Hetrick-Martin Institute - Hetrick-Martin Institute (original) (raw)

After coming out as gay, I found a safe haven at HMI. There were times I didn’t live at home and Hetrick-Martin helped me survive. They became the community I needed. HMI always made sure you were taken card, whether it was a warm meal, a metro card, or a place to be fully out and proud. We even had classes to learn how to cook and to grow our own food. I never did end up learning how to keep a plant alive, but I know it takes a village to keep queer young people alive and thriving.

This year, I’m celebrating the season of giving with a $2 donation to HMI for every holiday candle sold. They gave me so much, its only fitting that I give back because it takes a village and we only have each other.