STRIDE: The Ruth Ellis Legacy Walk - Creating opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people!

Join me in supporting real change. Let’s support good in the world and make a difference. Help us raise critical funding to support LGBTQ+ young people and the work of Ruth Ellis Center.

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for STRIDE: The Ruth Ellis Legacy Walk!

The Ruth Ellis Center is a cause that is very near and dear not only to my heart but to the heart of my newly acquired pup who was named after the pioneer Ruth Ellis and her contributions to the Detroit area for at risk LGBTQ+ youth. Over the course of the last couple years I have had many wonderful opportunities to volunteer for this wonderful organization and would appreciate your support in my continued efforts.

The statistics behind youth homelessness among the LGBTQ+ community are staggering. Looking at updated numbers as provided by the Trevor Project, you can see just how damaging it can be for the youth in our community. "In one study, lesbian, gay and bisexual youth who reported higher levels of family rejection during adolescence were

• 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide
• 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression
  
• 3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs and 3.4 times more likely to report having engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse
  

compared to peers from families that reported no levels of family rejection. As a result of family rejection, discrimination, criminalization and a host of other factors, LGBTQ youth represent as much as 40% of the homeless youth population. Of that population, studies indicate that as many as 60% are likely to attempt suicide" (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-involved/trevor-advocacy/homelessness/).

I have many privileges as a cisgender gay male including the love and support of many of my friends and family. I'm calling on your support today to help the Ruth Ellis Center so that we can save lives and show the same acceptance and love that I have felt to the youth who need it most. Ruth and I will proudly walk in honor of your donation and continued support.