OK2BU Stories

Youth Story: Margot

The Attic helped me learn more about myself, about who I am and who I want to be.

Hi, my name is Margot and my pronouns are she/he/they/it. I started coming to The Attic four years ago. I had just come out at the time, in middle school, and was going to a charter school that resided within a church. So my coming out incited a big reaction from the children in my school. My parents learned about The Attic and wanted me to go to a place where I could talk to someone about everything I was experiencing, a place where I could connect with other youth like myself. I started free counseling from a therapist who was understanding and whom I really connected with, allowing me to open myself up more, and to get to the person that I am today.

As I grew older, I started spending more time at The Attic. I loved participating in groups dedicated to dancing and singing, speaking out in insightful group discussions, and hanging around the space. The Attic helped me feel more comfortable around people and to open up, helping to hone my social skills.

I participated in The Attic’s summer internship program my freshman to junior years. It helped me learn about career options, build professional skills, and allowed me to interact with others my age. One summer, staff connected me to a tea factory job where I learned to make kombucha tea. The job was refreshing, allowing me to be independent whilst working at my own pace and allowing me to pick up a few production skills.

The Attic helped me learn more about myself, about who I am and who I want to be. I’ve had many discussions about gender, race, and systemic inequality and it’s helped me grow awareness and understanding. I’ve learned how to build and guide a community whilst making it a fun, welcoming environment for other LGBTQ+ youth. Now I’m a youth leader and I’m available as a mentor for younger youth if they need support and/or guidance.

I’d like other LGBTQ+ youth to know that The Attic is always welcoming to all walks of life with open arms, whether you’re a social butterfly or the kind of person who just wants to chill. If you don’t wish to participate in groups, The Attic is always offering free counseling so long as you fill out a little form.

I’m now a senior in high school, majoring in creative writing and The Attic helped me find my passion in other career fields like acting, which I’m hoping to pursue once I graduate. I’m more than thankful to have The Attic in my life and to have been given the chance to be myself in a space that was made just for me.