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Safe Space NOVA 2023 Q3 Newsletter
Greetings! Summer is whipping by, and now we are almost into fall. With that, Pride Month has passed. It was a great month. I would love to share the highlights. I would also like to talk about our upcoming fall programming and a new member that was added to the team for the summer. First, I hope your Pride Month was amazing. We at Safe Space NOVA did all that we could to share with others the work that we do and how we support LGBTQ+ youth. That included partnering with Springfield Town Center for a night of pride themed [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2023 Q2 Newsletter
Greetings! We are excited to participate once again in this year's Spring2ACTion campaign, and we need your help to reach our goal of $5,000! Spring2ACTion officially takes place on April 26, but you don't have to wait to give--early giving is currently underway! Visit our fundraising page and be one of the first to give! All giving will end at 11:59PM on April 26. Your donation of any amount will help support LGBTQ+ youth in the Northern Virginia area through programs, crisis services, education, and advocacy. Thank you in advance for your generosity to our organization as we continue to [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2023 Q1 Newsletter
Greetings! As we embark on our seventh anniversary this March, we know our longstanding service in the Northern Virginia community would not exist without you, our Safe Space NOVA supporters. We're excited to begin another year supporting LGBTQ+ youth through in-person and virtual programming, including our second annual pride prom in June! This year, we are also bringing back our You + Me = We: Queer Sex Ed healthy relationship program, LGBTQ+ social support groups, and more new programming launching in 2023! In the meantime, be on the lookout for our FY2022 Annual Report coming soon! We can't wait to [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2022 Q4 Newsletter
Greetings! Fall is here, and we at Safe Space NOVA are happy to announce that the programs that we have created are flourishing. Over the past few months, we have started the next round of classes for our inclusive sex education course, continued to offer social support groups, and started offering in-person activities. Additionally, we are furthering our commitment to partner with others in the community in an effort to educate people on why it is important for organizations like Safe Space NOVA to exist for the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Lastly, we have expanded our team, which will increase [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2022 Q3 Newsletter
Greetings! This year we relaunched the regional pride prom after a 2-year pandemic hiatus. That means that prior to this year, the last students who could have attended the pride prom were freshman in 2019. As a cross-county event that is not affiliated with any schools, we had to get the word out to students who may not have known what pride prom was or that it existed and was available to them. Check out our recap and more in this edition of the Safe Space NOVA newsletter! Thank you for your continued support as we work to provide a [...]
Download our FY2021 Annual Report!
This year was a year full of great accomplishments! In 2021, we successfully launched our inclusive sex education series called “You + Me =We: Queer Sex Ed” in partnership with Doorways of Arlington. Additionally, Safe Space NOVA launched the LGBTQ+ Social Support Group in partnership with Pride Liberation Project, a student lead advocacy organization. The group meets twice a month to discuss whatever topics are chosen by the youth. Click the image below to view the full report. Thank you as always for your continued support.
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jack Hessler
May 10, 2022 Organizations like Safe Space NOVA are life-changing and life-saving. In one’s quest to accept and express who they are, there’s nothing more important than representation and support. Finding any community of queer people is one of the most important steps in moving past the internalized queerphobia that our society embeds in us. The 14-18 age range is probably the most impressional age group there is. People are old enough to think for themselves and make their own decisions, while simultaneously going through puberty, high school, and a period in life where we often get caught up in [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Rachel Hirschkind
April 26, 2022 My name is Rachel Hirschkind and I’m a 21-year-old lesbian who competes collegiately for the State University of New York College at Geneseo, who is currently obtaining a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. I come from a small town about an hour north of New York City. I knew I was queer all the way back in middle school. At first, I considered myself bisexual and was most comfortable with that label. I probably wouldn’t have been able to explore this part of myself without the help and support from my friend group. For years I wondered [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2022 Q2 Newsletter
Greetings! We are excited to participate in this year's Spring2ACTion campaign, and we need your help to reach our goal of $10,000! Spring2ACTion officially takes place on April 27, but you don't have to wait to give--early giving is currently underway! Visit our fundraising page and be one of the first to give! All giving will end at 11:59 PM on April 27. Your donation of any amount will help support LGBTQ+ youth in the Northern Virginia area through programs, crisis services, education, and advocacy. Thank you in advance for your generosity to our organization as we continue to work [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Zak Salih
April 5, 2022 When I was in high school, in the mid-to-late-1990s, being gay wasn’t an identity. It was the punchline to a joke. Gay boys were boys who couldn’t catch a football, or who were good at English and math, or who kept to themselves in the library. So imagine my joy at discovering, well into my twenties, that gay boys like me were worthy of celebration! Not only that, but there was a vast and exciting community of people like me out there—people who chose to live their lives in the open, to be proud instead of a [...]
Safe Space NOVA 2022 Q1 Newsletter
Greetings! We're excited to begin another year as we enter year six of supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the Northern Virginia area. None of what we do would be possible without you, our Safe Space NOVA supporters. As we embark on another year, we can't help but reflect on the past two years that have brought challenges, some of which we are still facing. Through it all, we have continued to be a resource to our youth by holding engaging virtual events and brand-new programming that you'll learn more about in this newsletter. In the meantime, be on the lookout for [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Sean Rice, Jr.
February 1, 2022 LGBTQIA+ people have a light in all of us that should be cherished and fostered. Day by day individuals attempt to dim that light because of a lack of understanding or pure hate. Society at large continuously adds to the dimming of someone’s light with the lack of representation. My coming-of-age story was full of overcompensating and deflecting my gay identity. The concept of showing-up Black first was forced on me. With time I was able to understand intersectionality and that every element of my identity has come together to make up the masterpiece that is me. [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jerry St Louis
January 18, 2022 “You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not its idea of you.” — James Baldwin This is one of my favorite quotes, from one of my favorite authors. I absolutely love James Baldwin. He is one of my heroes. He was Black and Brave, in a time where it wasn’t safe to do so. I remember being called “weird” or a “sissy” when I first started school. My cousin told me “well maybe you should stop acting like that, and people wouldn’t say those things to you”. I thought [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Lindsay Imber
November 16, 2021 When I came out as trans and bi at the age of 33, one of the most common questions I received was "how are you doing?"—not that cultural nicety we pass off as etiquette in greeting someone, but a legitimate dive into emotions. And I've found that while happy, elated, and other such synonyms are all accurate, nothing quite described my feeling on Day 0 of my public new life as "relief" and nothing quite describes the responses I have received as the words support and love. That sense of relief follows decades of living and feeling alone, unwanted, [...]
Let’s Talk LGBTQ History and Education
Tune in as Safe Space NOVA Founder and Executive Director Jordan Costen joins a panel discussion about LGBTQ+ History Month.
Download our FY2020 Annual Report!
The Safe Space NOVA FY2020 Annual Report is now available! 2020 was a challenge for many and we were fortunate to implement virtual components of our programming to allow opportunities for our youth to continue to interact with their peers and access resources. Click the image below to view the full report. Thank you as always for your continued support.
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Keith Anderson
September 28, 2021 Q1: What inspired you to work with or be an ally/advocate for Safe Space NOVA? The opportunity to impact the LGBT+ youth community in a positive way at any level is something that will always inspire me. Knowing that I could relate to and help someone struggling with something that I myself have been through and overcome is about as rewarding as it gets. Q2: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? I think it’s great to have an organization like Safe Space NOVA to support the LGBT+ youth community, [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Josiah Davis
September 14, 2021 Growing up queer can be one of the most terrifying ordeals imaginable. Every day is an out-of-body experience; the fake-it-till-you-make-it mentality forces closeted individuals to put on a show and exist unproblematically. Without a lifeline, it can be traumatizing. Growing up, I wasn’t in an environment that fostered a healthy LGBTQIA+ community. I had no idea there were tons of people just like me out there. The experience was isolating and damaging; it’s impossible to progress as a person if there’s an internal fracture in your identity. Having grown up in a pretty religious community and household, [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Nathaniel Hernandez
August 31, 2021 How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? How important do you think it is to target the 14–18-year-old range? I am thrilled by the mission statement of Safe Space NOVA. In both my personal experience and my queer friend's experiences, the 14 - 18-year-old range tends to be when we struggle most with our identities. This is the age when many LGBTQ+ youth are realizing their identities and coming to terms with that means for them. During this age in my life, I was exploring what it meant to be [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Grace Dzindolet
June 22, 2021 How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Organizations that allow young people to express themselves and support who they are are incredibly important. Being able to read and hear about other stories similar to mine inspired me to continue to use my voice. I felt more empowered after listening to stories. An organization like Safe Space, allows young people to relate to others and find a safe place to go. How important do you think it is to target the 14-18-year-old range? I think this target range is very important. [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring MacJilton Lewis
June 15, 2021 How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? I have always been and will always be thankful for “community.” I grew up in a close-knit and supportive village in suburban Cincinnati that, from a young age, taught me the importance of community and the power that it can have in one’s life, no matter how old they are. However, the process of finding a supportive and accepting group can be difficult for some (especially for young LGBT+ individuals). Growing up as a competitive swimmer, I remember the importance the swimming community [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Fergus Wade
June 8, 2021 My name is Fergus Wade, and I’m a 24-year-old medical student in London. In many ways, I’ve been extremely lucky as a gay man, always having a supportive and accepting family and group of friends. Even being so privileged wasn’t without its challenges though. I’m originally from a rural area of England and attended a school in a nearby village. Since beginning at high school, I had a large group of female friends and got involved with a lot of theatre – some easy signs for the bullies to spot ‘the gay kid’. Although I tried to [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Erik Limpitlaw
April 13, 2021 Q: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Community was something I never understood until adulthood. It is something that I believe was taught to me without my consent – meaning no one ever checked in with me about who I was and what kind of person I would develop into. I was enrolled in sports, clubs, and environments where I never felt comfortable. I had very few friends as a teenager which meant I spent a lot of time alone. Overall, I found that I had very few shared [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Abram Gregory
March 30, 2021 After beginning to write about my experiences as a queer man in sports, whether it be for my college newspaper or through popular LGBT social media outlets, I realized that the benefits between writer and audience are reciprocal. That is, talking about experiences can shed light on things for readers who might be struggling with mitigating their own identities and having a tough time with articulating feelings and features about the self, and this is incredibly rewarding to those fortunate enough to share their stories. Media outlets like Safe Space NOVA do the valuable work of showing [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Gavin Parker
March 16, 2021 Q&A with Gavin Parker Q: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? A: I think that organizations like Safe Space NOVA are incredibly important for the sense of community, sense of belonging, and a resource for young LGBTQ+ people. Oftentimes the journey of being queer is done alone through lack of community and resources to youth in middle and high schools around the country. Providing and maintaining these healthy community spaces and contacts can help drastically reduce the fear and uncertainty of being queer and finding who you are and [...]
LGBTQ+ Specific State Assembly Efforts
by Maeve Korengold, Safe Space NOVA Student Ambassador 2020 was a landmark election year for LGBTQ+ representation, both at the state and federal level. According to NBC, over two hundred and twenty LGBTQ+ candidates won their respective elections. Among them are Sarah McBride who won her election in Deleware, becoming the first openly transgender state senator, and Mauree Turner, Oklahoma’s first Muslim lawmaker as well as the first non-binary state legislator in the United States. On the federal level, Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres won their Congressional elections, making them the first Congressmen who are Black and openly gay. As [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Matt Dynneson
February 16, 2021 How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Space Safe NOVA is an organization that I wish I would have had in my coming out process. I was someone who always struggled with acceptance because of my family background and political views. Safe Space NOVA can give that extra set of welcome arms for those who may need a voice of comfort and compassion. How important do you think it is to target the 14-18-year-old range? It is essential to create confidence and a positive outlook on sexuality at a young [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Steve Garibell
February 2, 2021 Words by Steve Garibell I am going to share with you my career journey, which without being my true self, would have limited my opportunities for growth and not led me to lead our LGBTQ2+ Business Development program in the US for TD Bank. I began working in the retail apparel industry right after college. At the time, it was a very open, safe, and accepting environment as I was surrounded by a lot of members of the LGBTQ community. It is for those reasons that I spent 10 years in that industry before making the move [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Lee Cary
January 19, 2021 Words by Lee Cary I don’t do it as often as I probably should, but sometimes I let myself stop to think. I think about how I grew up ashamed of the person I was. I think about the paralyzing fear I had of someone finding out I am gay. I think about how far I’ve come. All those thoughts flooded my mind as I stood baseline while the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets were warming up for their game later that night. It was February 20, but more importantly, it was Pride Night. Everywhere I looked, [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Brock Weston
January 5, 2020 Q&A with Brock Weston Q1: What inspired you to work with or be an ally/advocate for Safe Space NOVA? I believe that any way I can spread my story, especially through platforms like Safe Space NOVA that actively advocates for LGBT+ people, is something I need to be committed to doing. I found a lot of support through similar organizations and pages and reassurance through stories, so I think it’s important that my story be out there because it may be a catalyst for someone to be comfortable living their truth. My inspiration is my commitment to [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Caroline Mattise
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 came out in high school and that there was even an organization for LGBTQ+ individuals. But they didn’t dare join it because of what others might think. Because of the perception of the people who were part of that organization. They even stated that having [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jonny Vriesema
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 middle class, white parents with four children in a small neighborhood with a beautiful backyard and kind neighbors. Many would describe this as a small piece of the American dream. I went to the same private, Christian school and Christian Reformed Church from Pre-K-12th grade. [...]
Safe Space NOVA December 2020 Newsletter
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 have coming soon. We look forward to your continued support into the new year. Happy Holidays! From Safe Space NOVA Download our newsletter!
Exclusion of LGBTQ+ Education
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 leaders and the movements they lead aren’t taught. This exclusion of queer history, coupled with the leaving out of LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education, affects all students in negative ways. Being forced to seek information about people like us in the past and different sexual orientations [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Chris Malpartida
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 but more importantly it was a future where I knew I was going to be free of disappointment and fear. Looking back on that now, as someone who has been out for about two years, in law school, partnered and happy, I realize that future [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Zoe Kim
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 the jongnyu (the eldest daughter of the head of the Euisung Kim clan). Growing up I resisted many aspects of traditional Korean life. Most of all, I resented the fact that I was expected to fulfill what I felt was a thankless role. And yet, [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Theo Rabinowitz
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 my life at different times. One way I felt different, even from my high school and college years, from the LGBTQ community that I saw through my community as well as the media and entertainment industry, is that my interests didn’t match up with the [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Matt Lynch
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 believe that the coming out process is a marathon and not a sprint. And with organizations like Safe Space NOVA, they can provide a powerful resource to the youth as you try and navigate this very difficult process. I knew I was gay for as [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jason Watler
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 a loner. I had friends that loved and accepted me but I didn’t have much Queer or Trans friend to identify with. Like most Queer and Trans identifying Millennials and Zennials, I’ve found kin-ship online and through the apps. It wasn’t until one day I [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Amari Ice
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 walked into her room and said, “Mom, I have something to tell you...I’m gay.” She told me I didn’t know what I was talking about (when I tell you she PAID IT, I mean IN FULL!). So I said “OK,” shrugged my shoulders and left [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jhamy Carey
August 25, 2020 Words by Jhamy Carey Hello Safe Space NOVA! My name is Jhamy Carey, I am 19 years old and a proud lesbian. I use she/her/hers pronouns and I am an incoming freshman at George Mason University this fall. Some things you should know about me is that I’m a big Buffalo Bills fan, I have an aquarium with my five beloved pet fish, I love the beach, the color blue, and my beautiful girlfriend named Alexis. I became involved in volunteering for the LGBTQ+ community back in 2019 when I became a student leader for NOVA Pride Prom [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Lauren Brown
August 11, 2020 Words by Lauren Brown I was raised in southern Virginia - the oldest girl of four kids and the daughter of a preacher. I was pretty sheltered growing up and went to a small Baptist school in North Carolina for undergrad. Around the age of twenty, I had my first boyfriend but I couldn’t help but feel like something was off. Not with him, but with me. I realized that I enjoyed spending time with a certain female friend more than I enjoyed spending time with him. I adored her... and eventually I understood that I had [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jim Lewis
July 28, 2020 Q1: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Organizations dedicated to ensuring all young people, especially LGBT+ young people, have a space to be and express themselves are so critical for our community. When I was younger, I always had people – family, friends, teachers – who were supportive of me, regardless of who I was. Being young is hard, living is hard, everyone needs a safe space to just be. Q2: How important do you think it is to target the 14-18 year old range? Critical! We all know [...]
5 More Questions with Jordan Costen
July 24, 2020 On Wednesday you heard Jordan Costen answered “10 Questions” from guest host Jane Hess Collins about himself, Safe Space NOVA, the LGBTQA community, and how Alexandrians can get involved in our great city during our Z-TV LIVE! show. Here are five more questions with Jordan submitted by you during our Z-TV live show. Have you ever been on a Zoom call in your pajamas? I have not. My entire outfit has to be together when I’m on camera. What is your favorite part of nature? I do love the ocean. It’s so vast and calming. It calms [...]
Download Our 2019 Annual Report!
July 23, 2020 The Safe Space NOVA FY2019 Annual Report is now available! What an exciting year we had as we were able expand our programming even more! Click the image below to view the full report. Thank you as always for your continued support.
This Pandemic Exposed the Extreme Vulnerability of LGBTQ Youth
By Charles A. Sumpter Jr., Safe Space NOVA Board Member Originally published in The Advocate The emergence of COVID-19 has greatly exposed the fragility of the American economy and social safety nets established to support underserved communities. COVID-19 reveals to many that the United States and the world are severely underprepared when it comes to combating new and more virulent outbreaks of disease and other disasters. We’ve found that these occurrences disproportionately affect some of the most vulnerable members of society, from the uninsured and underemployed to the homeless population, where we find many LGBTQ+ youth. In places like New [...]
Thank YOU for attending the Safe Space NOVA Brunch Fundraiser!
We'd like to send a huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and planned the Safe Space NOVA Brunch Fundraiser. Words can't even begin to express how grateful we are to have such a great support system. While a lot of strides have been made, there is still much more work to do. And, with your support, we know we are headed in the right direction. View the full brunch recap here (click image below): Learn more about Safe Space NOVA here (click image below):
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Will W. Smith
September 17, 2019 Words by Will W. Smith During the last few months of High school I came out to one person...myself. Having had a girlfriend, I thought my attraction to guys was abnormal, physical only, and not “of god,” as my mother would later proclaim. I began talking to guys using MySpace and other social sites, meeting one guy in particular I enjoyed talking to. We would text and later meet spending time together. He was the first guy I spent time with in a non-platonic way, my first real boyfriend: T. One Monday, my new boyfriend T told [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Clifton Walker
September 3, 2019 Words by Clifton Walker “Are you at least Bisexual?” “No, that’s my not path bro!” This was the ending of the conversation that my brother and I just had pertaining to me “coming out” to him in the spring of 2011. I use quotations for coming out because I don’t ever recall “being in”! From a very early age I knew who I was and what I liked. I remember being ten years old and seeing images of gay and queer representations on television by the likes of RuPaul and having an internal conversation with myself to [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Samuel Hairston
August 20, 2019 PRIDE 2019 - Looking towards the Future… LGBTQ+ youth live in a world plagued with bullying, harassment and violence and many fears and suffer anxiety about what the future may look like for them. I’m now 53 years old and I can tell you that I had these exact same fears 25/30 years ago. So, let me start this article off with an announcement: “I see myself in the future – and I like what I see.” It’s important to acknowledge these fears and be on the lookout for those at risk. Every single one of us [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Daylan Stubblefield
August 6, 2019 Daylan Stubblefield Essay Hi, my name is Daylan B. Stubblefield, I am originally from Pittsburgh PA where I grew up on Pittsburgh’s northside. I am 31 years old I currently reside in Landover Maryland. I am currently studying Criminology at UMUC, I plan on getting into federal investigations soon. Over the years I have lived in several different states around the country including Ohio Illinois & Texas. Growing up in a place like Pittsburgh really did something to me. I grew up in a highly religious family who believed not talking about our issues and problems with [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring William Wanzer
July 23, 2019 Words by William Wanzer As a Virginia native, I grew up isolated from a lot of the LGBTQ community outside of the small circles that existed. Being a youth in the community only led to a few options, being isolated and seen as weird or went on deaf ears and wasn't acknowledged. I was always bullied as a kid even into my teen years because I wasn't like the other boys. I had church members in-charge of the youth ostracize the youth for being gay and it because easier to hide. Yet simply from my voice and [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Chris Kuchnicki
How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Safe Space is very important, because it gives our LGBT+ youth community a chance to socialize and identify with others like themselves. And that doesn’t just mean where you fall on the spectrum, as I honestly don’t feel that’s as important as it is to realize that we are one big community full of all kinds of people in and of itself. We all have walked different paths than the cisgender/heterosexual community, but I still think that you need to learn about interpersonal relationships within your [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jaxson
Words by Jaxson "In my childhood, I didn’t know what was going to happen. One of the things that really stood out to me is that I grew up in a generation that used slurs to damage the LGBTQ+ family. They used them on a daily basis. For example: the common “That’s gay.” You’ve probably heard it. We said it so much that we were desensitized on why it was even wrong to say in the first place. It was a common thing to say in grade school to someone to damage their character. When I was in Gr.4 I [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Amy Cannava
May 14, 2019 Amy Cannava How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? "It’s paramount. Not every LGBTQ+ youth feels safe being out at school and others who are may not have found friends who are also within the Community. This can be isolating and stigmatizing for anyone. Pride events which provide access to others who resemble them is instantly welcoming and results in immediate validation and affirmation. “I’m not alone. There’s nothing wrong with me.” It’s empowering, but shouldn’t be a once or twice a year event through things like Pride [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Gabriel Sanchez
Gabriel Sanchez April 30, 2019 Q: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA for the LGBT+ community? "Safe Space NOVA is very important to our community, especially at the early stages of getting to know yourself, this is the age that we need it the most. In our youth is when we need the most support possible. We need mentors, educators, support, guidance, etc. Safe Space NOVA can provide that and allow youth to see that they are not alone, there is a community for us, a space for us, a sense of belonging." Q: How [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Brian Jenkins
Brian Jenkins April 16, 2019 This week's #TellYouStoryTuesday features Brian Jenkins. Read below for the full Q&A: Q1: What inspired you to work with or be an ally/advocate for Safe Space NOVA? A: I randomly followed a member who made a post about the organization, and I wondered what it was. I looked up the Instagram page and checked out the website; and determined it was a fantastic idea, events and mentorship for LGBTQ youth! Something I would have greatly appreciated growing up. Q2: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? [...]
Download Our 2018 Annual Report!
April 15, 2019 2018 was a fantastic year for Safe Space NOVA. We were able to accomplish a lot including increasing our programming and adding a student ambassador to our Operations Team who has been a tremendous help with student outreach. We look forward to even more in 2019 and as always, we thank you for you continued support. Click the image below to view our full annual report.
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Lamont Cobb
Lamont Cobb April 2, 2019 How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? LGBT people have the most exposure and acceptance in popular culture than ever before. From television shows like Pose, to films like Love, Simon – LGBT culture has entered the mainstream. Our youth are coming out earlier, pushing the traditional boundaries of gender, and living and loving more openly than previous generations. However, there are political and social movements threatening this progress. LGBT youth make up too much of homeless populations, and rates of suicide and mental illness are still [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Mr. Reese
March 19, 2019 Mr. Reese How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? I feel that an organization like Safe Space NOVA is EXTREMELY important to the LGBT+ youth community because there are so many scenarios where the youth of our community are ostracized by either their families or peers, and sometimes both. Having a space that allows one to be exactly who they are and providing support is important for anyone, but that acceptance and support of a youth is paramount to their development and providing structure for their future. Safe [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Joshua Houston
March 5, 2019 Joshua Houston How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? This organization is important to the LGBT+ youth community because youth need to see people that represent and validate their experience. Understanding your sexuality and gender is uncharted territory for most youth and having a space where those delicate conversations can be held to charter this course can be enlightening, supportive and even life changing. This age group specifically needs this support as it detriment to their emotional- well being and their trajectory in life. How important do you [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Gabriel Griffin
February 18, 2019 This week we sat down with Gabriel Griffin for this edition of #TellYourStoryTuesday. Q1: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community? Organizations like Safe Space NOVA are very important to the LGBT+ youth community. Many LGBT+ youth may not have the environment in their home where they can be open about who they are. Safe Space NOVA provides this environment, resources, and a place where they can learn and grow. Q2: How important do you think it is to target the 14-18-year-old range? At the age of 14-18, there are [...]
PRESS RELEASE: Safe Space NOVA Donation from the Savittiere Family Fund
Contact Information: Charles A. Sumpter, Jr. Board of Directors Safe Space NOVA Charles.sumpter@gmail.com 212-444-2316 Safe Space NOVA Donation from the Savittiere Family Fund FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alexandria, Virginia, October 1, 2018 – Safe Space NOVA, a Alexandria-based nonprofit organization charged with providing safe and accepting spaces for Northern Virginia LGBTQ+ youth, received a $2000 donation in late September. The donation was provided by the Savittiere Family Fund to support Safe Space NOVA’s mission and operations. The donation will be used to fund and support current and future youth events. Additionally, funds will go to support the non-profits efforts to support Safe Space NOVA youth [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Dwight Venson
September 11, 2018 Safe Space NOVA is critical because of the access and opportunities that it provides for our youth. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio proved to be quite difficult for me as a very shy and insecure child. I didn’t have the opportunity to enter many spaces where I felt like I could authentically be myself without ridicule or scrutiny. I had no support system to help me control my emotions and deal with the trauma of simply being different than the other boys in my schools and in my neighborhood. It took me years, including my move to [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Abdur-Rahim Briggs
August 7, 2018 The Journey of Abdur-Rahim Briggs "Public Service isn't just a job. It's a calling. It's hard work, and it's largely unsung. The work matters to me because it means something to make our community better. In fact, it means everything ." - Abdur-Rahim Briggs It was 21 years ago I learned in the summer of 1997 that my identical twin brother, Mark Briggs, was HIV positive. At first I was shocked, then I was spurred to act. In 1999 I started a fundraiser in in my backyard for HIV/AIDS causes called the White Attire Affair (now [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Christopher Cross
July 24, 2018 My name is Christopher Cross. I am currently the Vice President of Operations for oSTEM, Inc. (www.ostem.org), and the Founder of the Lavender Fund at Howard University (a University Scholarship for LGBTQ+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The road I’ve traveled to self acceptance and confidence has been quite isolating and difficult at times and at other moments it has been fantastic and freeing. My coming out story centers near the end of my adolescence. After I finished high school (pre-Obama years) I began to openly explore my sexuality. I always had a same sex attraction since [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Jared Sampson
July 10, 2018 This week's #TellYourStoryTuesday segment features Jared Sampson from Southern Charm New Orleans. Read our full Q&A below: Q1: What inspired you to work with or be an ally/advocate for Safe Space, Inc.? The Executive Director of Safe Space reached out to me after seeing a scene from Southern Charm New Orleans where I emotionally discuss my feelings regarding homophobia and discrimination. Jordan reached out to me and we just really connected, especially given that he has an incredibly inspiring story. When he told me about Safe Space, Inc. and what it stands for, I just really wanted [...]
What’s in a name?…Everything
June 4, 2018 By Safe Space NOVA Vice Chairman, Jerome R. Hunt, Ph.D. What’s in a name you may ask? Frankly, everything. The name we are given at birth may be that of a relative that we want to honor, be that of one of our parents, or gender specific. It is our identity. A name is what makes us unique and feel more than just a spec in a world of more than 7.4 billion people. At one point in time we have all been called out of our name by someone as a way to get under our [...]
#Tell Your Story Tuesday featuring Torrey Leak
May 8, 2018 Words by Torrey Leak Compiled by Khyle Paylor, Safe Space NOVA Social Media Correspondent In February 1998, I joined the United States Army and served 10 years. During this time, the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was still in full effect. Because I have never been one to discuss my sexuality, the policy did not bother me. I prefer to keep my sex life separate from the rest of my life. Being in the military during the time of this policy was interesting because I did not openly profess my love or date or hold hands with [...]
Not So Fast on the Transgender Ban
May 7, 2018 By Charles Sumpter, Safe Space NOVA Board Member In case you missed it, a U.S. Judge in Seattle ordered President Donald Trump not to ban transgender service members from serving in the military, highlighting the potential unconstitutionality of such a move. On March 23, President Trump once again released a memorandum, allowing the Department of Defense to implement a policy that would not allow transgender people from serving under a number of cases. “Because transgender people have long been subjected to systemic oppression and forced to live in silence, they are a protected class,” U.S. District Judge [...]
Download Our 2017 Annual Report!
March 13, 2018 What a year 2017 was! We were able to accomplish a lot last year and look forward to even more in 2018. Click the image below to view our full annual report.
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring David Leon Morgan
November 21, 2017 Words by David Leon Morgan My younger self could not have possibly anticipated the person it was to become and still is becoming. Self doubt, low self esteem, and worry consumed my identity then. I accepted false notions that I wasn’t good, attractive, or masculine enough. I let others control my narrative, assuming that their lives and beliefs were the standards to which I should measure my own. My queer identity was tightly wrapped in Christian shame and guilt, which made affirming and celebrating my whole, genuine self very difficult. But, over time, I began loosening the [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Khyle Paylor
October 17, 2017 Words by Khyle Paylor, Safe Space NOVA Social Media Correspondent Growing up, I wish I was exposed to an organization such as Safe Space NOVA because I believed I would have accepted myself a lot easier and came into my own with a lot less apologies! Let’s be honest, life can be challenging if you are gay, fat, or a black male. Well, imagine being all 3! The gays don’t have time for fats or fems. Most black males don’t want to be anywhere near the gays. Learning to accept myself was a challenge. Thank God for [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Thomas Philip
October 3, 2017 Words by Thomas Philip Compiled by Khyle Paylor, Safe Space NOVA Social Media Correspondent Growing up knowing something inside you was different from all the other guys started happening to me sophomore year of high school. I still played the part of having a girlfriend, sometimes putting on a persona that really wasn’t me, but just trying to hold face. Moving into my college dorm summer of 2003 allowed me to escape what I knew as normal life and start paving my own way on my terms. Being the first American born on both my mother’s side [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday: Love Wins
September 26, 2017 Words by Lashaurn and Elizabeth Compiled by Khyle Paylor, Safe Space NOVA Social Media Correspondent I honestly knew Liz was the one for me when we broke up for a few months to realize what we truly wanted. The moment she stepped out the door, my world went too. However, we know we needed that break and it was the best thing we did for our relationship. We decided to get married after being together 3 years. Marriage equality means to me that you can love who you want no matter their sexuality. Love is love. Raising two children [...]
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Discrimination Plain and Simple
Originally printed in Alexandria Gazette* Thursday, September 21, 2017 President Trump’s July 26th tweet banning transgender service members from serving in the United States military is discriminatory and unpatriotic. As former Vice President Joe Biden stated via Twitter, “Every patriotic American who is qualified to serve in our military should be able to serve. Full stop.” He’s absolutely right. Trump’s tweet is lacks the decency, honor, and respect for the more than 15,000 transgender troops that serve in the United States military. Everyday, they put their lives on the line for their country. The statement by the Commander-in-Chief makes these [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Paul Raker
August 15, 2017 Words by Paul Raker Organizations like Safe Space, Inc. are integral to our growth and advancement as a community and in the broader sense as a movement. Every person in our community comes with a unique lens through which we have viewed our journey and have been treated-- Those lenses are colored by varying degrees of support and acceptance from family, friends and other organizations. Safe Space serves to stand in the gap where support for our youth from other corners may fall short. It is important that our community utilize the tools that Safe Space is [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Zekiah Coleman
August, 8, 2017 Words by Zekiah Coleman Since a young age, I’ve always felt DIFFERENT! It wasn’t until my teenage years that I realized that I was more than gay and began my trans journey. I closely watched other transgenders. I was terrified to tell my family, thinking they wouldn’t understand or accept me. Thank God, they did and I began my transitioning around age 18. My message to the LGBTQ youth, especially my young trans sisters is to not be afraid! Be who you are in these scary times. You are beautiful! Live YOUR life. Live YOUR truth and [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Michael Riggins
August 1, 2017 Words by Michael Riggins Growing up as a young gay male in the inner city of D.C., being gay was like a disease no one wanted to catch. It was just that looked down upon. Being the only "OUT" gay kid in school constantly caused you to be teased or even threatened. Having more females friends than males friends seemed to be the norm because you could relate to the femininity whereas you couldn't with the guys and their sports. Often, with no one to talk to or even help you through whatever it was that you [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Omar Gardner
July 11, 2017 Compiled by Courtney Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator This edition of #TellYourStoryTuesday features Safe Space NOVA supporter, Omar Gardner. Gardner feels that an organization such as Safe Space is very important to the LGBT+ youth community and is excited to see how much of an impact the non-profit organization will have in the Northern Virginia area. “Often at times, individuals don’t have friends or family that they can talk to about some of the challenges they may be facing; such as coming out, relationships, dealing with bullying, etc.,” he said. Challenges and roadblocks are faced [...]
Introducing Safe Space NOVA!
June 8, 2017 Did you notice? Safe Space VA is now Safe Space NOVA! In an effort to better engage with our target audience in the Northern Virginia area, we have simply changed our name and logo to reflect that. You can still connect with us across our social media platforms at @safespacenova and learn all about us at www.safespacenova.org. We look forward to serving the LGBT+ youth community in Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and surrounding areas.
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Emerson Evans
June 6, 2017 This edition of #TellYourStoryTuesday takes a look at what the “Coming Out” experience was like for Emerson Evans. Evans is a strong supporter of Safe Space, Inc. and has volunteered with the non-profit whenever called upon. "My coming out experience wasn't on my own terms nor was it easy. I was confronted by a family member and decided to face my truth at that time. After revealing my attraction to men, one of my parents told me that I was cursed. While this was a knee jerk reaction to my coming out and I have that parent's [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Cedric Pulliam
May 23, 2017 Compiled by Courtney Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator This edition of #TellYourStoryTuesday features a strong supporter of Safe Space, Inc., Cedric Pulliam. Pulliam is a PhD candidate in Psychology focusing on Gender and Diversity Studies at Northcentral University. He has worked in human rights, LGBTI issues, vulnerable populations, domestic/global HIV/AIDS, and public/global health for the past seven years in the federal government. He continues to serve his community as an advocate for health for all Americans and eliminating stigma against HIV/AIDS. He serves as a mentor and career counselor to youth, college graduates, and veterans. He [...]
Mental Health in Virginia & LGBT Youth
May 1, 2017 By Safe Space, Inc. Vice Chairman, Jerome R. Hunt, Ph.D. Earlier this year, an article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch revealed some disturbing facts when it comes to mental health and youth in Virginia. According to Mental Health America, Virginia was ranked 38th among states, down from the previous ranking of 27th. A major reason for this downgrade in ranking was due to the fact that youth in the state who battle depression are less likely to receive treatment compared to other states. Major barriers currently exist that prevent youth from receiving mental health treatment, including the fact that Virginia [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Board Member, Ambrose G. Sayles
April 18, 2017 By Courtney E. Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator Our newest board member, Ambrose G. Sayles, is featured in our latest installment of #TellYourStoryTuesday. Sayles previously served on the City of Alexandria’s Commission on HIV/AIDS from 2014 to 2016 prior to joining the Safe Space, Inc. Board of Directors. Sayles’ reasoning for getting involved with Safe Space centers around one single word -- belief. “My belief that people within our community can make a difference in the lives of LGBT+ youth who would benefit from it. My belief in the general goodness of our friends and neighbors [...]
Safe Space, Inc. Anniversary Event Recap
April 3, 2017 By Courtney Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator Exciting raffles prizes! This past Friday, Safe Space, Inc. held its first fundraiser event which took place in conjunction with their one year anniversary. With the overwhelming support from invitees and regular patrons of Freddie's Beach Bar, the team collected donations as well as informed the masses about the mission of Safe Space and its importance in the lives of LGBT+ youth. The event kicked off at 6:30pm with donations being accepted and raffle tickets being sold upon entrance. With great prizes, such as gift cards, wines and spirits [...]
A Look at Safe Space, Inc. Over the Year…
March 29, 2017 By Courtney Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator Safe Space, Inc. Founder, Jordan L. Costen Safe Space, Inc. was founded on March 29, 2016 by Executive Director, Jordan Costen. As Safe Space is preparing for its one year anniversary fundraiser event this Friday, Costen took a moment to reflect on what the past year has meant to him. “Safe Space has accomplished so much in a year. The first thing that comes to mind is the building of relationships. Going into this, I was unsure how other LGBT+ organizations would receive us. However, there has [...]
SAVE THE DATE: March 31, 2017
March 13, 2017 In recognition of Safe Space, Inc.’s one year anniversary, we are pleased to announce a fundraiser for Safe Space’s programming initiatives, and would like to invite you to celebrate this special event with us. Safe Space’s mission is to provide a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBT+ youth. With the current legislations that are threatening the rights of the LGBT+ community, primarily the transgender population, we, at Safe Space, are striving to make a difference by fighting to protect LGBT+ rights, and to be an outlet to [...]
#TellYourStoryTuesday featuring Charles A. Sumpter, Jr.
January 31, 2017 Compiled by Courtney Eiland, Website & Social Media Coordinator Charles A. Sumpter, Jr. serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Safe Space, Inc. The mission of Safe Space, Inc. is to provide a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBT+ youth. Although the organization targets Northern Virginia -- primary Alexandria, as well as Arlington and Fairfax County -- Sumpter feels the work of Safe Space, Inc. is also needed in many places across the country. “Growing up in New York City, I saw firsthand social stigmas, [...]
Loudoun County School Board Declines to Specify LGBT+ as Protected Class
January 25, 2017 Written by Hilary Hultman-Lee Safe Space blog contributor At the November 2016 meeting of the Loudoun County School Board, Sterling, Va. representative Brenda Sheridan proposed a change to School Board Policy 7012 that would include language protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The board voted to delay their decision until the January meeting. Since that time, the issue has been debated very publicly on the Loudoun Times-Mirror opinion pages, including a contentious piece by Del. Dave LaRock (R-33rd), whose district covers much of the western part of the county. When the Loudoun County [...]
Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall has filed HB1612
January 9, 2017 By Safe Space, Inc. Secretary, Charles A. Sumpter, Jr. Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall has filed HB1612, a bill that would ban access to restrooms for transgender Virginians—similar to North Carolina's infamous HB2. Safe Space, Inc. stands with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe as he promises to veto the proposed bill that would allow people to sue the state if they found a transgender person in the restroom. What makes this bill even more invasive is that it goes further than just bathrooms – it also requires principals of public schools to notify a parent or legal guardian within [...]
World AIDS Day 2016
December 1, 2016 Words from Safe Space, Inc. Board Member, Charles A. Sumpter, Jr. To many across our country, HIV/AIDS has been conquered and is a disease of the past. It is true that over the past thirty years, we have much to be proud of. New and powerful drugs have essentially put HIV/AIDS in the category of a chronic illness, much like diabetes. Through science and education, we've been able to stop many from succumbing to the disease. However, in the United States and across the globe, there are still too many without access to life-saving treatment options. Expanded [...]
Facts and ways to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic
December 1, 2016 By Jerome R. Hunt, Ph.D. - Safe Space, Inc. Board Member On this 28th annual World AIDS day, we here at Safe Space pause to honor and remember all of those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS. In addition, we take this opportunity to educate ourselves about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent it. While much has been done to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and help those who are living with HIV to live long healthy lives, over 36 million people globally are living with HIV—1.2 million in the United States. In particular, gay and bisexual men of [...]
Take a Stand against Bullying during GLAAD’s #SpiritDay Campaign
October 20, 2016 Observed annually since 2010, millions of people go purple to take a stand against bullying and to show support for LGBTQ youth. From public figures to sports teams, major companies to schools and individuals, October 20 marks a day where there is an overwhelming amount of support for the LGBTQ community. Purple symbolizes “spirit” on the rainbow flag. According to STOMP Out Bullying: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bullying is alarming. In fact 9 out of 10 LGBT students reported being harassed and bullied last year. Over one-third of LGBT students are physically assaulted at school because [...]
National Coming Out Day
October 11, 2016 For 28 years, National Coming Out Day has been held annually on October 11. The idea was sprouted at the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987 which was the second such demonstration in the nation’s capital and resulted in the founding of several LGBTQ organizations. On October 11, 1988, the first National Coming Out Day was held. Each year, National Coming Out Day continues to be recognized worldwide as a day where the LGBTQ community encourages individuals to live openly and in their truth. For more on the history of National [...]
An Interview with Safe Space, Inc. Founder, Jordan Costen
September 30, 2016 By Courtney Eiland - Safe Space, Inc., Website & Social Media Coordinator Safe Space, Inc. was founded in March 2016 by Executive Director, Jordan Costen. A seed that had been planted over three years ago is now beginning to blossom into a reality. The mission of Safe Space, Inc. is to provide a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBT+ youth. "Starting a non-profit for kids has been something on my heart for years. I've always worked with kids, whether tutoring or mentoring. In early 2016, I started to [...]
Safe Space, Inc.’s Statement on State Restrictions on the use of Restrooms and Locker Rooms by Transgender Students
September 6, 2016 Contributor: Derrick Petit, JD-MPA Photo credit: www.action.aclu.org In addition to providing a supportive environment for LGBTQ youth facing challenges and social stigmas, Safe Space, Inc. is also dedicated to preserving the rights of LGBTQ Americans in all areas. Similar marriage and the practice of consensual intimacy with an adult of one’s choosing, using facilities that correspond to one’s gender identity should be considered a basic human right. Safe Space, Inc. firmly opposes the efforts by North Carolina and any other state that seeks to take away the rights of LGBTQ Americans. In Romer v. Evans,[1] [...]