. . . talk about their experiences at ROSMY.

Eric: As a youth of ROSMY I would like to say that I spent some of the best days of my life here. I have made some of my best friends here and had plenty of stand-out opportunities. I would have to say my heart's most painful moments were taken care of in a matter of minutes.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, ROSMY is a great gift to both me and you. What more could some- one ask for? We're all here to help one another and that you can always count on.

Jess: I was surfing the internet when I happened upon the ROSMY website. At the time I was 14 and absolutely terrified, constantly peeking over my shoulder to make sure no one could see the website I was viewing, clearing the website history so no one would notice rosmy.org was the site I most frequented.

My first night at youth group, I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable or on edge. I was blown away by the fact girls were holding hands with other girls, boys with boys...right in plain view of cars passing by. I was also scared out of my mind. I might have said five sentences maximum my first month and a half at group.

Although I hardly spoke, I quickly made friends with the youth who had been coming for quite a while. Somewhere between now and then I got placed on the Youth Advisory Council and Board of Directors and became the person I am today. Through my time with the other youth, volunteers and staff of ROSMY, I have become comfortable with my sexuality, my life, my future and myself.

Paul: I remember my first night at ROSMY youth support groups. I was so curious about who else might be there and scared that I may know someone from my school. I remember being intrigued by all the energy of the other youth and how normal they seemed—not like the stereotypes I had heard about. I really liked the structure of the groups and that they were led by neat adult facilitators. During groups the other youth really listened and seemed interested in getting to know me.

I have seen ROSMY grow and change over four years, for the better.We are still helping youth but we are now helping youth from more diverse areas of Richmond. I believe we best help youth by being open and available, and by giving them a place to call their own and to be themselves.