ROCKLAND — Thanks to Midcoast Community Chorus’ (MCC) June beneficiary concert, Spheres, OUT Maine’s statewide work supporting and empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth has stronger local community support, according to OUT.

Each year, the MCC donates a portion of its concert proceeds to an area nonprofit. This year, OUT Maine was chosen from more than a dozen organizations applying for support. From the ticket sales, OUT received a $5,000 MCC grant.

The gift continues to grow, as MCC members spread the word about the OUT Maine and the challenges facing LGBTQ youth and help the organization make more community connections.

“OUT Maine is very grateful for this support – it takes all of us in the Midcoast area to make our communities welcoming and affirming to LGBTQ youth!” said OUT, in a news release. “Special thanks to Board Chair Mim Bird, Artistic Director Steve Weston, Linda Leach and Beth Davis for all of their help and support!”

OUT Maine supports, educates and empowers rural LGBTQ youth by providing community safe spaces; changing school climate through education and building Gay/Straight/Trans Alliances (school clubs); building a strong provider safety net by training health and mental health providers, school staff, clergy and other youth service organizations; and supporting parents and families of these at-risk youth to keep youth safe in their homes.

For more information, visit outmaine.org.