Encircle, a non-profit providing mental health services for LGBTQ youth, has surpassed its goal of raising
“Encircle's mission is very personal to me because I see myself in so many of these young people,” Cook told reporters at a press briefing Wednesday. “It’s not easy when you’re made to feel different or less than because of who you are or who you love. It’s a feeling that so many LGBTQ people know far too well.”
The group kicked off the initial campaign in February with donations from
Wade, who joined the
“I stand here as a proud parent of a beautiful daughter that's a part of the LGBT-plus community,” Wade said. “I don't have all the answers. I don't know everything, but I'm willing to listen.”
Encircle has locations in
The group is based in
The ensuing controversy showed that tensions remain between the LGBTQ community and the state’s predominant faith.
Church scholars say the
This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Dwyane Wade’s first name.
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