Daniel Ashley Pierce, a 20-year-old gay man and subject of a viral video showing the violent reaction of his family members after he came out to them, has been named to the Board of Directors of Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta.
Lost-n-Found Youth is a non-profit organization providing temporary housing, job search assistance, counseling, and other services to homeless LGBT youth.Pierce is the first former client of Lost-n-Found Youth to join the organization's Board of Directors. His appointment is part of a larger effort to bring broad perspectives and skills to the organization's leadership.
Pierce was recognized at GLAAD Atlanta, a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality through the media.The event raised critical funds in support of GLAAD’s year-round work to rewrite the script for LGBT equality, featured a special surprise appearance by football player Michael Sam. GLAAD Southern Stories will elevate the experiences of LGBT people in six of the nation's southern states. The initiative amplifies stories of LGBT people thriving in the South, ongoing discrimination, as well as the everyday indignities endured by LGBT people who simply wish to live the lives they love.
After the video of Pierce coming out to his family--only to be verbally and physically attacked by them--went viral, he received nearly $100,000 in donations to help support him and keep him off the streets. Now Pierce is using the money to work with Lost-n-Found Youth to build a new shelter for LGBT homeless youth that will triple the capacity of the organization's current shelter.
"Lost-n-Found was there for support from the earliest moments and they stepped in before I ever got to the first critical 48 hours of homelessness," said Pierce. "Their quick response is proof that there is a safe place in Atlanta for youth like me to turn to for support. Even though my personal story was extreme, I hope my experiences can continue the dialogue about GLBTQ youth homelessness and get people off the street by engaging the community."
Find out more about Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta at www.lnfy.org