Finding Myself

Adolescence can be a difficult time. Trying to develop independence, finding yourself, body changes and first loves. For me I had a wonderful childhood, however, when adolescence hit, things changed. I tried to fit in and experience all the things I was SUPPOSED to according to society's norms. Those experiences didn't work for me, and I thought there was something wrong with me. My way of dealing with it was to use drugs, alcohol and engage in self-destructive behaviors. There were no support groups, no one to talk to about my confusion. I went on through my teens and twenties struggling to fit in.

At the age of 28 I kissed a woman and my life changed... there was nothing wrong with me, I just loved another woman. Still, there were no support groups, no one to help me navigate this new world I had found... a world where I finally fit.

I was one of the lucky ones. The most important people, the role models in my life accepted me for who I was and supported me throughout my journey. Even with that support I still experienced rejection from my employment, rejected by my mother, I still had to introduce my partner as my “friend”, and I couldn’t make a legal commitment to my partner.

As someone who continues to be on this journey, I have found a place where I can support adolescents that may not have the support they need. I can help educate adults so that they have the tools to be allies to these young people, so that these adults can provide support groups that I didn't have growing up.

Regardless of your beliefs, I ask that everyone reading this take a minute and read the following statistics

• 50% of LGBTQ+ youth are less likely to consider suicide if their pronouns are honored.
• Only 10% of LGBTQ+ youth have ever heard a positive acknowledgment of who they are by their families.
• 46% of LGBTQ+ reported they wanted counseling but were unable to receive it.
• 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth have been physically threatened or harmed due to their identity.
• 29% have been homeless, been kicked out, or run away.
• 86% of LGBTQ+ said that politics have negatively impacted their wellbeing

These statistics are from the Trevor Project please take the time to go to the website to see other statistics: https://www.thetrevorproject.org 

Being LGBTQ+ is NOT a political issue, it is a HUMAN issue. It is NOT a choice, it IS who we are. Regardless of who we love or how we identify, we need all the same things that everyone else needs: love, respect, support, compassion. All youth need our support, they need allies that will stand with them. As someone who had that support, it is an honor to provide that support for youth and the adults that serve them! I am privileged to work for One Circle Foundation which provides me the platform to support all youth.