The QNYN is composed of three subgroups: one for q***r men, one for q***r women, and one for trans/genderq***r individuals. It’s not easy growing up gay, bi, q***r, or trans in a conservative, primarily rural state. For many, it’s hard to envision a happy future. Some don’t envision a future at all. Here in Nebraska, we’re lucky to have valuable resources such as PFLAG, GLSEN, Proud Horizons, Nebraska AIDS Project, and countless other organizations and individuals in the community devoted to LGBTQ+ issues. But youth are still looking for ways to break through the painful isolation and connect with one another. That was Drew Heckman's motivation for starting the first QNYN, the Gay Nebraska Youth Network, in 2010. After witnessing the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene at Brown University during his freshman year, he was energized by the possibility of forming a similar community at home. It turns out he wasn’t the only one attracted to this idea. Two years, a C.V. Starr Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship, and the support of community partners and youth leaders combined to form the Q***r Nebraska Youth Network that we know and love today! Together, the Q***r Men's, Q***r Women's, and Trans/Genderq***r groups comprise an informal non-profit organization with over 700 youth members. We maintain and moderate an active, online discussion board, and we hold regular in-person social events, such as picnics, ice skating outings, and field days. We also help connect people to the LGBTQ+ resources and opportunities they're looking for. We will work together to build community, confidence, and commitment to a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ people. We are one of our own most valuable resources, and our work is far from done. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Together, we can make our home state a true home for all of us.
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If you would like to join the QNYN, please follow this link to fill out a short form. https://goo.gl/forms/cRhTaps9EzsFCPap2
If you would like more information or have a question, please feel free to message us or send us an email at [email protected].
