When I was growing up, there were few spaces where I felt truly understood. As a young LGBTQ person, it wasn’t always easy to find acceptance, support, and resources. But that didn’t stop me from seeking them out. In fact, it inspired me to take matters into my own hands. When I was in college, I founded PRISM, the first LGBTQ student organization at a Catholic university in Ohio. Back then, it seemed like a bold and uncertain undertaking, as the community I aimed to build was often misunderstood or overlooked. However, the support we received, the connections we made, and the inclusive space we fostered proved to be truly life-changing. This experience instilled in me a powerful lesson: organizing, creating safe environments, and elevating marginalized voices can spark meaningful and lasting transformation.
Today, as an advocate, leader, and mentor within the LGBTQ community, I see how important it is to empower youth by providing them with the resources, tools, and support they need to thrive. Grassroots initiatives, supported by collaborative leadership, are the key to ensuring that LGBTQ youth feel seen, heard, and empowered to become the leaders of tomorrow. These efforts lay the foundation for a future where LGBTQ youth have the confidence, resources, and safe spaces to reach their full potential.
The Power of Grassroots Initiatives
Grassroots movements are the lifeblood of social change. They start with individuals and small groups who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. When I look back at the work I did with PRISM, I see that our success wasn’t due to any one person; it was because we built something together. Students, faculty, alum, even the Fransiscan sisters that still live on campus; we brought people in, we supported each other, and we created something that would last beyond our college years.
Grassroots initiatives often begin with the recognition that there is a need that isn’t being met. For LGBTQ youth, this might be the absence of safe spaces, the lack of inclusive resources, or the scarcity of understanding in schools and communities. By organizing from the ground up, these initiatives can fill those gaps and provide LGBTQ youth with a sense of belonging and hope. These movements are shaped by those who are most affected, and their voices become the driving force behind change.
In many ways, grassroots work is about starting small but dreaming big. It’s about creating spaces where LGBTQ youth can meet, share their experiences, and build connections with one another. It’s also about giving them a platform to express themselves, advocate for their rights, and take ownership of their futures.
Collaborative Leadership: Lifting Others Up
My philosophy as a leader has always centered on empowerment and collaboration. I believe that the best leaders are those who create opportunities for others to lead. I’ve been fortunate to lead passionate, young teams that start as canvassers and grow into leadership roles. For me, this isn’t just about giving people a title; it’s about providing them with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed.
LGBTQ youth often feel isolated, but when we work together, we can provide the collective strength needed to overcome challenges. Collaboration is crucial in empowering young people because it helps break down barriers and create inclusive spaces where everyone’s voice is heard. As someone who has mentored many young individuals, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration can help them build leadership skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
When we collaborate, we foster a culture of respect. This is something I’ve prioritized throughout my work. Whether it’s in organizing community events, working with advocacy groups, or simply providing a safe space for LGBTQ youth to meet, mutual respect is foundational. When people feel valued, supported, and understood, they perform at their best and are motivated to pay it forward by supporting others in return.
Creating Safe Spaces for Growth
One of the most important aspects of empowering LGBTQ youth is creating safe spaces where they can be themselves. These spaces aren’t just physical locations; they are environments where LGBTQ youth can express themselves freely without fear of judgment, rejection, or discrimination. Creating these spaces takes intentional effort, and it starts with listening to the needs of the community.
In my experience, it’s essential to provide not only emotional support but also practical resources that enable growth. This can mean everything from mentorship programs to career development workshops, from therapy and counseling services to educational resources that help young people understand their rights. When youth have access to these resources, they are more equipped to succeed in all areas of life. Safe spaces also provide a foundation for personal growth, allowing LGBTQ youth to explore their identity, build resilience, and navigate the challenges they may face.
Empowering the Next Generation
As someone who has been part of the LGBTQ advocacy movement for over 20 years, I am incredibly passionate about ensuring that LGBTQ youth have the tools and support they need to thrive. This goes beyond simply providing resources—it’s about empowering youth to be the change-makers in their own lives and communities.
The work we do today is an investment in the future. I’ve seen firsthand how mentoring, community-building, and providing leadership opportunities can help young people transform into leaders themselves. It’s about lifting others up and providing them with the foundation they need to succeed. When LGBTQ youth are empowered to be leaders in their own right, they can have a profound impact on their communities and on the world.
Shaping a Brighter Future for LGBTQ+ Youth
I remain hopeful for the future of LGBTQ youth. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much to be done. By continuing to prioritize grassroots initiatives and collaborative leadership, we can ensure that LGBTQ youth have the resources, support, and spaces they need to thrive. We can empower them to become the next generation of leaders who will carry our community’s torch forward.
The work we do today in uplifting LGBTQ youth isn’t just about providing them with the tools to succeed—it’s about creating a world where they can be who they are without fear or hesitation. Through collaboration, empowerment, and the strength of grassroots movements, we can make that world a reality. The future is bright, and together, we will continue to build a stronger, more inclusive world for the next generation of LGBTQ leaders.