"I'm a part of the Teen program at the Forest Hills Community Center. I first found out about QCH from some friends of mine who always spoke highly about the activities and services here.
I was a year out of college and looking for a job that was LGBTQIA+ affirming and treated me like family. I came across Generation Q and knew this was the job for me. I have been working for Generation Q since September 2023 as an activity specialist and it has been a thrill.
"At the first high school I attended, I didn’t get the support that I needed from the staff. So in November 2021, I transferred to QCH at Queens Satellite High School hoping for a change. There, my advocate counselor really encouraged me to do better in school and attend my classes.
“I learned about the Forest Hills Older Adult Center when my friend took me here, who was volunteering at the time. Now that I’m an older adult, when I saw all the great opportunities and services being offered here, I signed up to be a participant.
"I'm a 7th grader at St. Kevin Catholic Academy in Flushing, and I love playing piano. Last summer, I visited my grandparent who stays in assisted living. I was able to play piano for everyone there, and they all really enjoyed it.
"I was a teacher in Colombia for many years. When I came to the United States, I knew I wanted to stay committed to giving children the love, care, training, and guidance they deserve. I was excited when I got the opportunity to become a childcare provider with the Queens Childcare Network.
"A few months ago, I started to search for a rainbow-based senior center in Queens. My search immediately led me to the Queens Center for Gay Seniors (QCGS), and I've been going ever since. It's such a friendly and inclusive place.
This video follows the story of Farrukh, a former professor who talks about his difficult life in Russia and struggling in America because he couldn't speak English.
“I’ve been in Queens for more than two decades and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve always been a history buff and love living in the historic district of Jackson Heights with my husband Jeff Simmons, who works with nonprofits and is a host on WBAI 99.5 FM.
"In my early years, social work was never something I thought I’d be interested in. I have close to twenty years of experience in the field of science. I left the lab and jumped into social services.
