Meet Yakira!

Name & Pronouns:

Yakira Sameth (she, her, hers)

Where did you grow up / where do you live now?

Yakira was born in China. She grew up and still lives in Hastings on Hudson.

Yakira's Hobbies?

Some of Yakira's hobbies are running, reading, and listening to music!

Why volunteer at The LOFT?

Yakira was looking for queer spaces because she is surrounded by a lot of LGBTQ+ culture up at college, but less so when she's at home. She heard of The LOFT through Center Lane's Queer Prom.

Volunteering Experience with The LOFT:

"Mainly it's been computer work, and updating the website. It's not exactly what I was expecting, but because of COVID there are less opportunities to attend in-person groups. Although, I have been able to volunteer at Westchester Pride and Non-Binary Night out. Both of those were really exciting and fun! It was an opportunity to meet people around this area who identify as LGBTQ+. Non-Binary Night Out was great because the open mic night served as an opportunity for people to tell their stories about how they came to their identities, and how finding a community benefitted them."

Anything you would say to future volunteers at The LOFT?

"I'd like future volunteers to know that there are people that work here that are really cool to interact with and get to know. It's not all about doing tedious work, it's about serving the community. It's also a great place to meet other LGBTQ+ people who volunteer here!"

Would you rather go on vacation in the mountains or near a beach?

The mountains!

Favorite Book/TV Show?

Since the 5th grade it's been 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio

Favorite Color?

Purple, because it's a cool color and gives Yakira a calm feeling and, "It's just a pretty color!" she said.

Any words to Live By?

"If you don't know something, it's okay to say you don't know." Yakira says it's way better to admit when you're confused or don't have an answer, than try to act like you do and just give some sort of BS.