In 1992, I was houseless and 18 years old. Prior, I struggled in high school, being outed by bullies and a lack of support from anyone. I didn’t see other students get that treatment, but I’m sure it existed. The rules in school were dances had to be attended as a “couple”, and the couple had to be opposite genders.

Continue Reading

I will forever love ballroom. When I was a teenager, I basically lived at HMI. I found my first Kiki lounge there. I walked “face”. I found community. I found family. Hetrick-Martin saved my life.

I am often asked what life was like at Hetrick-Martin, and I say, ‘Picture the most supportive and caring place, throw in the most unique and wholly selfless people, with the most courageous kids.

After coming out as gay, I found a safe haven at HMI. There were times I didn’t live at home and Hetrick-Martin helped me survive. They became the community I needed. HMI always made sure you were taken card, whether it was a warm meal, a metro card, or a place to be fully out and proud. We even had classes to learn how to cook and to grow our own food. I never did end up learning how to keep a plant alive, but I know it takes a village to keep queer young people alive and thriving. 

This year, I’m celebrating the season of giving with a $2 donation to HMI for every holiday candle sold. They gave me so much, its only fitting that I give back because it takes a village and we only have each other.