The Understanders

Disclaimer

When emailing an Understander we recommend using an email address that does not include your name so you can say anonymous and feel safe to be your authentic self. Also, we are not a suicide, abuse, or self-harm hotline. If you are feeling suicidal or in any harmful and dangerous situation please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or The Trevor Project at TrevorLifeline at +1-866-488-7386. Also, visit our RESOURCES page for more help.

 

  • Charlie Perez (he/him)

    Hi, I’m Charlie, I’m 16 years old. I’m bisexual and came out in 4th grade to my friends, but not to my family until last year. I’m a cancer survivor and hope to be a nurse when I’m older. I love queer history and drag!

  • Allie (she/her)

    Hi, I’m Allie. I’m from LA. I love music and my favorite artists are boygenius and radiohead. I’ve been playing the clarinet for 5 years.

  • Zoey (they/them/she)

    Hey, I’m Zoey. I am the founder of I.U.Y. I’m from California and love to play soccer. I love to longboard and surf with my friends. My favorite food is chocolate covered strawberries. To learn more about my coming out journey visit my story on the Coming Out Stories web page. I will usually respond to emails in 72 hours or less time!

  • Jordan (he/him)

    Hi, I’m Jordan. I’m from LA California, and I love to play softball and baseball. My favorite activities are skateboarding and biking in my neighborhood. One of my all time favorite meals is poke and my favorite drink is Arizona Green Tea. To learn more about my coming out journey visit my story on the Coming Out Stories web page. I will usually respond to emails in 4 days or less time!

  • Sophie Schwarz (she/her)

    Hi! I’m Sophie. I’m an event volunteer at IUY. My favorite food is banana bread, especially the one I bake! Hope to see you at our next IUY event.

  • Savannah Bare (she/they)

    Hi! I.m Savannah. I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio and I like to try new things. I like to shop and go out to eat with my friends. My favorite food is crab ragoon.

  • Audrey Sieng (she/her)

    Hi! My name is Audrey. I love playing volleyball and doing arts and crafts in my free time. I also love reading; my favorite book is The Poppy War by R.F Kuang! My favorite season is autumn.

  • Ava Goldman (she/her)

    Hi! I’m Ava. I’m really excited to work with an organization that is actively helping queer kids nationally, and to spread a positive impact wherever I can!

  • Teal Smith (they/he)

    Hi! I’m Teal! I chose to work with IUY to support other queer and gender queer young people. I currently live in California. I am deeply motivated to help the climate crisis and spend a lot of my time contributing to the movement where I can! I also knit, play bass and guitar, and write music. My coming out story is HERE and reach out to me anytime. I want to be a friend and resource to you.

  • Ella Balcom (she/her)

    Hi. I’m Ella and I’m a 17 year old volunteer. I love to listen to music like Ethel Cain and make yarn crafts. You might as the host of the IUY Open Mic Night!

  • Bella Gutierrez (she/her)

    Hi I’m Bella! I’m the digital design director for IUY. I crochet, play soccer, and I love fettuccine alfredo.