Youth Experiences

Damon Bartraw

Christopher McLamb

Starting at Bi-GLYAH a few months after the first meeting, Damon doesn't consider himself a founding member, but remembers important parts of the beginning of the group. Also, coming from an introverted background, the group helped Damon become more extroverted and confident in who he was as a gay man.

Growing up a son of a Jehovah Witness Pastor, Christopher was introduced to Bi-GLYAH through a friend and attended the group in secret. When his family found out he was gay, he was kicked out of the house and the JW organization, but thankfully Bi-GLYAH gave him a supportive network of people who helped him through the experience.

Frank Piper

Joe Sterner

Frank is considered one of the founding members of Bi-GLYAH, having attended the group from the first meeting in 1993. He became the unofficial welcome person, attended most events and meetings, and came to the group at the exact time he needed it most when he was 18.

Joe came to Bi-GLYAH wanting to find a place where he could meet other LGBTQ+ youth. He enjoyed all aspects of the group and is especially thankful to Sharon, who showed him what a loving parent looked like regardless of their child's sexual orientation and encouraged him to keep a familiar relationship with his parents.