When I was 14, I had a friend who had heard of The Attic and wanted to go, but had no one to go with. Though I had no idea what The Attic was, I volunteered to go with him. Upon walking in, it felt like such a warm place, and everyone welcomed me with open arms.
Over the past four years, The Attic has provided the space, resources, and language that helped me become the confident and outspoken person that I am today. I am a panelist for The Attic’s education and training program, and I share my experiences with others in the health and education field to help them understand LGBTQ youth. I also go to The Attic’s weekly trans support group, dance with The Attic dancers at Pride and Outfest, and love participating in The Attic’s summer internship programs. During the past summer program, we learned basic business planning and developed our own business plans and strategies for funding. I was proud to be the CEO of my business team and win the best business concept.
It is through the love, the community, the education, and the many opportunities that have brought me to where I am now. I feel strongly that The Attic has led me on the right path for my life, and I cannot imagine where I would be if I hadn’t walked through that door four years ago.
I am now an 18-year-old college student. Currently, I am studying Theatre at Rowan University and preparing for a minor in Gender Studies. The topics that we talk about at The Attic sparked my interest in Gender Studies. The Attic has also helped me improve and feel more comfortable with myself.
A few years ago, I was a “straight ally” hiding in the closet. I am now a proud bisexual, nonbinary person. The Attic helped me to recognize my identity and love myself for who I am. In a way, The Attic has saved my life. Without the Attic Youth Center, I can honestly say that my life would’ve been completely different.
Through the Attic Youth Center, I have experienced growth and change that I hadn’t experience before, and I will forever be grateful.