Trailblazing for ROSMY
My name is Katheryne Lewis and I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail in support of Virginia's LGBTQ community. Four in 10 LGBTQ youth say that the community they live in is not accepting of LGBTQ people (HRC, 2013), and I want raise awareness on the challenges these young people face as I trek over 2,000 miles.
Growing up in the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia, friends of mine that identified as LGBTQ were often harassed, bullied, and in some cases, shunned by family members. Even in 2013, LGBTQ youth remain at risk for substance abuse, depression, and even suicide. ROSMY works in Richmond, VA to educate, provide support, and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ youth.
Just as many of my friends have defied the odds, exhibiting determination and perseverance when faced with adversity, I hope to do the same while hiking the AT. On the trail, I pledge to educate fellow hikers and AT enthusiasts on the challenges faced by this remarkably courageous community.
