Whether it’s through the work he does, or through a simple smile and greeting, Karter makes the lives of those around him better. Helping others is what Karter’s all about. And he’s really good at it!
Get to know Karter in our latest 40 of the Forty installment:
What do you think about when you wake up in the morning?
Can I go back to sleep? But probably once I get my bearings I think a lot about how can I make a difference today? I think a lot of that is connected to the work that I already do but I also mean on a smaller scale. I’m not really a morning person, but I try to smile at people or if someone smiles at me I try to smile back. Often times, you can make someone’s day by just smiling.
What’s your biggest dream?
I want to get a bachelor’s in Human Services. I am going to Northeastern University.
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?
At some point in my life I’d like to have my own nonprofit, but that’s a long, longer term goal.
What is it like to be you?
I don’t know! I imagine that it’s pretty awesome. Everyone has things about themselves that they like and don’t like but I think I like my values and things I stand for. I do a pretty good job of sticking up for those values, but also allowing space for people who have different values and opinions.
I mean I think that all humans, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity should have same access and opportunities in life. (<-TWEET THIS!) I identify with lots of marginalized identities and work with racial justice and women’s rights (allying with other communities). Just as I want people to get involved on my behalf, I try to do the same thing. I think about the ways in which I’m privileged and ally with people who are less-privileged than me.
I currently have two jobs. The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ youth and I work with young queer people and young people are at the forefront of this movement. I aged out of youth category and became a staff person, and now I am an activist. I am also in AmeriCorps Massachusetts Promise Fellowship. They partner with a CBO and I’m working on the Commission for LGBTQ youth and work out of Department of Education here in Massachusetts. I work with GSA students and support them in planning for GSAs.
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The 40 of the Forty list gives lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth who have experiences with homelessness and/or housing instability a chance to speak for themselves. The young people on the list were nominated by homeless youth service providers, social workers, educators, individuals, and other folks across the country. Over the course of forty weeks, we’ll be releasing full length interviews with each young person featured on our list. Nominate a young person today!