@Matt Cullen true story
Attending the LGBTQ meeting by accident turned out to be a life-changing experience. Initially, I was unaware of the nature of the meeting and only went in to sobering up and finding a place to sit. But as the meeting unfolded, I was warmly included and given a volunteer role that helped me engage deeply with the community. What struck me most was the genuine compassion and solidarity among the group, particularly from the butch lesbian named Shelly, who physically brought me back into the meeting when I tried to leave. This unexpected kindness was unlike anything I had experienced before. Through the support of gay men, lesbians, and trans women, many of whom had faced struggles far tougher than mine, I was taught invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and maturity. I credit my growth into a more grounded and self-aware person to those interactions. This experience challenged my preconceptions and taught me the true meaning of community support beyond labels. It also underscored how powerful empathy can be in helping individuals who are homeless or struggling with their identity to regain hope and purpose. If you ever find yourself lost or at a crossroads, sometimes the most surprising places can offer the greatest support. Being open to listening and embracing differences can lead to profound personal growth and healing.






















































