Do you know me?

Like so many other little girls, I dreamed of being a princess. I had the princess Halloween costume, and would wear it all the time. I dreamed of turning pumpkins into fancy chariots, to whisk me away to the ball. And the most important man in my kingdom was no the handsome prince, it was my Dad; who called me his “little princess”. I miss those innocent days. I miss my father. I wish he would call me his princess again. I wish he would call me at all. My fairytale ended when, at age 15, I came out as a lesbian. I was banished from my home that very weekend. At first I was able to stay with my girlfriend’s parents, but when they moved away, I found myself on the street with nowhere to go. I don’t want anyone’s pity, so I hide the fact that I haven’t eaten or that I slept under a bridge last night. Other kids at school make fun of my clothes and my hair. Their teasing hurts, but not as much as admitting that my own family hates me. I’m not sure there is such a thing as “happily ever after”. I would still like to go to college. I’ve given up on finding my handsome prince. Right now, I just want to make it to graduation.

Can you see me? I am one of the many faces of Fairfax County’s homeless community. Please help the homeless be seen. This link will bring you to a page to find out what you can do to help the homeless in Fairfax County.