Absolutely Nothing
|
|
Did you read those two words? That's right, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you!
But if you are a teen who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning, and
not sure where to turn, life can become unbearable. Not because there is anything
wrong with you, but because our society doesn't yet understand and support you
for who you really are.
The Out and Affirmation Center is here to say that life as a LGBTQ teen doesn't
have to be unbearable. We can help. Whether you need someone to talk to, want to
meet other youth who are like you or support you, or need to find an affirming
church, books about your life, or any other resources, we can point you in the
right direction. Assistance for LGBTQ persons is no longer about changing their
sexual orientation or gender identity; instead the focus is on helping you to
understand your orientation, empowering you to deal with an intolerant and
adverse society, and supporting you when you decided to "come out" and educate
your family and friends about who you really are.
We know the statistics of LGBTQ teens: you are at risk of prejudice, discrimination,
misinformation, and emotional, spiritual, and physical abuse. But to us, you are
not a statistic: you are a vital part of the community. While some of you may have
supportive families, we know that many of you have no one to turn to. We know that
you are on your own journey, and that some of you are a quite far along while
others are just starting out. Wherever you are, it is okay. It's okay because we've
all been there, we understand, and we can help you no matter where you are right now.
We at the Out & Affirmation Center want you to know that, whatever you might be
experiencing from others, you are just fine for who you are. Really.
Here's what some of the supportive adults in Berrien County would like you to know:
Stephen Jukuri - Coordinator, Out Center of Berrien County
I would like you to know that the terrible
things you may have heard about being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender are simply not
true. We are not evil, we are not undermining society or trying to destroy marriage, and
we are not sick. We are, in fact, as diverse as everyone else. And like everyone else, we
tend to be good, decent people who want the same basic things from life: a loving family,
a good home, and work that we enjoy. You can have a good, satisfying life, and you can have
wonderful friends, family, and life partners who you love. And, as you gain more knowledge
and understanding about your own sexual orientation or gender identity, you can learn how
to share that information with your family and friends in ways that are effective and
productive. We are simply part of the natural and normal variation found in human sexual
and gender orientation, and when people understand that, they accept us for who we are.
|
|
