Growing up in a small town with little to no representation of the queer community, I often felt isolated, as though there were no people who shared my experiences. I lacked a sense of belonging and struggled to find a community that reflected who I was. This feeling of loneliness and the search for representation became the driving force behind the creation of UnityWave.
I founded UnityWave during my time as a high school student in New Jersey, driven by a deep passion to illuminate the history and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. The idea was simple: to build a platform where queer stories, issues, and triumphs were not only heard but celebrated. Initially, it was just me, writing articles and blog posts, but as the platform grew, I was fortunate to connect with other writers who shared the same vision. UnityWave quickly evolved into a collective, where voices from various parts of the queer community came together to tell stories, share research, and build awareness.
The main goal was education—especially for young people like myself who may have felt the same isolation I did. Our research articles focus on critical historical topics such as queer voting rights, homelessness among LGBTQ+ individuals, and educational disparities. By publishing these pieces, we aim to shed light on the struggles our community has faced and continues to face, all while celebrating the progress we’ve made.
Beyond the research articles, our blog has become an eclectic space where we discuss everything from Charli XCX to Madonna, cultural icons who have made significant impacts on queer visibility. It’s a lighter side of UnityWave, but it’s important because culture plays such a pivotal role in helping LGBTQ+ individuals find their place in the world.
One of our proudest achievements has been launching the UnityWave Uplift campaign, which spans the entirety of 2024. This campaign allows both the blog and its readers to support the LGBTQ+ community through fundraising efforts that directly impact queer organizations and individuals in need. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how much our audience has embraced this initiative, proving once again the power of community and collective action.
Through UnityWave, I’ve learned so much—not only about queer history and the struggles that many of us still face but also about the importance of storytelling and visibility. Every story matters, and each one has the power to inspire change. The platform has brought together a community of people who are passionate, engaged, and determined to make the world a more inclusive place.
My message to queer youth is this: It’s okay to feel like you don’t belong. It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. But know that you are not alone. There is a community waiting for you, one that will celebrate you for exactly who you are. Find your voice, share your story, and never let anyone make you feel like you’re less than. We are here, and we are stronger together. Keep pushing, keep creating, and remember that you are worthy of love and acceptance—always.
