"A Time To Be...Living Your Authentic Self in Faith and Hope" Recap

"A Time To Be...Living Your Authentic Self in Faith and Hope" - One Voice sponsored an evening of music, testimony, prayer and reflection on Saturday December 4th at the Stangl Factory in Flemington. The evening served as a safe space for sharing and caring, welcoming youth, families and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to NIH (National Institute on Drug Abuse - Advancing Addiction Science) young people in particular who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as heterosexual. They also face a greater risk of harassment and violence. As a result of these and other stressors, sexual minorities are at increased risk for substance use disorder, and other manners of self-harm.

Faith leaders, Pastor Peter Mantell (Kingwood/Frenchtown United Methodist), Pastor JJ Simpson-Keelan (Living Waters Lutheran) and Rabbi Eric Cohen (FJCC) shared themes of love, affirmation, light and hope to the audience. Singer songwriter Matt Bednarsky provided original music which fit perfectly into the event and Ayden Petrone shared a testimony and faith journey about being true to their authentic self. One Voice Special Events Coordinator, Courtney Cromie, guided the program and served as the emcee for the event.

One Voice would like to thank Shop Rite of Flemington for providing refreshments, Prevention Resources for attending and providing support and materials, Sweet Hearth for cookies, and George Eckelmann, with the Stangl Factory for assisting with the beautiful venue.