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, I most definitely think it’s a pretty underrepresented and undersupported group. I would have loved some exposure to something like this growing up. It might have helped me better understand and realize that I was not alone in what I was going through with understanding my sexuality. 

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

I think the 14-18-year-old age group is crucial to target because it is an age range that doesn’t always have avenues and information to build a strong support network related to the LGBT+ community. Access to information and support gets a little easier when we turn 18, right? But when we’re younger than that and living under parents or guardians that may or may not be supportive and may or may not have the ability to provide necessary information and direction related to LGBT+ youth. 

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 NOVA can help break down any barriers?

There is still so much work to be done in the LGBT+ community, I think a lot of us have grown up sheltering ourselves for so long that we have suppressed a very important part of our lives. I think there are people within the LGBT+ community that are still struggling with validation and fully embracing themselves and who they are. I have come across a number of people in recent years who struggle with self-worth and self-worth and I think there needs to be a lot more discussion and action toward providing resources to combat these psychological issues to our younger LGBT+ community. Our community has progressed in many ways, but this is one area that I feel is very important to interject and change the cycle. We are all born different and it is time to move past the word of acceptance and hang our love on embracing each other for all that we are. 

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

I absolutely have, I’ve had close friends and family members struggle with all of these things depression, anxiety, suicide, drug abuse, alienation, etc. It’s heartbreaking to witness and often times I know there is not much I can do to change the way they feel but it never stops me from always showing up when they need me. It’s tough to support and encourage when my family and friends have gotten to this point but I know that if I was ever in that position, more than anything in the world, I would want them in my corner. 

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

I hope that sharing and engaging in this blog will be the start of my relationship with Safe Space NOVA. I think the work this organization is doing is impactful and encouraging as well as difficult and selfless. All things that are important to have/go through in order to continue to make this world a better place.

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

I am beyond grateful for Jordan Costen reaching out to me, I am fortunate enough to be in a position to share my story and will continue to fight the good fight and spread love for the LGBT+ community.