“I don’t know where to go. I don’t know who to tell. Nothing feels safe.”
Alexis* was facing another day of bullying, another day of feeling like she never fit in, another day of nothing making sense, another day of wondering if her true identity was really worth it. As she headed home from school that day she felt a new sense of determination. "I'm going to tell them tonight."
“How was your day, bud?” Her dad asked as they sat down for dinner.
“Ummmm…alright, I guess. Ummmm…Mom, Dad, Joey…I’ve been wanting to tell you this for so long. I think I’m actually a girl. Or at least I’m gay or bi…or… I’m a girl. My name is Alexis. My pronouns are she/her.”
Alexis breathed. Her parents breathed. And then they gave her the biggest, tightest hug and loads of encouragement in between tears. Her younger brother smiled at her in amazement.
Alexis’ experience as a 14 year old who recently came out to her family at their Northwest Arkansas home is a familiar one to young LGBTQ+ Arkansans. While Alexis’ announcement was met with acceptance and encouragement, that is not the story for every kid who comes out. In fact, a 2019 survey by GLSEN found that nearly three-quarters of students reported experiencing at least one form of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and at least 90% of LGBTQ+ students in Arkansas did not have access to in-school resources and supports.
Thankfully Alexis’ family was able to get connected with The Equality Crew, a serendipitous connection that would not have been possible a year ago. You see, The Equality Crew was founded in the spring of 2021 by a 14-year-old transgender Arkansan, much like Alexis, who saw the urgent need for resources and support for the younger LGBTQ+ population in Arkansas.
When Alexis’ mom brought her to The Equality Crew’s first event, Ice Cream & Ice Breakers, she was able to chat with other parents, letting that feeling of isolation and overwhelm melt quicker than her ice cream. She watched as her daughter connected with other kids, laughing and having a blast just being themselves.
After they got home, Alexis’ mom requested more information on safe teachers at Alexis’ school so that she could know who the safe allies were before the first day of school. The Equality Crew used their Affirming Teacher & School Staff Database to share the contact information of the librarian at Alexis’ school, an education professional who promised to create a safe space for ALL students during the school day and who grew to become one of Alexis’ favorite people at school.
Alexis and her family kept coming back to The Equality Crew website to explore their resource library as she continued on her journey - so many of their new favorite books and movies, an amazing therapist, and her first appointment scheduled for transition care.
Alexis has found a renewed sense of confidence in her identity - she has an amazing friend group that is affirming and supportive, she’s trying out for the debate team (pro-LGBTQ all the way!), and feels more empowered every time someone uses the correct name and pronouns.
While The Equality Crew continues to play a small but impactful role in the journeys of many LGBTQ+ youth like Alexis, it is the community of support and love that truly makes a difference every single day.
YOU have cheered us on as we came up with this wild dream.
YOU have rallied around us as we launched a baby nonprofit into the world during Pride month.
YOU gave us space to spread our wings and raise our voices.
YOU have given so incredibly generously with words of affirmation, notes of encouragement, ice cream sponsorship, and donations of supplies and funds.
YOU are creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to gather and have fun being their true selves!
Thank you, friends, for all the beautiful ways you continue
to show up for LGBTQ+ kiddos!
There are so many more kids like Alexis out there. Give Alexis, and every local LGBTQ+ youth their safe spaces. Make a gift to The Equality Crew today and you will make dreams of a more inclusive world possible. Your support helps create communities across Arkansas where LGBTQ+ youth are loved, appreciated and welcomed in all spaces. Your gift honors their visibility.
Your support will make a difference for Alexis, and for a community full of beautiful and amazing LGBTQ+ kiddos, allies and families.
Thank you for including The Equality Crew in your end of year giving.
With gratitude and biodegradable glitter,
Danielle May
CEO, The Equality Crew
*Name and story details are a compilation of many individual stories to protect confidentiality.
The Equality Crew is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our federal tax identification number is 87-2156714. Please contact us with questions about giving at hello@theequalitycrew.org.