Thank you for the article about Sage and youth suicide. It is important that people know that the North County LGBTQ Resource Center in Oceanside served as a great resource for Sage, his family, and friends. Sage was “our kid.” He regularly attended one of our youth groups. Our Center has by no means been silent about Sage’s death. On Thursday, March 5, we had a well-attended memorial service, designed by his young friends in his support group (which is facilitated by a licensed therapist and mom,) here at the Center. Members of Our Circle, Round Table (two of our youth groups), PFLAG and Valuing Our Families, (our support group for parents of gender non-conforming children, also run by a therapist and proud mom of a transgender son,) were among those there. We encourage anyone to reach out to us, the local LGBTQ Resource Center connected to Sage. We knew him, and know his family and community. In addition, many people attached to the Center, including our youth, attended the church service held by Sage’s family. The kids spoke poignantly at that service as well. They knew the up-close daily reality of this precious child, like no one else could. We were his family too.

The Center’s Facebook page reflects the direct connection we have to Sage, the local youth, and their families. You will see announcements of the memorial service mentioned above. The day of Sage’s death, and almost every day since, young people and adults have come here to share hugs, poetry, writings, and paintings, about our feelings.

LGBT people, questioning people, straight allies, families and friends can come to us regarding any matter. We are here to help and we have resources such as free therapy, social work, support groups, social groups, special events, and more. Our website shows services too many and varied to mention, including GAP, our Gender Advocacy Project.

Finally, we are sorry for the loss of your sister, and thank you for caring.

I would also like your readers to have our contact information:
Address: 510 N. Coast Hwy., Suite C, Oceanside, CA 92054
Hours: M-Th 12pm -8pm, F 10am -8pm, Sat: 12pm-6pm, Sun: Closed
Phone: 760-994-1690
Email: info@ncresourcecenter.org
Website: http://www.ncresourcecenter.org
Facebook.com/nclgbtqresourcecenter

Max Disposti, Executive Director
Linda Johnson, Administrative Assistant
And the Board of Directors
North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Oceanside, CA