Jasmine (she/her/hers) currently lives in Seaford where she was raised. She is engaged to the love of her life Mak and fortunate to have a wonderful mother, in addition to numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Jasmine works as a Mental Health Therapist and enjoys coloring, watching horror movies, and doing her makeup. She is passionate about creating and supporting safe spaces for LGBTQAI folks to live and thrive in.
Jasmine is a volunteer with Sussex Pride Health and recently took the lead on organizing our presence for LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week. You may also have seen Jasmine volunteering last year at the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Where are you originally from and how did you end up here?
While I was born in Washington, DC, I spent the majority of my childhood and young adulthood in Delaware. After moving from D.C, I lived in Millsboro for a time before settling into my current home in Seaford. I ended up in Delaware then as a result of multiple generations of my family living here.
How has the area changed?
Honestly, the biggest change I’ve noticed is the increased amount of corporate presence in the area. Growing up in Seaford, there were not a lot of places to visit, dine-in, or shop. However, now businesses seem to be moving into the area, generating fun activities for folks to do on a Friday night (or really any night).
Who is your LGBTQ+ hero? Who do you look up to most in our community and why?
My LGBT+ hero is SaVanna Wanzer, Founder of May is All About Trans. Ms. Wanzer is an advocate for the prioritization of the unique needs of Trans Folk in healthcare settings. I look up to her because of how she leads with magnanimity, poise, and relents to nothing short of what she and women in D.C. deserve. I strive to remain as optimistic and committed to the empowerment of all community members in this way.
What is your volunteer role at Sussex Pride and what do you like most about it?
Within Sussex Pride, I serve as a volunteer, active in the Health Committee. I was drawn to this committee due to my personal interest and investment in improving health outcomes of LGBTQAI+ folks in Sussex County. I enjoy volunteering with the Health Committee because it permits me the opportunity to learn about the unique challenges LGBT folks face. Additionally. I enjoy learning opportunities I can support efforts to create better lives for LGBT people in my communities.
When was the first time you went to a Pride Event? What do you remember about it? (If you have never been to a pride event, do you plan to go this year and what are you looking forward to about Pride?)
I have yet to attend a Pride Event as an attendee but I have volunteered at Pride Events in the past. I remember how joyous and carefree attendees were. I truly enjoyed witnessing folks celebrate themselves and our communities.
What is your favorite Delaware Beach?
I think my favorite beach is Rehoboth Beach. There is always something to see, do, or eat. I love visiting the local stores and restaurants before lying out on the beach.
What is your favorite Beach food?
My favorite Beach food is funnel cake. It’s crunchy, hot, and sweet. Eating a funnel cake is like eating the crunchy outer ring of a pancake. I love it.
What have you enjoyed most about volunteering with Sussex Pride and what (if any) advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
The aspect of volunteering with Sussex Pride I’ve most enjoyed is connecting with community members. Sometimes being Queer and living in inland Sussex County is isolating. There aren’t too many spaces celebrating LGBTQAI+ folks in Seaford. To be able to find people who are part of the “Alphabet Gang” has been affirming and empowering.
The advice I’ll give future volunteers is to try something new. Volunteering opportunities don’t always have to align with professional interests or current skill sets; they can also be opportunities to learn a new set of skills or apply existing skills in a different way. I picked the Health Committee for example, because the Committee provides me opportunities to approach health and wellness from a refreshing angle, where I can plan events or develop initiatives to raise awareness to health challenges LGBTQAI+ people face. So to people deciding whether to volunteer or how to get involved, showing up to events or opportunities is a great way to begin clarifying your brand of volunteerism.