Did you know that having just one affirming adult in their life can decrease a LGBTQ+ youth’s risk of devastating mental health outcomes by up to 40%? What does it take to earn the title of ‘ally’ when the stakes are so desperately high? What does it mean to be an affirming person of faith in Appalachia, and what wisdom can our queer ancestors such as the late poet Andrea Gibson (they/them) offer for these times?
Helen is a Knoxville native, UU religious educator, and minister in formation. They are the author of “Something Resembling God,” owner of BlessedBeeByHP.com, an online UU gift shop, and proud mom to two cats, one spoiled dog, and one awesome nine-year-old human. They love coffee, Taylor Swift, rainbows, and serving their beloved community in East Tennessee and beyond.
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