Letters to Queer Youth Challenge Winners

When I was growing up, I knew that I was different from those around me. I was a “tomboy” who secretly thought I looked so pretty in dresses. I never understood how girls around found guys hot, yet I wanted to be one. Sometimes I’d wear my dad’s button-down shirts, or pack. And sometimes I loved getting my hair done. I strived to find where I fit into, and yet my existence was always fluid. If only I knew that was okay, normal, valid.

I think about youth these days, and how much has changed. How even white supremacists know what pronouns are (even if they hate them). How there is so much more access to knowledge and community through technology. How COVID impacted everything. How politics are constantly shifting. Yet through it all, we are still here. The 2SLGBTQ+ community is still here, no matter what. And I see you fam.

Queer Vocal Voices and Proud ViM Productions joined together back in February to come through with a challenge to support our queer youth. With all the shit happening politically, socially, we saw a need and a desire to show support for the queer youth of today. So we came up with this challenge. A chance for you, queer community and allies, to pen a letter of love and support and celebration.

And you responded.

Your letters made us laugh, cry, and choke up with emotion. They had us discussing various elements and thoughts. They had us reflecting and connecting.

Your letters had some of us admin even trying to figure out what we want and need to say, to ourselves, to those around us. And it wasn't easy. I know my letter was definitely terrifying to write. But your letters and support helped create a safer space where queer writers' voices can emerge.

And while we send a loving shoutout to all of you who participated, we have come to a conclusion regarding our challenge winners.

These letters yanked and stomped on our hearts. They brought tears to our eyes and moved us with their compassion and honesty. We are PROUD to announce our winners...

Snagging 3rd place after a very close tie, we have... KP!

KP brings forth a harsh reality regarding the impact of the AIDS epidemic, Matthew Shepard's death, and the systemic violence and targeting of queer folks.

I am an elder queer because we don't have very many surviving older queer people left. The government let us die.

But while the world may want to see you burn, KP has found resilience, identity, and a desire to not just survive, but live and empower. And that no matter what, we must keep going.

Coming up in second place we have... ROCK!

ROCK's letter gives you such maternal warm vibes; it really hugs the inner child. This letter displays such desire for understanding and really emphasizes that love is unconditional, and that they love you.

"I am not everyone's mother, sister, grandmother, parent. I get that I am not real to you. Yet YOU are very alive and real to me. I can not hold the hands of millions, YES, millions, but I can hold your dreams as I hold my own. With PRIDE,

And now...

The letter that won it all, in first place... F Cade Swanson!

F Cade's letter made me feel like I sparkle. His letter starts with his personal experience growing up and into his identity, and how he wanted to be a star to combat the loneliness of being different. Often we have to perform a certain version of ourselves or of what we're expected to be. It's exhausting to hide all the time. But F Cade makes sure you know you are needed, that you don't need to hide. And even as you change and grow into who you are and want to be, know that you are important to this universe.

And that’s what I want to offer to you, young reader, wherever you fall on the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum: a place to belong, to be seen, to be valued and to be celebrated for your specific and brilliant shine, whatever that may be, and wherever that may fit as a part of whatever constellation feels best.

Congratulations to all our winners! And again, a huge shoutout to everyone who entered this challenge. Your letters matter, they make a difference.

You can view the other entries in the comments section of this post.

Lastly, words from a few of the judges:

I am so thankful for all those who entered in this challenge. As a gay man myself, with a trans son, I appreciated reading from allies. It is important to share love and kindness in a world so lacking. So thank you for being a part of something so wonderful.

-Jim

Growing up I felt as if I was trapped in a void, I didn't have the words to explain how I felt, who I am. I didn't have anyone I felt safe enough to share with. The only words I heard to describe people like me were 'wicked' and 'sinful', there were no voices speaking for me. Now we have a duty to speak to and for the next generation, and you have done that so well!

I would like to thank all those that entered personally, I loved reading through these letters to our queer youth. This challenge and your beautiful letters represent something so important to our community; a strong and clear message in one elder voice to our youth. You are seen, you are valid, and you are loved.

-Savannah

In these tense days when politicians and their overlord advisors plot to turn us against each other while muttering ‘unity’, the honesty and compassion in these letters both gave me hope and moved me to tears.

Raw courage, personal experiences, and empathy were in each story, extending a hand in guidance and solidarity, reassuring the reader that they are not alone, they are loved, and perfect as their own true selves.

I encourage everyone to read each entry: allies, parents, and those with lived experiences are there leaving talismans and tokens to sustain and comfort us all.

-Judey

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