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Ambrosia Starling knows how tough growing up gay in South Alabama can be.

“I had a friend who committed suicide before I was out of high school,” she said. “This is not new.”

Gay youth often face bullying from classmates and ostracism from their families. Homelessness and suicide are often prevalent issues within the LGBT community.

To combat these problems, local residents have founded a Free2B center in Dothan. Modeled after other Free2B programs in cities in Alabama, the program provides peer support, counseling and social work resources for LGBT youth.

Lisbeth Ash, a volunteer at the center, said it will provide a safe place for local LGBT youth to connect with peers, talk about their issues and connect with social services.

Ash said the center receives grant money and is governed by strict rules. Two adults must be present at all times, and all adults working there must go through background checks. Ash said a licensed counselor is working with the facility to provide professional mental health services for youth in need.