Hey! My name is Vardaan Dua, I am from New Delhi, India. I am currently a freshman double majoring in Psychology and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Next to me is Proma Chowdhury, she is a senior majoring in Public Policy with minors in Spanish Business and Sustainability. She was born and raised in Maryland.  

Today we had the opportunity to visit SAGE an organization that stands for Services and Advocacy of GLBT Elders and that is what it stands for and reflects in its works. In our service today we first met with Bertis who has been engaging with SAGE for the past 14 years. He gave us a tour of the organization's workspace and gave us insight into how the organization has developed from 1978 to one of the most important LGBT organizations in the world.

Next, we had the opportunity to communicate with someone who had first-hand experience of the Stonewall Movement, Barbara. She gave us an insight into the GLBT history in New York City after hearing this inspirational, we headed on over to the dining hall to serve the food to the community members of the organization.

Lastly, after everyone enjoyed their meals we sat down with the community members to gain an insight in their life and their process of identification with the LGBT. Both of us sat next to a person of color identifying as a cis-gender gay male. The one thing about him that surprised both of us was how much he knew about other cultures and their process of identification with the LGBT. The one thing that challenged us was to ask them questions about their process without offending or asking them about something that is too personal for them.

One thing I noticed about this community that was different from my background is their integration of their identity into their workplace. I felt happy, positive and inspired to be the change through my communication with these members. One thing I learned about myself is that I have a lot to work for to bring some change in the LGBT community in India.

Hi, I'm Hannah, I'm a sophmore Cell Biology and Genetics major.

I'm Meredith! I'm from North Carolina, I love pitbulls and I'm on this trip to learn more about a community that I am not a part of because I think a responsible+effective ally is an educated ally.

I'm Emily. I'm a senior geology major.

NYC LGBTQIA Trip Blog Post #1: New Alternatives

     The LGBTQIA community that we've met so far has been very open, expressive and positive, both with each other and our group. Something we have noticed about the homeless LGBTQ community in New York is that they don't look how you think homeless people look. Many members we saw had decent clothing (clean, put together) and electronic devices (phones, headphones.)  It was interesting to see because the impression of homeless or home insecure people is usually negative, but the fun, supportive community within this shelter was a good confrontation of these automatic stereotypes.  

   

     We also talked to a trans woman at New Alternatives, Misty, who went through her story of foster care, group homes, homelessness and other circumstances as an LGBTQ member. After she found helpful and supportive mentors around the age of 18, she eventually went to work for New Alternatives to continue helping people in similar situations. Hearing her story was incredibly inspiring and moving. While we know that the LGBTQIA community faces higher levels of violence and homelessness, it's very different to put a specific face on these statistics. 

     This also brought our attention to the issue of foster kids aging out of the foster system. At 18, most kids are not ready to support themselves, yet they are deemed adults and thrust out onto the street. This is why we admire New Alternatives, which has an extended age range and pushes for legislation that extends the "age-out" range from 18 to 24. At New Alternatives, people that age-out are considered alumni but are still considered family and receive help and support. 

     Something we've noticed about ourselves is that we have different ways of presenting ourselves in a queer space than another space. For example, queer people that identify with he/his or she/hers may be more likely to also add their use of they/them pronouns in safe or queer friendly spaces. We discovered this from a group member's comment that she hadn't heard people use both he/his or she/hers with they/them very often. Another group member responded saying she usually heard this in LGBTQIA friendly spaces. 

PRIDE, POWER, AND PROGRESS: LGBTQ+ RIGHTS BEYOND MARRIAGE EQUALITY

For over a century and a half, New York City has been a major center for lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer life. Today, a number of organizations and initiatives continue to advocate and provide support to the LGBTQ community on the local and national stage. 

During this experience, participants will learn about the intersections of LGBTQ equity, youth homelessness, racism, and classism. We will serve and learn with organizations such as New Alternatives, GLSEN, SAGE, Housing Works, and the Anti-Violence Project. 

In this blog, participants will explore their own identities while connecting with diverse members of the LGBTQ community in NYC through acts of service with these community partners.