MADDI
MICHIGAN | SERIES # 4
My name is Madi. I am 18 years old and my pronouns are she/her.
I feel like my experience growing up, lesbian in my community has been mostly positive. My parents have always been supportive, although I wasn't always comfortable with letting them know. Because it's considered a big thing to let people know, it took me some time to feel comfortable. I grew up in a similar Unitarian Universalist congregation as the one I am currently in. They were pretty supportive, so I recognize that I had an easier experience than a lot of people. A lot of my friends have had more difficult experiences. I’m the vice president of our GSA, and have learned a lot from listening to people share their stories.
My advice is more to our allies. Even though people use it in jest, so many people use the word gay as a pejorative. “That’s so gay” is something I’m tired of hearing from other people. Even with my positive experience from coming out, it really stings when I hear people mutter “You’re acting like a gay” to their friends in passing. Depending on what else is going on in your life, little things like this can make it even harder. To battle that, finding your tribe is really important. Stick to the people who do support you.
It is also important to learn about your local LGBT resources and centers (if they exist). In Detroit, we have the Ruth Ellis Center, which is a really great establishment here. It's one of the only homeless shelters specifically meant for LGBTQ+ youth. I hope that anyone who is struggling is able to get resources like this- whether when dealing with an extreme overreaction from family members, or feeling like you can't stay at home. Especially with the internet, do what you can to find these sources.
