A place in the
sun

Most GenQ youths in Arizona rely on gay-straight alliances to meet other young gay people and learn about their queer community. Phoenix's Valley 1n10 gives them another option.

The coordinator of this group, A. Beck, describes 1n10 as "a safe environment for GLBTQ youth to develop positive self-acceptance through life-enhancing programs."

Many of the Arizona youths who have participated in the group feel that 1n10 has done just that.

"[At 1n10] we have this tiny place in the universe where everyone knows they are loved, respected, and accepted simply for who they are," says John Kuhn, a gay 21-year-old.

Valley 1n10 meets every Thursday in a Phoenix church and typically draws 20 to 50 GenQ youths ages 14-22. They discuss many issues in the meetings, including suicide prevention, STDs, family, and gay life in Arizona.

"I think of the gay community in Arizona like I think of anything else in life, you get what you put into it," says Kuhn. "Things don't change by themselves, so I made the choice to get involved to help create the kind of world I want to live in."

1n10 participates in many LGBT-focused community service projects and events, including pride and gay proms. The organization was started in 1993 by adults to help queer youths with coming-out issues. Today, Beck is working to make positive changes at 1n10. The group greatly relies on volunteer work and support. 1n10's name comes from the general statistic that one in every 10 people is gay.

1n10 is not only for gay youths; allies are also welcome. Celia Williams, although not gay herself, is an active member of 1n10.

"I learned so much about others," Williams says. "I fully believe I owe a lot of my strengths to 1n10."

The group is unique in that anyone can drop in for its meetings. If you stay for more than one meeting, you may find out what members like Kuhn already know: "[1n10] makes this world we live in just a little better."

For more information on Valley 1n10 visit www.1n10.org.