MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the LGBTQ+ community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through the rest of February. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Nicholas York of Worcester has served in numerous roles to support and advance causes for fellow LGBTQ+ youth and teens in Massachusetts. Image courtesy of Nicholas York. (Courtesy photo)Nicholas York (Submitted)
Nicholas York
Age: 19
Community: Worcester
His story: Growing up in a rural, small town here in Massachusetts, Nicholas York said it was rare to see representation or discussion of LGBTQ+ topics, leading to a sense of isolation.
Getting older, York moved to the state’s second city, Worcester, where he said he wanted to ensure the next generation following him “never felt the same way.” York began by volunteering for the non-profit GSA Link, where he would help run social groups for younger students questioning their gender identity.
This work in turn led York to see the value in working as a mentor and example to other adolescent queer youth not much younger than himself, he said. York then began work as a peer leader at SWAGLY, the Worcester-based branch of The AGLY Network, which runs social support groups for LGBTQ+ youth from the ages of 11 through 18.
Here, York helps to run twice weekly discussions and activities centering around pertinent and important topics — with free meals also provided to those in attendance.
In addition to his work with SWAGLY, York said he has facilitated regional meetings for LGBTQ+ youth across Central Massachusetts to connect through the GSA Student Leadership Council.
York has also interned for the policy department of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth, where he has worked on research development and conducted research on queer-inclusive sex education curriculum for Bay State teens to learn about in high school, such as the “Healthy Youth Act.”
York is also a policy fellow for the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, where his work focuses on advocating for programs that work to closes education attainment gaps between students in the state, including gaps in educational attainment for LGBTQ+ students.
Starting this fall, York said he will begin attending Cornell University in New York state, where he says he hopes to further the study of issues affecting queer youth globally.
In his words: “I believe that using your voice is incredibly powerful, especially for young activists. In both my mentoring and political work, I’ve realized that lived experience can be so impactful. I encourage anyone interested in making a difference to have the courage to share your experience and thoughts — your words have power.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
