Model: Michaela Chelsea

Photography: Richard Righthand

Editing: Victoria Righthand & Katherine Arteaga

"The rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for LGBTQ youth than that of straight youth" - Department of Health and Human Services.

There's a kid out there who is alone, who has no relatives, friends, or idols to look to who can help. They're desperate for answers as to why they were born this way. They don't want to be an outcast. They don't want to be made fun of, beaten, ostracized; but mostly, they don't want to be rejected from their loved ones. They just want to be accepted. They just want to be loved. But everyone out there keeps telling them they're wrong, they're not part of God's plan, they're going to hell. This kid needs us. This kid needs something to hold onto and this kid needs a future. There isn't enough support to find the help and tolerance needed. Children all over see no way out and as a result have taken their own lives rather than face the idea of coming out. We are not forgiving, we are not tolerant, we are not accepting. Just because someone is LGBTQ does not mean they are not deserving of love, respect, and acceptance. Just because I am LGBTQ does not mean I am not worthy of love, respect, and acceptance. I am here for you, kid. Always.