Queer Teens Share Struggles & Triumphs In 14 Captivating Photos

Artists and childhood friends Laurel Golio and Diana Scholl have shared the stories of more than 80 LGBTQ youth since they launched their photojournalism project "We Are The Youth" in 2010. "Laurel and I decided to start this project four years ago because we felt that there were lots of stories to be shared about LGBTQ youth that we didn’t see represented," Scholl told The Huffington Post. "It was important for us that people from all walks of life could read the individual stories of others and know they were not alone." Scholl, a writer and communications strategist, recorded the stories told by the queer youth featured in the project. Golio, a photographer, captured their portraits. Together, the text and photos are a testament to the struggles, triumphs, and everyday realities of non-straight and/or non-cis folks under 21 across America. Click through to view 14 of their stories. And, head to the project's website to purchase the book We Are The Youth. You can even choose to donate a copy to an organization that works with queer young adults — because representation is key to realizing potential, no matter your sexuality or gender identity.