Hello everybody, I hope this is the start of a long successful stretch of columns where I can start a dialog. I hope with my experiences being a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community and my skills as a writer, I can create a safe space for other members. So let’s start with an introduction shall we? My name is Matthew Lauster and I go by he/they pronouns. I am bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer.
I grew up in a very rural part of Upstate New York, that being in a town called Lyons. Ever since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by sports. It started with football, then baseball and now I am watching sports all year around with a favorite team in all the major sports leagues and in college athletics.
Throughout my time as a writer, I have been able to cover topics that I am so passionate about. Those topics ranging from politics, pop culture, environmental issues and of course sports. However, there is nothing that I am more proud of and passionate about than this column. I just want our voice to be heard; that’s something that I feel like has been hard to find during my time in Kearney.
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If I could send something out to the community right now it would be that I have gone through so much as well both positive and negative. I know the joy and anxiety that comes with coming out to someone. It takes a lot of trust and love with someone to be able to share that. I also struggled with a lot before I came out, especially with my identity and gender performance.
I guess my main goal of this would be able to provide a safe space for both members of the community and our allies. I also hope that my stories, experiences, and thoughts can make everyone feel heard. With these trying times socially, it feeling like what little progress has been made is being undone; we can feel very alone.
For anybody struggling help is out there: Trevor Project Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 TrevorText: Text START to 678-678 LGBT Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428) Trans Lifeline: 1-877-5658860 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
I believe that is the point of Pride Month, to make our community feel celebrated, seen, and validated.
In the spirit of Pride Month, I want you to be able to come to me with your questions and stories. Everyone is welcome whether you’re an ally or a proud member of the community. I will be back with more soon; once again I really hope this is the start of something prosperous.
If you have anything you would like to share with me, I can be reached through my email, matthew.lauster@kearneyhub.com