
Our tri-monthly (3x a month) youth meetings combine guest speakers, topical discussions, games, and food! These relaxed and welcoming gatherings are facilitated by a small but mighty group of youth leaders:
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Lisa Earley is a tireless educator with FWISD and
a proud mother of 2 LGBTQ daughters. Lisa has been a safe place for numerous students over the years and has helped many youth find their way to LGBTQ SAVES. She is currently using her non-existent free time to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work.
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Teresa "Flannery" is a community ally passionate about encouraging & empowering local youth. She has worked with children & young adults for 30+ years in a variety of settings. She wants each individual to understand their integral value and to have every opportunity to thrive. Her own 4 children are mostly grown so she has adopted this group as her second family.
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Bertie Gardner is an LGBTQ+ advocate who seeks to empower youth through community development.
A past leader of the TSU Gay-Straight Alliance, he seeks to provide encouragement and resources to those seeking safety while pursuing higher education. Bertie has a BS in Communication Studies, with an emphasis in Public Relations and Event Management.
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Lala Hines is unapologetically Lesbian and unapologetically Christian. She is living everyday showing everyone she comes into contact with that they deserve love and should be proud of who they are. Lala was a combat medic in the Army during the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” era and understands how hard and horrible it is to have to hide one's true self. She now works in Special Education and loves it.
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Peter Cacho joined the LGBTQ SAVES team in 2019 looking to help younger LGBTQ individuals navigate what can be a difficult time. Peter is passionate when it comes to speaking up and being there for others. He has volunteered for community events throughout his life and now wishes to provide support to LGBTQ Youth.
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Fort Worth native Rebecca McDonell is a mother of three and grandmother of five. She has instilled in her children the importance of being their own kind of beautiful, to respect and love themselves, and to give back to the community. "Our children will pour out what is poured in to them, so let's pour in unconditional love. I am humbled to be a part of LGBTQ SAVES. These young adults are our future, let's plant seeds of unconditional acceptance and self love."
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Mentored by gay activist David Henderson and raised by his grandma the educator Cynthia Loesch, 2019 Scholarship Recipient Alex Loesch seeks to follow in their late footsteps in San Francisco with his partner. Helped as a young teen by LGBTQSAVES, he spent his early twenties giving back as a youth leader to others in similar difficulties. He can't thank Sharon enough and promises to continue his impact across country.
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*We love you Alex! Thank you for your selfless dedication to LGBTQ SAVES and best of luck in San Francisco.
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