We’re looking forward to introducing you to SHARON HERRERA. Check out our conversation below.
Hi SHARON, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My seasonal gig at Costco. I love retail and all the hustle and bustle, high energy, customer traffic especially during peak season. It is absolutely invigorating.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sharon Herrera is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, Founder and Executive Director of LGBTQ S.A.V.E.S., and serves as a leader in the LGBTQ community of Tarrant County. Sharon works closely with many organizations, universities, churches, and school districts to help further education on LGBTQ issues.
Sharon currently works for the Fort Worth ISD, where she, in collaboration with Tom Anable, David Henderson and Jon Nelson, gay activists and leaders of Fairness Fort Worth, challenged the Fort Worth Independent School District to add a Non-Discrimination Policy. The LGBTQ advocates prevailed and championed equity for staff and students. Sharon lives in Fort Worth with her wife Marcel.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed I was going to hell, after all a catholic priest told me that I was because I was gay. This led to my suicide attempt in my teens.
I am a suicide attempt survivor and now my duty is to make this world a better place for LGBTQ youth.
I no longer believe in religion, to me, it functions simply as a tool for social control and uses a magical divine reward, punishment and fear to gain influence. I am leery of the lavish lifestyles of wealthy religious leaders.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
September 2010
The following names gave me the strength to turn my childhood pain into power.
Raymond Chase, 19
Cody J. Baker, 17
Billy Lucas, 15
Seth Walsh, 13
Tyler Clementi, 18
Asher Brown, 13
Harrison Brown, 13
Felix Sacco, 17
Caleb Nolt, 14
These are the names of the nine LGBTQ youth that took their life by suicide and I realized it was time to do my part to make this world a better place for LGBTQ youth.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! I don’t really know how to show up in any other way but authentically, and honestly, I have no desire to either.
What you see out there, the passion, the professionalism, the sense of purpose – that’s NOT an act. It’s genuinely who I am.
I’m the result of years of growth, challenges, and the love and wisdom my ‘Ama’ shared with me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Meaningful reflection. I am not entirely certain if I was born to do this or if guided towards it- LGBTQ SAVES. What is clear is that I am making a genuine impact by saving lives. Sometimes, the purpose we fulfill is not about being given a path- it’s about following the path where we can make the most difference. And my goal is to save lives!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.LGBTQSAVES.ORG
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgbtqsaves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGBTQSAVES/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q2aoMGHFSg
- Other: CONTACTUS@LGBTQSAVES.ORG
