" In the summer of 2021 I had the opportunity to work at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church, my childhood congregation. During this time I helped with our rainbow heart mural for LGBTQ2S+ reconciliation and pride. Naturally, a community started to form of artists and volunteers, most of them Queer youths, and the mural painting sessions became a safe place for them. Many of the people told us that since school was over for the summer, going to the church was a fun activity to do to hang out with people, instead of being alone and bored. For me, it was my job to come and help but I was super happy to hang out with people. I made good friends with many of the volunteers and I enjoyed feeling like I was a part of something bigger than myself. That’s when we decided to start fruit combo. It’s super important for kids, especially Queer kids, to have a strong support system, since many queer kids don’t get support and comfort at home. The concept of found family is very integral to the Queer community so having a youth group to attend is super important for these vulnerable kids. Fruit combo is special not only because of how organically it began and its importance to the LGBTQ2S+ community, but also because it is located in a church, making it a symbol of healing. The group is not a religious group, nobody who attends had to be Christian and we don’t discuss Christian themes, but the space being located in a church and run 

by religious people makes Christianity more accessible for any queer kids who want to be involved in the church, and helps change the narrative around LGBTQ identities and the church. I am proud of my part in the founding of the group and even more proud of the brave kids who attend. I recently moved south for school so I’m no longer a leader of fruit combo but I still attend some nights when I am in town. It’s always something I look forward to, and I feel very blessed to know that through fruit combo I’ve also found a second family. "

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