Clockwise: top left-Devine Bey, Annalise Wall, Selena Martinez, Harlow Sory
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
Being a teenager is hard. Being a teen in the LGBTQ+ Community can feel even harder. Whether you’re out, questioning, DL, trade, or navigating the everyday challenges of identity, four LGBTQ+ folx want you to know—you’re not alone. From New York to Canada, these voices are living proof that youth can grow into powerful, passionate, thriving individuals.
“The internet isn’t everything.”
Harlow Sory, 21, is a writer and artist living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A trans woman with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, Harlow encourages teens to look beyond online debates and discourse.
“There are so many beautiful connections to be made in real life,” she says. “Don’t worry if someone doesn’t know all the ‘right’ words. That doesn’t make them bad.”
What matters to her is safety, access to healthcare, and a future where trans people can live freely. “Let’s fight for liberation—not just for visibility,” she urges. “You are more than a label. You deserve a life filled with purpose and power.”
“Take your time. Find your tribe.”
Devine Bey, aka The Goddess Eve (also known online as Oso Divine), is 23 and based in the Bronx. Her message is clear and tender: slow down.
“Surround yourself with people who want better for you and for themselves,” she says. “Stay informed, stay aware, and never forget—you are loved. There is a place in this world that was made just for you.”
Devine, a trans woman, wants the youth to know they are sacred, special, and worthy of community.
“Balance care with action.”
Annalise Wall, 22, is a bisexual writer currently living in Nova Scotia. Like Harlow, she studied at Sarah Lawrence and is now pursuing a degree in library and archival science.
Her advice? “Balancing your own care with community action is key. That means learning more about yourself and your biases, even when it’s hard.”
She reminds teens that activism doesn’t have to mean burnout. “Don’t fall into the trap of infighting,” she says. “It’s okay to be tired. But stay engaged. Stay angry. Your presence matters—right now, and always.”
“Never stop being who you are.”
Selena Martinez, a truck driver and future nurse from Staten Island, has a message that is unforgettable.
“Whether it’s your parents or strangers—don’t let anyone stop you from being yourself,” she says. “You are important. Never give up.”
To LGBTQ+ youth everywhere: your existence is a revolution. These four voices—bold, brave, and beautifully different—want you to know that your journey is only beginning. And even when it gets hard, you’re never walking it alone.
Happy Pride Month.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.
