semi-formal, and chaperoned at Hillside Community Center.

• The collaborations remain event-based entertainment (stage performances at pride/prom nights), not ongoing workshops, mentoring, or integration into daily youth programs.
• No deeper personal or organizational ties (e.g., board/staff roles, regular volunteering) appear in public records for any of the three.

All information comes from their public Instagram profiles, event promotions, and local drag scene mentions. Drag performer profiles can evolve quickly, and social media is the primary source for current activity.

Update on IOYS Drag Performer Collaborations (as of April 16, 2026) I searched recent social media promotions, event pages, news coverage, YouTube, and archives for more recent posts, performance videos/photos, and additional performer details tied to Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) events. Here’s everything new or confirmed: More Recent Posts & 2026 Event Promotions

• IOYS’s official website and Instagram

@insideoutys

IOYS are actively promoting the 2026 Youth Pride and Queer Prom season:

• Queer Prom 2026: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 6–9 PM at Hillside Community Center (925 S. Institute St., Colorado Springs). Theme: “QUEERS IN SPACE.” Ages 13–24 (LGBTQIA2+ youth and allies). Free, sober, semi-formal, chaperoned dance party. Pre-event services include dresses, suits, makeup artists, and hairstylists. Sponsored by PFLAG Colorado Springs and X1039radio.
• Pride: Inside and Out (Youth Pride Festival): Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11 AM–3 PM at the same location. All ages, free, family-friendly festival with food trucks, vendors, activities, games, and live entertainment.
• These posts emphasize community celebration but do not name specific drag performers yet (consistent with prior years’ promotional style). Past events have always included drag as part of the “live entertainment” or “drag shows/performances,” so it is expected to continue.
• No separate April 2026 event with the previously mentioned performers (Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare, Cassius DeVille) appears in current listings—the earlier references were likely pre-promotional or tied to a different local activity. Focus has shifted to the May/June dates.

Specific Performance Videos/Photos from Past Events

• No raw performance videos or close-up photos of drag acts are publicly available or indexed from any IOYS Queer Prom or Pride Inside and Out event. Searches across YouTube, Instagram, news sites, and general web turned up only high-level news coverage:
  • 2025 Event (May 31, “Pink Pony Disco” theme): FOX21 News coverage (article + Facebook post) confirms “live drag performances” with over 200 attendees ages 13–24. Notes that “some of the guests even joined in.” No video footage of the performances themselves—just event overview and attendee quotes.
  • 2023 Event: Short YouTube news segment (“Inside Out Youth Services holds Queer Prom and Youth Pride Festival”) describes the event and atmosphere but contains no drag performance clips.
  • 2021: YouTube video about the “Queer Prom closet” (outfit donations) — no performances.
• Instagram reels from

@insideoutys

General event vibes (dancing, community, decor) but do not feature isolated drag act videos. Given the events’ focus on youth (13–24), chaperoned/sober format, and emphasis on “safe and affirming” spaces, detailed performance media is not widely distributed publicly.

Details on Other Performers from Prior Years Specific drag performer names are rarely publicized in advance or recaps—IOYS typically lists them only as “live drag performances,” “drag shows,” or “drag performers” in event descriptions. Confirmed or mentioned individuals/groups:

• Quindyn Tarantino (2025): Referred to as “drag superstar Quindyn Tarantino” in FOX21 News and related Facebook coverage of the 2025 Youth Pride and Queer Prom. This is the most recent named performer tied directly to an IOYS event.
• United Court of the Pikes Peak Empire performers (2020 Virtual Queer Prom): Multiple local drag performers from this Colorado Springs-based court system (a longstanding LGBTQ+ organization) provided the drag entertainment for the digital prom. No individual names were highlighted in coverage; it was presented as a group contribution alongside a DJ.
• Other years (2021–2024): Event descriptions and news consistently mention drag shows/performances as part of Queer Prom and Pride Inside and Out, but no additional individual performer names appear in public reports, lineups, or recaps. Collaborations remain event-based entertainment rather than named ongoing partnerships.

Summary:

Drag performances continue to be a standard, openly advertised element of IOYS’s annual Youth Pride and Queer Prom events (described as celebratory and community-building). However, specific performer names are sparingly shared (only Quindyn Tarantino recently and the 2020 court group), and no detailed performance videos or photos are publicly circulating. The 2026 events are still in the early promotion stage with no drag names announced yet. All information is drawn from IOYS’s site, local news (FOX21, etc.), and public social/search results. If you’d like me to monitor closer to the May 30, 2026 date, check a specific performer’s Instagram for new posts, or dig into any other aspect, just say the word!

Drag Activism in Youth Spaces: Context, Practices, and DebateDrag activism refers to the use of drag performance — exaggerated, theatrical gender expression through costume, makeup, lip-sync, dance, and persona — not just as entertainment but as a tool for challenging societal norms around gender, sexuality, and identity. Historically, drag has roots in resistance: performers played visible roles in events like the Stonewall Riots (1969), AIDS activism, and building “chosen family” support networks for homeless or rejected queer youth through drag houses and balls. Modern drag activism often frames performances as promoting visibility, self-expression, joy, and “queer imagination” — encouraging fluidity, creativity, and rejection of rigid gender roles.

gladlaw.org

In youth spaces (LGBTQ+ youth centers, pride events, proms, camps, or libraries serving teens and sometimes younger children), this activism typically appears in two main forms:

• Performances at teen/young adult events: Drag shows as celebratory entertainment at sober, chaperoned gatherings like Queer Proms.
• Educational or interactive formats: Workshops on makeup, voguing, or self-expression; “drag camps” teaching skills; or story hours (more common with younger children).

Proponents argue these activities create affirming environments that reduce isolation, boost confidence, and lower suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth by providing role models and community. Critics contend they introduce adult-oriented or sexualized content, blur boundaries, promote gender ideology to minors, or prioritize ideological messaging over neutral support. Practices in Youth Spaces Many LGBTQ+ organizations, including youth centers, integrate drag as part of “community-building” and “creative expression.” Examples include:

• Annual Queer Proms and Youth Pride festivals featuring live drag performances alongside dancing, DJs, and refreshments. These are often described as fun, glittery celebrations for ages 13–24.
• Drag camps or workshops: Programs where youth learn lipsync, improv, wigs, makeup, and voguing from local performers to foster creativity and confidence.
• Story hours or readings: Drag performers reading children’s books (sometimes with themes of inclusion or gender diversity) in libraries or family events. The stated goal is to model playfulness, empathy, and acceptance of difference.

hrc.org

In the context of places like Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) in Colorado Springs, drag appears primarily as stage performances at Youth Pride and Queer Prom events (ages 13–24, sober, chaperoned). These are openly advertised with phrases like “live drag performances” or “drag shows” as part of the entertainment. Specific performers (e.g., Quindyn Tarantino in 2025 coverage, or mentions of others in promotions) are invited for the night but not integrated into core daily programs like case management or identity groups. No public evidence shows ongoing drag mentoring, skill-teaching workshops, or story hours for pre-teens at IOYS. Similar patterns exist elsewhere: some centers host “dragutante” or youth drag camps focused on self-expression; others feature drag at larger pride conferences with workshops on building confidence or drag wardrobes. Perspectives on Benefits Supporters, including many LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations, view drag in youth spaces as:

• A form of queer pedagogy — using play and performance to explore identity without fixed outcomes.
• A source of visibility and role models — helping isolated youth see glamorous, unapologetic expressions of difference.
• Protective against mental health risks — by fostering belonging and social support, which studies from groups like The Trevor Project link to lower suicide attempt rates.
• Cultural resistance — continuing a legacy where drag challenged norms and provided practical aid (housing, mentorship) to vulnerable queer youth.

Events are often framed as joyful, low-stakes ways to build resilience amid bullying or family rejection.

usatoday.com

Perspectives on Concerns Critics — including some parents, child development experts, and commentators from various ideological backgrounds — raise these points:

• Age-appropriateness: Drag often involves heightened sexuality, parody of gender/sexual tropes, or adult humor that may not suit minors (even teens). Performances at 13+ events can expose youth to content typically associated with adult nightlife.
• Ideological influence: Framing drag as activism can prioritize teaching “gender fluidity,” non-conformity, or queer theory over exploratory therapy or addressing co-occurring issues like trauma, autism, or mental health. Some describe this as “drag pedagogy” that destabilizes children’s instincts about boundaries and reality.
• Social contagion and boundaries: Peer-heavy youth spaces with adult performers modeling exaggerated identities may accelerate identity exploration without sufficient caution, especially during adolescence when social influence is strong.
• Lack of neutrality: While billed as “affirming,” the emphasis on activism can feel like advocacy rather than neutral support, potentially alienating families with differing values.

Public discourse has intensified, with protests at some story hours (sometimes escalating to threats or cancellations) and legislative pushes in various states to restrict performances near minors. Defenders often label concerns as moral panic or anti-LGBTQ bias; critics argue the pushback reflects legitimate worries about protecting childhood innocence and parental rights.

en.wikipedia.org

Balanced Take away Drag has a documented history as both performance art and activism within LGBTQ+ communities, and its presence in youth spaces is intentional for many organizations seeking to create “safe and affirming” environments. At teen-focused events like those at IOYS, it functions mainly as entertainment rather than structured indoctrination. However, introducing any form of adult performance art — especially one tied to gender critique and exaggeration — into spaces for developing adolescents raises valid questions about developmental fit, consent, and long-term impacts. Parents and communities differ sharply on whether such activities genuinely help vulnerable kids navigate identity struggles or whether they risk premature sexualization, ideological pressure, or sidelining evidence-based mental health approaches. Decisions about participation should involve reviewing specific event details (age ranges, chaperoning, content), open conversations with youth, and considering a range of professional perspectives beyond affirming-only models. The debate reflects broader tensions over how society supports youth questioning gender or sexuality: through celebration and visibility, cautious exploration, or watchful waiting with therapy. What matters most is transparency and prioritizing the well-being of the young people involved.

Overall Revenue Picture

IOYS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 84-1407299) with annual revenue typically in the range of $1.3–1.4 million in recent years (e.g., ~$1.34 million reported in one recent Form 990 period). Total assets hover around $2.2 million. They rely heavily on contributions (over 99% of revenue in some filings), with very little from program fees (services are free to youth) or other sources. Breakdown of Income Sources (from 2024 Impact Report)According to IOYS’s own 2024 Impact Report:

• Charity Ratings: 4/4 stars on Charity Navigator (based on IRS Form 990 data).
• Recent Financial Snapshot (from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer summaries for fiscal year ending Dec. 2024):
  • Revenue: Approximately $1.34 million
  • Expenses: Approximately $2.07 million
  • Total Assets: Approximately $2.19 million
  • Liabilities: Approximately $659,000
• They file full Form 990 annually (latest available via ProPublica for 2024 filed in late 2025). Detailed breakdowns of revenue (donations, grants, events) and expenses are public on sites like ProPublica, Cause IQ, and Candid.
• Funding sources include individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, state grants, and fundraising events (e.g., annual benefits, Give Out Day campaigns).
• Impact Highlights (from their 2024 and 2025 Impact Reports):
  • Serve hundreds of youth annually with drop-in hours, basic needs support (food/clothing for ~40% of participants in some reports), and training for adults (hundreds trained with high satisfaction).
  • Policy influence affecting thousands of students via school advocacy.
  • Emphasis on building “access, equity, and power” amid legislative and social challenges for LGBTQ+ youth.

• Donations (individual and recurring): 57.5% — This is the largest share. Includes one-time gifts, monthly “GEM” (Give Every Month) donors via their Giving Rainbow program, and major donors.
• Grants (foundations, government, and institutional): 35.8% — The second-largest source.
• Event fundraising (e.g., annual Gay-la / benefits, Queer Prom sponsorships, Give Out Day, Colorado Gives Day campaigns): 5.5%.

Other minor sources can include investment income, small program-related revenue, or corporate sponsorships (sometimes bundled under donations or events).

Key Funding Streams in Detail

1. Individual Donations (Biggest Source)
   • Tax-deductible gifts made directly through their website via Give ButterRecurring monthly donations encouraged through the Giving Rainbow and GEM programs.
   • Campaigns on ColoradoGives.org (they regularly run goals, e.g., $12,500 campaigns) and Give Out Day.
   • Major individual donors and “Rainbow Circle” supporters are thanked in impact reports.

givebutter.com

.

1. Recurring monthly donations encouraged through the Giving Rainbow and GEM programs.
2. Campaigns on ColoradoGives.org (they regularly run goals, e.g., $12,500 campaigns) and Give Out Day.
3. Major individual donors and “Rainbow Circle” supporters are thanked in impact reports.
4. Grants
   • Government / State Agencies: Significant funding from Colorado state departments, including:
     • Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
     • Colorado Sexual Health Initiative
     • Colorado Department of Criminal Justice (e.g., violence prevention grants like ALLY Up)
     • Colorado Department of Public Safety
     • Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program
     • Others like Colorado Parks & Wildlife (in some years)
   • Foundations and Health Organizations:
     • The Denver Foundation (e.g., $116,500 in one recent grant for Lesbian and Gay Rights)
     • Colorado Health Foundation (e.g., $83,825–$84,000 for thriving young people/general operating)
     • Colorado Trust
     • T. Rowe Price Foundation
     • Diversus Health
     • Peak Vista Behavioral Health
     • Colorado Community Health Alliance
     • Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation (e.g., $18,000 for general operating)
     • Denver Broncos Foundation
     • Kirkpatrick Family Fund / Mersa Family Foundation
     • Others like Caring for Colorado, Frie Family Foundation, and local health foundations (amounts vary by year).
5. Corporate and Business Sponsorships
   • Annual sponsorship packages with tiered levels (e.g., “Building the Future,” “Building Power,” “Building Equity,” “Building Access,” “Giving Rainbow Partner”).
   • Benefits include logo placement, event recognition, social media shoutouts, and speaking opportunities.
   • Local businesses, media partners (e.g., x1039 radio, I Matter), healthcare providers (e.g., UCHealth), and corporations contribute through sponsorships or in-kind support.
   • Examples from past reports: UCHealth, Ent Credit Union, and various small businesses.
6. Fundraising Events
   • Annual Gay-la (benefit gala): Major ticketed event with auctions, sponsorships, and donor appeals.
   • Queer Prom and Youth Pride events: Often include sponsorship components.
   • Colorado Gives Day and other giving campaigns.
   • Note: Net income from events can sometimes be low or negative after costs (e.g., reported net fundraising losses in some 990s due to event expenses).

How Transparent and Stable Is the Funding?

• IOYS publishes annual Impact Reports (2024 and 2025 versions available on their site) that include financial summaries, donor thanks, and sponsor lists.
• They file full IRS Form 990s annually (publicly viewable on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Cause IQ, or Candid/GuideStar).
• Charity Navigator gives them a 4/4 star rating based on available data.
• Funding has grown over time (from ~$1M in 2020 to over $1.3M recently), supported by increased grants and donor campaigns, especially amid heightened visibility around LGBTQ+ youth issues.
• Most funds go to program expenses (salaries/wages are the largest expense at ~74%, followed by indirect and other costs), enabling free drop-in services, case management, basic needs (food, clothing), and advocacy.

Bottom line: Inside Out Youth Services is primarily donor- and grant-funded, with individual community donations making up the majority, supplemented by substantial state government and foundation grants focused on youth health, violence prevention, and equity. Corporate sponsorships and special events fill the rest. All services for youth (13–24) remain free, so the organization depends entirely on external support to operate its community center, programs, and advocacy work. For the most current details: