Aaron & Matt

Aaron and Matt met in Russia six years ago. Facing homophobic persecution, they embarked on a search for safety, all while their love continued to grow. They married, before eventually arriving in the United States. Here, Aaron was granted asylum and secured legal status for Matt as well. Today, Matt's asylum case is under challenge, and the Free to Be Youth Project is fighting in court to ensure that Aaron and Matt can remain together and continue building their life.

Matt

Matt, a 22-year-old Black transgender man living in Covenant House, came to the Free to Be Youth Project seeking support for his name change. Our team helped him secure his legal name change, an updated birth certificate, a new Social Security card, and valid photo identification. With affirming identity documents in hand, Matt has since been able to secure employment, opening the door for greater stability and safety.

Tats 4 Trans Equity

As policies aim to erase queer histories, bodies, and dignity, we came together to celebrate joy, resistance, and collective care through art. It’s more than just ink, it’s a permanent reminder of the importance of queer self expression and caring for one another in the fight for LGBTQ+ justice.

Jeremy

"As a queer attorney it meant, a great deal to me to be able to provide pro-bono legal work, advice and counsel, informally and formally to a nonprofit organization that goes great work with LGBTQ+ youth. I remember very vivdly what my experience growing up was like and so I’d like to help out any way I can."

Frank

"Today marks exactly one year since my very first visit to the Urban Justice Center. Your kindness, guidance, and heart mean so much to me. Thank you for believing in me and always showing up with compassion. In the end, we will carry the victory together even though everything once seemed impossible."

Amy, Our Project Director

"Our most powerful weapon is knowing that we can, and will, continue to engage in acts that meaningfully help individuals even when systems seem broken. Even though their victories may seem small in the course of things, they are powerful grains of hope to help us ride the current wave of despair."