December 22, 2020 Words by Caroline Mattise Last month, I took part in an Outsports webinar discussion titled “Starting an LGBTQ-athlete support group on campus”. We talked about our own experiences in the LGBTQ+ community and developing a program for athletes on our campuses. During one segment, some of my fellow panelists mentioned that they [...]
December 8, 2020 My name is Jonny Vriesema, and I am a 28-year-old gay man. I am in my sixth year of teaching physical education, including time spent in Jacksonville, Florida, Miami, Florida, and now Worcester, Massachusetts. I grew up in what I like to call the “white picket fence” household in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Two [...]
Greetings! We hope you and your family are doing well during these final few months of 2020. The year has been extremely unpredictable, however with your support we've been able to continue our work supporting the LGBTQ+ youth of Northern Virginia. This newsletter provides a snapshot of what we've been up to and what things we [...]
By Maeve Korengold The majority of high school students can rattle off facts about the lives and legacies of figures like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Graham Bell, but can’t do the same for Marsha P. Johnson, Harvey Milk, or Leslie Feinberg. This is because in today’s school system, the contributions of key LGBTQ+ civil rights [...]
November 24, 2020 Words by Chris Malpartida It was during my junior year of high school when I knew I was gay and there was no way to change that. As time passed, I became very comfortable with the future I had fabricated in my mind—one without my family and friends. It was a sad future [...]
November 10, 2020 Words by Zoe Kim Dear Mom and Dad, When I was struggling with my sexuality, it was not because I feared that you would not be understanding. If anything, I knew you would be. Instead, my fears were rooted in the possibilities of social exile and of failing in my role as [...]
October 20, 2020 Words by Theo Rabinowitz My coming out journey wasn’t traditional, but then again, I don’t think there is such a thing as a traditional coming out! Doing a Facebook post, or large group announcement largely wasn’t the route I chose to go, and I came out to different people in different parts of [...]
October 6, 2020 Words by Matt Lynch Hello Safe Space NOVA Community! My name is Matt Lynch and I am a 29-year-old gay man. I came out back in April 2020 via an article in Outsports.com. I have been a college basketball coach for 10+ years, working within both Men’s and Women’s basketball. I truly [...]
September 22, 2020 Words by Jason Watler Most youth want to be seen and acknowledged for who they truly are. I came out during my senior year in high school at 17. It was a bold step into coming into my truth and inviting folks in. After I’ve graduated from high school I considered myself [...]
September 8, 2020 Words by Amari Ice I came out to my mom when I was 12 years old. Right before I told her, I packed my backpack full of clothes just in case my parents kicked me out like the stories I saw on the news. Terrified and half trembling on the inside, I [...]
