Terry Wants to Give Back

Terry was 19 years old when she came to California from Kentucky last year and ended up in a relationship that was likely to turn violent. Terry was anxious to get out of the relationship but didn’t have any options as to where she could go. Luckily for her, her Godfather back home knew about Covenant House and suggested she contact the Los Angeles center.

Terry has other challenges in her life … she is a transgender, born as a male, yet, for as long as she can remember, has always felt like a female. She will eventually go through two years of therapy before being totally transformed with sex reassignment. It’s not an easy life. Most people don’t understand and they can be very cruel. Many transgenders end up as prostitutes as they struggle to find themselves, but Terry has a healthy respect for herself and easily communicates her feelings.

“Education and knowledge is power,” says Terry, as she explains that one of her goals is to create an empowerment-training course for other clients at the Covenant House. She believes by sharing our stories, it empowers and inspires others. Another important cause for Terry is to educate adolescents about AIDS/HIV and STDs. She also volunteers at local nursing homes and does work at a children’s hospital.

Terry believes that her life is coming together because of the support and guidance she receives from Covenant House California. She now has an intern position as receptionist and is looking forward to making her dreams come true.

Click here to make a gift to help Terry and other kids like her.