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 to lend my support to him. I believe in what he is doing and want to see Safe Space, Inc. grow and help many youth who need positive role models. I did not have that growing up so this is something special and meaningful and I want to advocate and help in any way I can.

Q2: How important is an organization like Safe Space, Inc. to the LGBT+ youth community?

Safe Space, Inc. is very important given the alarming numbers of LGBT+ youth that are in danger of being a victim of the biases and discrimination that LGBT+ people face still to this day. Safe Space, Inc. is truly a special organization that understands the challenges that LGBT+ youth have to overcome. It is a safe haven and a place where youth can freely share their feelings with those who understand what they may be feeling based on how others may treat them or make the feel. Save Space, Inc. is absolutely a place where youth can feel safe and special when others may not make the feel that way at home or at school.

Q3: How important do you think it is to target the 14-18 year old range?

That is a very key time in the lives of LGBT+ youth. I began to understand my sexuality at the age of 16, right in the middle of this age range. I know others who were closer to 14 when they begin to understand their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a very vulnerable time in the lives of youth who may have classmates also understanding more about sexuality that tease them as they are in a very confusing state of mind. It is hard enough just being a teenager and youth need the help of adults on a range of topics. These are crucial years when youth begin to really value the opinion of others and if not provide with positive affirmations about who they are there are a number of issues that can come from feeling alone and different based on others who do not understand.

Q4: What are some of the challenges and roadblocks that you have personally faced within the LGBT+ community and how do you think Safe Space, Inc. can help break down any barriers?

When I was 16 I began to understand my sexual orientation and identify as gay. I did not have a supportive family and that really made me feel isolated and alone. While I never contemplated harming myself, I do recall being overly paranoid about how I dressed, walked, talked, etc. I left home at 16 after graduating high school a year early because I felt like I did not belong and had no one to turn to. Thankfully instead of dropping out as many LGBT+ youth may feel they have to do, I instead expedited my graduation and left home a year earlier to find myself and better understand who I was. While this may not seem like a road block or a challenge it was. At 16 I had to grow up really quickly. I was faced with a number of circumstances that I was not necessarily ready to take on at such a young age, all because I felt isolated and alone at times. I grew up in a small community and that was very hard as there were no organizations such as Safe Space, Inc. that I could turn to for support. The LGBT+ community has a lot of history and culture that I do not think is always shared with youth to give them a sense of pride in who they are. Safe Space, Inc. can help break down barriers within the community by being a place where LGBT+ youth can talk to advocates and allies who can give them a sense of pride in the community by showing them they can live happy lives and be accepted by a community rich in history and culture. No matter what walk of life you come from the LGTQ+ community should celebrate how unique it is because it includes every culture, both male and female, every religion, ethnicity, etc.

Q5: Have you personally dealt with or witnessed someone firsthand deal with the issues in the LGBT+ community that Safe Space, Inc. is aiming to prevent (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, drug abuse, etc.)?

I have dealt with anxiety and I know of others who have dealt with anxiety and depression as well. I have formed a very tight knit group of friends and we have helped support and motivate each other. While I do not know anyone personally who has struggled with suicidal ideation or drug abuse, I am aware that it is a big problem especially for LGBT+ youth. It is important that Safe Space, Inc. offer youth assistance in these key areas that impact the LGBT+ community more than many other groups.

Q6: How are you hoping to make an impact by working with Safe Space, Inc.?

I want to just support Jordan and his vision. There is so much work to do and I am ready, willing and able to do what I can to spread his message and help the organization grow. I want to lend my voice to ensure more people know about the work that is being done and see Safe Space, Inc. grow and expand to more areas to reach more youth.

Q7: Is there anything else you would like to add about Safe Space, Inc. and your participation with the organization?

I just want to add that Safe Space, Inc. is a labor of love, and love is all it takes to make a difference in the life of any youth, but especially LGBT+ youth who may have no other safe space or support system at home or school.

If you would like to be featured in the next #TellYourStoryTuesday, send an email to courtney@safespacenova.org for details!