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Who We Are

About Us

We strive to be an accessible pool of resources and support for queer youth and allies. We empower individuals to develop the knowledge and skills to become their best, most authentic selves.

 

A person holding up a rainbow flag behind his back

Our Mission and Vision

Beaqen was created with the help of queer youth and community leaders. We connect youth, families, and allies with transformative care, supportive services, and safe community spaces. We believe that everyone has value and deserves to thrive.
 

See who we help

 

Beaqen Team

Melissa Santos, Ph.D.

She/Her
Principle Investigator, Project Lead
Connecticut Children’s

msantos@connecticutchildrens.org

William Zempsky

Project Lead
Connecticut Children’s

wzempsk@connecticutchildrens.org

Kevin Borrup

he/him
Project Lead
Connecticut Children’s

Mel

they/them
Consultant
Q Plus

Jay Sicklick

he/him
Legal Content Expert

 

Community Stakeholders

Julia DiCola

She/Her/Hers
Founder and Executive Director
OurTransLife.org

julia@ourtranslife.org

Ace Ricker

he/him
A.C.E

Christine Skurkis

she/her
Connecticut Children’s

Anonymous Stakeholders

Thank you to the additional 37 community stakeholders who preferred to remain anonymous. We would like to recognize your extensive contributions to the creation and continued improvement of Beaqen.

Youth Stakeholders

Thank you to the queer youth and their family members who helped in creating this website and continue to help us make Beaqen even better.

 

 

Support Our Mission

Beaqen runs on the generosity of the community. Help us keep it up and running by donating today.