You All Inspire Me — What I Know Now
By Esmée Silverman
Name and Pronouns
Esmée (they/she)
What you wanted to be when you were a teenager
Happy
What you do now
I support volunteers coming into Queer Youth Assemble, a nonprofit I co-founded in 2021. I am currently working on a nationwide Queer Unity March, which will take place on National Coming Out Day.
What you’re most proud of
The people in my community finding themselves.
3 words that describe your teenage self
Dysphoric, chaotic, visionary
3 words that describe you now
Confident, chaotic, community organizer
What you would tell your teenage self
That I’m running a nonprofit that helps people like you. You deserved so much more love and community when you felt alone, and that one day, you’ll be the person you deserved to have at that age.
What you wish you knew about coming out that you know now
That it’s a lot easier to try and talk to most people about your identity instead of yelling at them. If they try to hurt you or threaten you, that’s one thing, but if they don’t understand, or maybe even try to make fun of you, responding with kindness has always been a better response in the long run.
What you wish you could have done differently as a teenager
Doing more community organizing and public speaking. COVID wiped out a lot of that, and I wish I had the opportunity to ease into that rather than throwing it on myself in college.
What you love most about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community
The people. We all come together as one during the best of times and the worst of times. We are so strong in our resolve and care for one another.
Person you most admire
Skeletor. I LIKE TO BE EVIL! NYEHEHEHEH
If you could change one thing about the world, you would
Give everyone wanting to die a reason to live, especially in this community. I’m not just saying that because I want it to change, but I am actively changing it with the work I’m doing. I’m giving people community, resources, love, kindness, and reasons to stay alive. That’s how you change the world, it’s never a question of when, but an answer of now.
What inspires you now
How much people in this community love and care. You all inspire me, and I want you to join me to make this community a better one.
