About L.Joi
Operation Embrace Me
Bio: L.Joi Collins
Laralyn Joi (L. Joi) Collins is a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, having acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Public Relations. As a child, she knew that there was an undeniable emotional and intimate attraction toward the same sex. In 1989, at the tender age of 14 while attending Southeast High School in Macon, Georgia, L. Joi "came out” as a Lesbian to her immediate family and friends. Soon after, L. Joi’s sexual identity was made public knowledge, and living in her truth at such a young age led to a somewhat difficult journey. It was the combination of having a solid support system comprised of her immediate family and friends, as well as, taking advantage of various mental health resources throughout her life that aided L. Joi in conquering the bullying, name calling, and overall alienation suffered due to peers and even some high school staff and administrators. Despite seemingly overcoming the negativity, L. Joi still struggled with accepting her own feelings and identity, and there were dark moments throughout her upbringing where she considered taking her own life.
Having come through such hardship has given L. Joi a much deeper appreciation and understanding for the immense value that love, support, and embracing others can have on a person’s life. She received these very things from her loved ones and even strangers at times, thus laying the groundwork for her to stand up for and work toward “change” – encouraging others to accept the idea of embracing everyone for who they are. The world has come so far in accepting those who are different, but it still has quite a ways to go. The struggle continues, but now there is at least one more advocate in L. Joi Collins and Operation Embrace Me.
If you or someone you know is struggling with acceptance, isolation, or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to L. Joi Collins via email [email protected] for a listening ear and access to additional resources that may help.
Credit to:
Honolulu Weekly | Gender Acrosss Borders
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