photo of Samantha Bayne with an orange and purple backgroun
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My Second Coming Out

As a kid, I was really good at following the “rules.” Growing up in a more conservative suburb outside of St. Louis, Missouri, my goal was to fit in: that I’d find a good husband, get a decent job, have a couple of kids, travel when I could, live a good life. Like I was expected to, like I was supposed to. Being a lesbian never felt like an option. While I didn’t experience much blatant homophobia, it wasn’t talked about. I didn’t let myself think that I might be gay until college. I was so scared of breaking the…
A young person waves the Progress Pride flag.
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As Pride Month Ends, Celebration of Legislative Wins Continues

The parades, picnics, and festivals that symbolize Pride Month may have concluded until next June, but we know that Pride celebrated by and for LGBTQ+ communities reverberates year-round. This is particularly true when considering the legal advancements made for LGBTQ+ young people across the nation during the 2024 state legislative sessions. While discriminatory bills that aim to erase or harm LGBTQ+ young people and adults alike often make headlines, it’s critical that we recognize the collective power we have in supporting legislators who champion key legal advancements. With over 260 LGBTQ+ affirming bills introduced in 40 states aimed at advancing…

Harry’s Proudly Supports The Trevor Project

This year, we’ve partnered with Harry’s on an inspiring campaign that spotlights the protective factors that positively impact mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the month of June, Harry’s will share stories written by individuals as letters to their younger selves that reflect on an experience related to their mental health. Supporting each narrative will be insights and resources that encourage people to take action in their community and their own mental health journeys. As part of supporting this campaign, Harry’s is donating $400,000 to The Trevor Project in 2024, bringing their total contributions to over $2.1 million. This…
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Meet Parker

“I have a chance to make a dent in this world. And even if it means I can change the world for just one person and make one kid's life better, it means the world to me.”