Lift Every Voice
“I was told my voice was too much. Now I know it’s powerful.”
They stepped onto the stage, and the room answered with applause. Hearing it changed how they see their own voice.
Now they help welcome new performers at youth nights and tell them what they needed to hear: you belong on this stage.
Why they reached out
This community member wanted to share their story as a queer Black teen but felt silenced. They’d been told their voice was too much, so they learned to keep it quiet.
They were looking for one room where they wouldn’t have to.
How we helped
We created a safe stage at youth nights, where their voice could be celebrated and heard.
Volunteers set the room up with care: a mic, a stool, and an audience that came ready to listen. No one pushed them to share before they were ready.
Your story belongs here too.
Share your experience of change, celebration, or struggle. Help us build the archive of who we’ve been and who we’re becoming.