Rainbow in the Storm: A Letter of Love to 2SLGBTQ+ Youth

To Denny and our 2SLGBTQ+ Youth community,

Your journey is not an easy one. You are young, just discovering your identity. The world can be hostile, judgmental, and unaccepting of the challenges you face.

The fear of coming out. Of being your true self. Your authentic self. It can be paralyzing. You worry about losing friends. Of being rejected by your family.

You face discrimination and violence simply for being who you are. These are heavy burdens to bear. Especially at such a young age.

HOMOPHOBIA. RACISM, SEXISM. These are the real diseases.

My shining light was my beloved nephew Denny. Oh, how we laughed. And cried together as we shared our lives. A proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Denny had a heart that knew no bounds. He was so sensitive. So attuned to the pain of others, that he would cry whenever he heard of another youth traumatized by this cruel world. Denny understood firsthand the struggles of being different in a society that values conformity over compassion.

Denny battled with addiction. Like many in our community. The weight of the world's judgments. His own inner turmoil. It all led him down a dark path. But Denny was a fighter. He got clean and stayed clean for years, determined to live his truth. And help others do the same.

But the heartbreaks kept coming. One proved too much to bear. We lost Denny to an overdose before he reached his 30th birthday. Was it intentional? Or a tragic accident? We will never know. But the pain is the same. Our hearts were shattered. Life is so fragile. Especially for those who are marginalized and hurting.

Denny's story is one of so many. A reminder that we must do better for our 2SLGBTQ+ youth. We must create a world where you feel safe, loved, and accepted for exactly who you are. A world where you don't have to turn to drugs to numb the pain of rejection and discrimination. A world where you can reach out for help without fear or shame.

To every 2SLGBTQ+ young person reading this—know you are not alone. Your life has value and meaning beyond measure. If you are in pain, reach out. If you are struggling, reach out. There are people and organizations ready to support you. To catch you when you feel like falling.

You are part of a community that understands your struggles. That celebrates your triumphs. A community that has fought for generations to create a better world for us all. The Stonewall riots. The AIDS Pandemic. The ongoing battle for transgender rights. Through it all we have risen in the face of adversity. We always will. We have found strength in unity and hope in the face of despair.

Denny's legacy lives on. In every 2SLGBTQ+ youth who chooses to live authentically. To those who choose to fight for a better tomorrow. For all of us. You are his legacy. You are the future he dreamed of. A future where every 2SLGBTQ+ person can thrive and love without fear.

Keep going. Even when it feels impossible. Keep reaching out. Even when the world feels cold. Keep believing in yourself. Even when others try to tear you down. You are brave. You are resilient. And you are loved beyond measure.

If you ever find yourself in the depths of despair, remember Denny. Remember his heart. His compassion. His indomitable spirit. Remember that he is watching over you. Cheering you on from the other side. Remember that your life has purpose. You are destined for great things.

You are the rainbow after the storm. You are the hope that lights the way. You are the future, and the future is bright because of you.

With all my love and in memory of Denny,

A proud ally who will never stop fighting for you , xxx.