Maayan
My name is Maayan-Rahel Simon and Positive Images has been an extraordinary part of my life since the winter of 1999. I have been a community organizer for over 4 years (and counting!) and my passions include working both behind the scenes and on the frontlines for Queer and Transgender justice, abolishing white supremacy, and as an activist for labor/immigrant visibility and rights. Currently I am a College Sophomore majoring in Pre-Law Community Studies.
I am a rambunctious, tomato-loving, feisty individual and the only thing that Reagan and I agree on is that ketchup should be counted as a vegetable group. My true loves include ART, Alix Olson, crafts, and all outlets of creative writing. My dream is to one day publish the ultimate feminist novel , but, for now, my writing can be found in The Gay & Lesbian Journal of Issues in Education, OUTspoken Magazine, and Positive Images’ very own Images magazine.
I was fortunate enough to find my coming out met with a supportive family and an open minded group of friends in my 8th-grade year of middle school. Even so, I felt very conflicted about my identity as a Queer Lesbian: part of me was exhilarated to finally acknowledge my “whole” self, and part of me could not let go of all the shame and negative connotations associated with being gay. Positive Images has been an extremely vital part of sorting out and reflecting on who I am through different stages of my life.
This community has played a tremendous role in supporting my sense of self –not by helping me to find rigid answers about my sexuality –am I straight or gay- but by creating the nurturing, supportive, fun, and genuine atmosphere that has helped me to take the risk of finding the right questions to ask myself. Through this process the Positive Images mentors, members, guests, directors, supporters, and board members have never failed to offer endless opportunities to ignite me sense of creativity, insight, action, and community involvement.
My roles include working as the fanatic coordinator of the Fundraising Team, speaking on community outreach panels, and acting as a part of our peer-led, youth facilitated meetings. You can also reach me LIVE! in the office on Fridays between 3pm and 5pm at 1-866-PI-LGBTQ or (707)-568-5830 and I am available to answer any questions or concerns that you have about the group. If you would like to CHAT I am also available through AIM, Yahoo, MSN (username: PositiveImgs), or ICQ (206886466) during the same hours, and I would love to hear from you anytime at Maayan@thetomatoavenger.org.
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