Situation:
At FreeState Justice, I contributed to a strategic initiative aimed at transforming relationship education to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth. Traditional curricula often lacked representation and relevance for queer students, leaving a critical gap in education around self-worth, mental health, and healthy relational dynamics.

Task:
I was responsible for leading the development of a comprehensive resource guide on queer healthy relationships. The objective was to co-create an affirming, trauma-informed, and identity-conscious curriculum that could be integrated into national education efforts, particularly through One Love’s high school programming.

Action:
From start to finish, I led and facilitated a series of focus groups with 10–20 young people — ranging from high school students to college-aged youth —including those who had participated in One Love programming and those reflecting on what they wished they had received. Alongside One Love interns and with light support from staff, we co-created the curriculum through a youth-led process that centered lived experience, cultural relevance, and emotional wellbeing. Our team infused the guide with themes of self-acceptance, mental health, and community care — expanding the scope of traditional relationship education.

Result/Learning:
The resulting guide was integrated into One Love’s nationwide programming and has since been distributed across high schools throughout the U.S., filling a significant equity gap in relationship education. This experience deepened my belief in the value of youth-led, co-designed systems change, and reaffirmed the importance of meeting young people where they are — with tools and language that reflect their identities, challenges, and hopes.