Hello! My name is Emilio. On my 18th birthday, I moved out of my house because of my parents made it clear that they didn't accept my sexual orientation, much less exploring my gender identity. In their words, "if you can't live under our rules, you can't live under our roof." A week before I moved, they told me that any romantic relationship I could have with someone of the same sex was unacceptable. I knew it wasn't safe to continue living in this environment.

I've found safe housing and food, but my parents took my college funds and my car before I left, as "those are the privileges of living with us". Anything to help me travel and stay afloat is extremely appreciated

Hopefully I will be able to save enough to buy a car, but for now, enough to buy a bus pass will be extremely helpful. I am currently on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude, and am the stage manager for our upcoming musical, SpongeBob!

Not feeling safe at home like this is a major life event, but I am more than determined to stay concentrated on school.

(After an insane amount of hard work, and lots of growth from both sides of this issue, I was able to graduate Summa Cum Laude, get a full time permanent job, learn at Weber State, and begin to repay the kindness that people have shown me. I am still doing my best to stay stable and safe, thanks to all of you who made this a possibility)