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 had in my developing years. I felt the most comfortable during my day in the water at practice surrounded by my teammates. But even in that supportive environment, there were moments where I was not fully comfortable internally. As I began to realize in high school that I was gay, these instances occurred more often. It was not that I was in a homophobic environment (that was NOT the case at all), but rather, I had some difficulty connecting with some of my teammates on certain topics (such as music, fashion, and pop culture). My tastes and passions aligned with those found in the LGBT+ community and were something that was just not characteristic of the group.

Organizations like Safe Space NOVA create an environment where young individuals can feel at peace, surrounded by others who identify as LGBT+, fostering a supportive environment where similar views and interests can be shared. Safe spaces are important for anyone who identifies as LGBT+ individuals, but especially those who identify so at a younger age. Navigating coming out as a teenager is challenging, and Safe Space NOVA (and similar organizations) are there to embrace people who are not supported by others to ensure that it is made clear that they matter and are wonderful just the way they are. 

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

The teenage years are a pivotal time in life. A great deal of self-discovery typically takes place when one is a teenager. For instance, one of my earliest memories regarding my sexuality dates back to when I was 16. I remember watching Tom Daley’s coming-out video on YouTube back in the winter of 2013 and for the first time understanding the importance of living authentically. 

Looking back on my coming-out journey, that moment stands out as a milestone and the beginning of my quest to be myself, which is a process that, in almost a decade, is still ongoing. Quite honestly, it will always be ongoing, as coming out truly is a continuous series of occurrences throughout life. However, it all really started with that moment when I was in the middle of my teenage years realizing what life could be if I were to be more open. 

You learn a great amount about yourself as a teenager, and it is helpful to have support along the way. I was thankful to have the guidance of my parents during my self-discovery when I was younger, and I realize that many others are not as lucky to have immediate support. This scenario is when organizations like Safe Space NOVA can be there to help those along the journey to self-discovery who do not have a close-knit support system.

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? 

For me, encouraging myself to be more open about being gay is a challenge that I continue to face in my coming out journey. Similarly, immersing myself further into the LGBT+ community and culture is something that I find myself striving and wanting to do more, as well. However, that is easier said than done. Even with the support of many friends, teammates and coworkers, I still find it difficult to explore more of the LGBT+ culture (for instance, joining queer recreation sports teams, attending local LGBT+ events, etc.)

Though I might feel that it is taking me a while to live more openly as gay, I cannot be too hard on myself. I have made great strides in coming out, and I am doing my best to focus my attention on that fact. It is important to come out at your own pace; there is no set timeline or rulebook for coming out. At the end of the day, it should be you who decides when the time is right to make the next move in coming out. 

Safe Space NOVA can provide needed support, curriculum, and many other resources to help individuals make key strides in their coming out process. I am constantly doing my part to educate myself on the ins and outs of LGBT+ culture, and I have found the learning process to be comforting and reassuring. The more I immerse myself in LGBT+ history and culture, the more attached I feel to the community. I look forward to taking my learning to the next level staying up-to-date on Safe Space NOVA, and I encourage others to do so, as well. 

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.)? 

Many people I know, myself included, in the LGBT+ community have experienced many mental hurdles dealing with the struggles of coming out. Personally, I had many anxious thoughts as a teenager when I first came to terms with my sexuality. Some of the first fears that set in were if I would be accepted for who I am– by my family, friends, teammates, and others. Other fears included whether or not people already “knew” about my sexuality, making myself self-conscious about what I said, what I wore, how I acted, etc. Thankfully, I have been blessed with an amazing support system, and I came to realize that these anxious thoughts were meaningless and that I should devote more of my attention to living as my true self. After all, it is my life. 

Coming out to close family and friends is a challenging and anxious process. During the journey, it is very important to remain positive. There are (unfortunately) many stories out there about negative experiences people have had coming out to family and friends. But, there are also many success stories of people receiving support from loved ones. At the end of the day, it is important to note that coming out in itself is a success no matter the outcome. I am grateful to have made strides in coming out. It has helped me embrace who I am and has encouraged me to live life as me. Life is too short for anything else.