Community Building
Community is god
One of my deepest beliefs is that God and Spirit are tangible. They are accessible through our actions of love, advocacy, support, care, and growth. God is a universal being. Therefore, we need to be connected to our universe; our community.
It is a calling of mine to serve my community. Storytelling and creating spaces where people can feel seen/grow is my form of advocacy. As my community has supported me in my journey, I am passionate about making that community for others.
Montreat Youth Conference
In the summer of 2024, I keynoted at weeks 5 & 6 of Montreat Youth Conference with a team of five others. I shared a confessional about the intersectionality between my queerness and God with around 1,500 high schoolers over the two weeks. I also choreographed and performed in skits, helped design the stage, and read scripture. The most rewarding part was working with my five wonderful keynoters. We built community throughout the two weeks, supporting each other through highs and lows, and finding fulfillment through our communal service.
LIU Post Rainbow Coalition
In Spring of 2024, I founded Long Island University - Post’s LGBTQIA+ club with three friends of mine. Through the 2024-2025 school year I served as president of the club. Our goal as a club was to create space where queer students could feel seen and authentically be themselves. We also wanted to provide resources for students on campus that they otherwise may not have access to. This included our Inclusive Clothing Corner (pictured right). This was a day long event with the mission of providing free clothing for those exploring their gender expression or style. The club collected donations for months ahead of time, reached out to donors for binders to be donated, and set up a room in the student center as a makeshift “thrift shop”. Over 150 students attended the event. In addition to this event, Rainbow Coalition hosted a queer book club, a paneling with LGBTQIA+ professionals, a RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party, among other events.
More Light Presbyterians
In spring 2025 I have served as the intern for More Light Presbyterians (MLP). MLP is a non-profit in the Presbyterian Church (USA) that advocates for LGBTQIA+ participation and acceptance in the church. While being an intern, I have managed the social media of MLP, attended board meetings, and helped start MLPs young adult gathering, which will have its first meeting in May 2025.