Our History - How We Started
Our Story
Hope for Teens was started in October of 2010. Over a twelve week period there were six teens that committed suicide due to being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The thought was, that was how many made the news, how many DIDN'T?
Our founder, Holly Atkins, knew the physical and emotional toll of bullying. She was bullied from elementary school through high school for being in a bi-racial family. The effects were the same, but the demographics had changed.
The last teen in the news before starting Hope for Teens was Tyler Clemente. He jumped off the George Washington Bridge because his roommate live streamed his first gay date, and then proceeded to post it on Twitter (now X). At the time, he hadn't come out and this was a grave violation of respect and decency.
Holly wanted to volunteer at an organization dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ youth but there was none specifically for teens and youth, so she created Hope for Teens.
While providing support and advocacy throughout the years by going to pride clubs in high schools, attending school board meetings, and legislative sessions, one particular pride club conversation made Hope for Teens history. In the Spring of 2022 while at a pride club meeting, some teens were talking about their school prom and asking if each other were going. One of the students asked why they should go and spend hours with the schoolmates voluntarily when those same students made their last 4 years unbearable. When we asked why they didn't go to Queer Prom, we were told that didn't exist, so we created it.
Hope for Teens hosted the first ever Queer Prom for High School Students in 2023 and it has become an annual event ever since. Queer Prom is free to all students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. We do not feel that finances should be a barrier to celebrating who you are.
In addition to the advocacy work and attending pride clubs, we also provide presentations to organizations and corporations who would like to learn more about being a good ally and how to show support. This includes ways to identify potential bullying, cyber-bullying, and silent ways to show support.
Contact us if you want to learn more or schedule a presentation for your company or organization!