Early origins of becoming the awkward LGBTQ+ speaker and trainer I am today

From an impulsive 5th grade culmination essay contest entry win through early high school and college years.

Some stories will eventually overlap or be retold, but I repeat parts as needed for anyone hopping into my timeline at random so they’re not completely lost, and to serve as a reminder for folks currently following along.

My first public speaking engagement

I was a passionate kid who cared deeply about the environment and was super interested in tech, bot…