Keeping LGBTQ Youth Safe
Donation protected
My name is Kalob Gossett and I am a proud, gay man; born and raised in Indiana. I currently reside in Indianapolis and work within the healthcare field.
The tragic event in Orlando has brought new life to my dedication to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) community and has motivated me to get involved locally. Also, in the past year Indiana has been internationally identified as a state that does not accept the LGBTQ community and has seemly created laws to discriminate against it.
As a community we must use this tragedy to unite us and become stronger. The community I am referring to is not only those who identify as LGBTQ, but is our community which includes all people of Indiana. This issue is one that affects everyone and we must protect all young Hoosiers. This a difficult time for all American's, but especially our youth. These recent events have proven the need for more safe spaces and support, and that is why I feel the need to help. This is no longer about wedding cakes or who is being served pizza, we are talking about the basic need of security. There is enough hate in the world and the perception of Indiana has already been tarnished for the rest of the world, but we must stand as ONE, loving Hoosier Nation and show the world what it truly means to be a Hoosier.
In honor of the victims of the Orlando shooting and in the spirit of Pride Month, I am calling on everyone to stand together and raise money to keep our youth safe. The Indiana Youth Group (IYG) is an organization meant to create safe spaces, provide wellness programming, and educate the community; as well as LGBTQ youth. I have no affiliation with the IYG, but I learned of their organization through networking events and my own research. Now more than ever the youth are in need of a safe place to go and to be accepted. It has now been made clear to the world why Pride is needed; and that is because pride is still an act of bravery. We are putting ourselves in danger by being ourselves and we must show the younger LGBTQ individuals there are people and places available for them to be safe as their true selves. Regardless of your stance on LGBTQ issues, the safety of children is a cause most can support.
For my birthday, June 16th, I am respectfully declining personal gifts and instead requesting all who read this to give a gift in the form of a donation to the IYG. Your gift will ensure young Hoosiers are provided a safe place to go and given a support system even when they do not have one. These funds ensure the IYG's center can continue to run and provide programs for the community such as: support groups, community education on LGBTQ issues, and networking events with other LGBTQ individuals.
I want to reach our goal within two weeks (June 13 - 27), but I cannot do that without your help. This money will go towards supporting the programs of the IYG. This birthday wish is easily attainable if all my family, friends, and local supporters gave a gift of at least $1.
Even if you are not a Hoosier, I ask that you still donate to this cause. This is my first attempt to help those in my community and I hope to begin other efforts in the future that span across our nation; as well as, the globe. There is much work to be done and this is only the beginning. If you would like more information about the Indiana Youth Group, please click here .
At the end of the campaign, I will withdraw the funds into my own account so that I may personally deliver a check with the final amount raised directly to the IYG center. I would like to meet the youth who will directly benefit from this campaign. I hope my presentation of these funds will properly convey the intended message of love and support to these kids. Also, show that people in our community do care deeply for them and want to help keep them safe.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and I hope you, whoever you are, have a wonderful day and I am sending my love to you for making my wish come true.
Sincerely,
Kalob
The tragic event in Orlando has brought new life to my dedication to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) community and has motivated me to get involved locally. Also, in the past year Indiana has been internationally identified as a state that does not accept the LGBTQ community and has seemly created laws to discriminate against it.
As a community we must use this tragedy to unite us and become stronger. The community I am referring to is not only those who identify as LGBTQ, but is our community which includes all people of Indiana. This issue is one that affects everyone and we must protect all young Hoosiers. This a difficult time for all American's, but especially our youth. These recent events have proven the need for more safe spaces and support, and that is why I feel the need to help. This is no longer about wedding cakes or who is being served pizza, we are talking about the basic need of security. There is enough hate in the world and the perception of Indiana has already been tarnished for the rest of the world, but we must stand as ONE, loving Hoosier Nation and show the world what it truly means to be a Hoosier.
In honor of the victims of the Orlando shooting and in the spirit of Pride Month, I am calling on everyone to stand together and raise money to keep our youth safe. The Indiana Youth Group (IYG) is an organization meant to create safe spaces, provide wellness programming, and educate the community; as well as LGBTQ youth. I have no affiliation with the IYG, but I learned of their organization through networking events and my own research. Now more than ever the youth are in need of a safe place to go and to be accepted. It has now been made clear to the world why Pride is needed; and that is because pride is still an act of bravery. We are putting ourselves in danger by being ourselves and we must show the younger LGBTQ individuals there are people and places available for them to be safe as their true selves. Regardless of your stance on LGBTQ issues, the safety of children is a cause most can support.
For my birthday, June 16th, I am respectfully declining personal gifts and instead requesting all who read this to give a gift in the form of a donation to the IYG. Your gift will ensure young Hoosiers are provided a safe place to go and given a support system even when they do not have one. These funds ensure the IYG's center can continue to run and provide programs for the community such as: support groups, community education on LGBTQ issues, and networking events with other LGBTQ individuals.
I want to reach our goal within two weeks (June 13 - 27), but I cannot do that without your help. This money will go towards supporting the programs of the IYG. This birthday wish is easily attainable if all my family, friends, and local supporters gave a gift of at least $1.
Even if you are not a Hoosier, I ask that you still donate to this cause. This is my first attempt to help those in my community and I hope to begin other efforts in the future that span across our nation; as well as, the globe. There is much work to be done and this is only the beginning. If you would like more information about the Indiana Youth Group, please click here .
At the end of the campaign, I will withdraw the funds into my own account so that I may personally deliver a check with the final amount raised directly to the IYG center. I would like to meet the youth who will directly benefit from this campaign. I hope my presentation of these funds will properly convey the intended message of love and support to these kids. Also, show that people in our community do care deeply for them and want to help keep them safe.
Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and I hope you, whoever you are, have a wonderful day and I am sending my love to you for making my wish come true.
Sincerely,
Kalob
Organizer
Kalob Gossett
Organizer
Indianapolis, IN
