Funds raised through the sale of Be More You t-shirts directly support our mission to unleash courageous love and support LGBT+ youth in Northern Colorado and beyond. The magnificent creature on the shirt was created by Fort-Collins-based queer artist Willow Sedam.
In response to a nationwide rise in anti-trans, anti-LGBT+ legislation, rhetoric, and violence, including Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Foothills is leading the way for radical inclusivity with Be More You, a movement of joyful visibility and community support for LGBT+ youth.
The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health shows:
18% of LGBT teens attempted suicide in the last year.
Living in a very accepting community reduces suicide attempts by more than 65%.
It is literally life-saving work to publicly show LGBT+ youth that the world has a place for them. That there are adults - and especially that there is a church, which is so rare to see - that not only accepts but celebrates all people being more themselves. That we all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can and should feel empowered to explore being more of our authentic selves.
In a time when it is increasingly scary and even shameful to be an LGBT+ person, be an exception. Be a safe place. Show that you affirm and celebrate differences and authenticity. Be enthusiastically welcoming.
Be More You Programs
Be More You dismantles barriers to LGBT+ children and youth surviving and thriving.
Be More You offers two groups to resource and support LGBT+ youth and their closest people. True You serves gender-expansive, trans, and nonbinary kids 4-12 and their families. Grandparents Trying to Understand Gender serves grandparents of gender-expansive, trans, and nonbinary kids and youth. We seek to offer a third group for other family and friends of gender-expansive, trans, and nonbinary kids, youth, and young adults.
Additionally, we seek to partner with our county to offer quarterly training workshops and ongoing mentorship for foster parents parenting LGBT+ children and youth.
We are also designing a civic engagement initiative for lgbt+ youth centered around a day trip to the Denver Capitol and providing training and real-world practice speaking with elected officials. Youth will learn skills to advocate for and exercise their rights.
Learn more about Be More You at bemorelove.org
Supporters
Every person should be comfortable being themselves.