Freddy Perkins (he/him)
Youth Center Co-Director, LGBTQ Center of Durham
I came to know about the LGBTQ Center of Durham back when I worked for a local intimate partner violence agency. In that role, I worked with LGBTQ survivors of partner violence. Because of this role, I formed a community partnership between the LGBTQ Center of Durham and the agency. I made the decision to work at the center because it felt important to me to work for an organization that valued my identity as a Black queer person and made it a point to uplift the LGBTQ Community.
My hope for the queer people of color in Durham is that we are treated equitably and can access services and resources that allow us to do more than just get by. I want for us to not have to choose between paying rent and getting medical care. I want us to be able to access gender affirming care without fear of endangering ourselves and the medical professionals who support us. I want for us to seen as human beings who are more than our queer identities but are still valued for our lived experience as queer people.
Queer allyship to me is more than just words. It’s more than just saying you’re an ally. It’s being willing to listen to what queer people are asking of you and actually show up for us, even if it comes at the expense of your personal comfort. Change doesn’t happen until those with power recognize that meeting the needs of the most marginalized inevitably meets the needs of everyone.
To any queer youth who may be fearful or anxious, I would say use that fear and anxiety to drive you. Get involved! Arm yourselves with knowledge and resist by living authentically. We come from a long line of queer lineage that has faced adversity and despite that all the hardship we’re still here. Know that who you are is beautiful and that no one can ever take your identity away from you.
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