Community Stories

The Free to Be Youth Project community includes our incredible youth clients, political organizers, queer rights activists, our wonderful supporters, partner organizations, and more. Here are some of the stories from this community.

Carlo

Late one night, Carlo and his uncle were forcibly removed from their apartment after their landlord called NYPD instead of pursuing legal eviction through housing court. They were not allowed to collect their belongings, including clothing, work tools, and HIV medication. FYP represented them in housing court. A judge unequivocally ruled that Carlo and his uncle had the right to reside in the apartment and ordered their possession restored. That same night, they were finally able to return home.

E & David

This week we received a work permit for a young gay, HIV+ non-binary asylum seeker from South America, and filed an asylum application for a young gay man from West Africa that left his country, arriving in the United States as a scared 16 year old boy. These clients have navigated unspeakable challenges in the journey that brought them here. It's for them that we continue to be there when it matters most, to show them that there are people that care about their safety, dignity, and future.

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."

Delaney Hall

One of our clients filed for asylum, obtained his work permit, complied with every obligation, but it didn't stop him from being detained during a routine ICE check-in. Two days ago, he was released after more than 5 weeks in Delaney Hall. We are so relieved for this victory, and yet, we're aware that his journey isn't over.

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.