Leaving Our Legacy Youth Speaks During World AIDS Day Summit
From a conference room in the Erie 1 BOCES Education Campus, seated in front of her computer screen, Roberta Thomas took a deep breath and told her story. Roberta’s story was shared with those who registered for 22nd Annual World AIDS Day Event and 2020 Ending the Epidemic Summit on December 1-3, 2020.
The summit, hosted by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, moved to a virtual format but still featured the emotional touchstones that have become signatures of the long standing event that is intended to provide a learning experience for middle and high school students across the state.
“The Department of Health reached out, looking for a person willing to share their story and Roberta was the first person who came to mind,” Suzanne Donovan, Leaving Our Legacy Coordinator.
Roberta Thomas is a 17-year-old student at Buffalo Public Schools and a Youth Health Advocate with the Leaving Our Legacy Program, a sexual health education program conducted by Erie 1 BOCES through a Department of Health grant.
Roberta shared her emotional experience of overcoming her depression and dysphoria as a transgender young woman.
“I want people to listen to my interview and learn about self-love, being their best self and finding the strength to fight to be true to themselves,” Roberta said. “If I am able to help one person by sharing my story, that makes me feel good.”
Roberta’s interview was played on December 1st and she participated in a live question and answer panel.
The Leaving Our Legacy program has had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing their mission through virtual workshops and events. They are also active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Learn more at www.leavingourlegacy.org. For more information, go to the World AIDS Day website.