I am a strong supporter of The Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), a NYC-based non profit founded 43 years ago, which believes every young person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, deserves a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.  Through a package of services and referrals, HMI seeks to foster healthy development for around 1000 LGBTQIA+ youth (and counting).

For young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, the pandemic limited access to community support, in-school counseling.  Most experienced difficult circumstances of quarantining with unsupportive family members. Demand for mental health services and counselling amongst queer youth has risen 300% since February 2020.  There are 43 young people currently on the waiting list with HMI, many of them in need of support to manage anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.  Funding for a full-time counselor for HMI costs $75k per year.

I am the mother of a 19 year-old transgender man who has experienced body dysmorphia, anxiety and issues with self esteem.  I have seen how damaging those conditions can be even with full family support.  I want to make a difference for young people without support that at home and raise awareness around the vulnerability of this group.  Data shows that when accepted and supported from an early age, queer youth thrive just the same as their hetero- and cis- peers.