At The Bridge for Youth, our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion extends beyond a single month of celebration. In our work to ensure that all youth are safe, accepted, and supported, we know that queer youth voices must be uplifted.
Hear directly from a youth in shelter on how The Bridge has helped them embrace their identity as they celebrate Pride Month for the first time:
Pride means a lot. It’s a time to celebrate your identity, and it shows others who may be in challenging situations that it’s okay to live your truth. And that’s something I haven’t been able to do before…until this year.
I’ve never been able to be fully out, celebrated, and accepted for my sexuality and gender identity. But since coming to The Bridge, the staff has helped me embrace who I am by being positive, accepting, and relatable adult role models. For the first time, I am around others who have been in my shoes. I am in a community that loves me for who I am. They accept and support me as I still figure out my queer identity.
I haven’t been out long enough to figure out just who I am. But when I go to support group, I am able to try different names and pronouns and experiment with how I present.
Being out for the first time means I can explore who I am. And being at The Bridge has given me a safe place to do that. It’s empowering!
Having a whole month to be celebrated is so exciting. I plan on going to the parade this year with my best friends for the first time.
This month is my first step in becoming me. If I could give my past self any advice, I would say be true to yourself and don’t let anyone tell you how you feel is wrong.
I am finally able to celebrate Pride Month, and it’s thanks to the support I’ve found here at The Bridge.
The Bridge for Youth is here for queer youth who don’t feel safe, accepted, or supported in their identity with therapeutic health support, access to gender-affirming care, resource connections, and more.
Click here to learn more about The Bridge’s long-running LGBTQ+ support group and consider making a gift today.
