 Errica C. | Senior | Team: 1073 | Female | Pan | 2016 – Present
What do you do on your team? I’m the CEO/captain of 1073. Previously, I was the software VP/lead. Why did you join LGBTQ+ of FIRST? I’ve always struggled with self-confidence and allowing myself to be anything beyond others’ expectations. FIRST gave me the opportunities I needed to open up and learn to take a stand for my identity, and LGBTQ+ of FIRST is a chance for me to pass it forward for others in the community. What are your goals for the future? Currently, I plan on majoring in computer science and entering the medical field.
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  Danielle E. | Senior | Team: 1339 | West | Female | Pansexual | 2017 – Present
Why did you join LGBTQ+ of FIRST? I was about a year into a non-straight relationship and still questioning my sexuality and I wanted to engage in a community where I would find friends who might be like me. When I saw the truly fantastic community LGBTQ+ of FIRST cultivated, I decided that I wanted to support it’s growth and get other people connected to it. What are you most looking forward to this competition season? The regionals my team is attending this year are looking really competitive so I’m excited to see everyone having some serious fun! I also did a lot of my team’s artwork for imagery this year so I’m hoping we’ll get to trade shirts with a lot of teams and hopefully win the imagery award! (fingers crossed!) What are your goals for the future? I plan on studying Computer Science and Graphic Design in college next year with hopes of going into Web Design. I’m also into knitting so hopefully I can develop that craft and try making a sweater.  Cyprin M. | Junior| Team: 4135 | West | Nonbinary | Pansexual/Poly | 2017 – Present
What is your favorite experience with LGBTQ+ of FIRST? My favorite experience with LGBTQ+ of FIRST is probably spreading the word – seeing people’s excitement not only at the pins but at the realization they aren’t alone in this….it’s truly the most amazing thing. What are you most looking forward to this competition season? Competitions, of course! The atmosphere, the rush, the excitement – It’s incredible. I’m especially excited for this season, though, because I get to help with LGBTQ+ of FIRST outreach! Recommend a book, movie, album, podcast, etc. to us. I’m hooked on Maker youtubers again, and right now I really like the Make Anything 3d printing channel. He turned a CNC laser engraver into a laser PEN.  Kiran Loewenstein | Senior | Team: 2826 | Lesbian | 2016 – Present
Why did you join LGBTQ+ of FIRST? I got involved with LGBTQ+ of FIRST through two of my good friends who were part of the organization. After helping promote Women in STEM, I quickly fell into the rabbit-hole of advocacy, and have enthusiastically supported and helped to shape LGBTQ+ of FIRST’s future since joining. What are you most looking forward to this competition season? In my fourth and final year, I can’t wait to operate for my team as well as see where these last six weeks have taken me and my team. Selfishly, I’d also love to be an alliance captain at a (season) competition – I want that armband! It’ll also be great to have another year of trying and hopefully not failing to make my autonomous modes work, and to see the other students take a step up at competition. What is one cool thing you’ve learned lately? To fly in the Soyuz (a Russian spacecraft), the Russians pour a plaster mold that is fit exactly to the astronaut’s body and spacesuit, and it’s apparently very uncomfortable.  Learn more about our event attendance from our spreadsheet!
 Kira K.| Senior | Team: 5683| Lesbian/Demiromantic | 2016 – Present
How did you get involved with FIRST? I got involved in FIRST when my best friend suggested I join robotics. Originally, I thought I wouldn’t fit in, but after doing VEX during first semester freshmen year- I knew robotics was somewhere I belong. After joining FRC during second semester, I was having so much fun I realized that robotics- especially programming- is where my heart lies. I’ve had the best past two years with this team, and I’ve learned so much about life. Robotics is truly a great character builder. What is your favorite experience with LGBTQ+ of FIRST? My favorite experience with LGBTQ+ of FIRST is all the awesome people I’ve got to meet- whether it be on tumblr, in the discord, or in real life at competitions. It’s always so cool to see people so excited about the initiative and to hear their stories. I think one of the coolest moments is that when I explained about the blog to my mentors, by the end of last season, two of them were comfortable enough to come out. Recommend a book, movie, album, podcast, etc. to us. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson Maddox C. | Junior | Team: 2197 | Gay | 2016 – Present
Why did you get involved with FIRST? When I was in 7th grade, the high school robotics mentor visited our middle school and asked me one question: “Do you want to build a robot?” The answer was yes. I joined FTC that year, and I’ve been in FIRST since. Why did you join LGBTQ+ of FIRST? I felt alone in the FIRST community, and I didn’t know how to be open about my sexuality to my team. I came across a small blog, and on a whim, I decided to apply. After joining the blog, I realized the amazing thing we could bring to FIRST: a community of our own. Recommend a book, movie, album, podcast, etc. to us. I’m currently reading John Lewis’s autobiography, Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an eye opener and a good author!  Learn more about our event attendance from our spreadsheet!
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About LGBTQ+ of FIRST
LGBTQ+ of FIRST is a student run organization that advocates awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ students, mentors, and volunteers of FIRST Robotics. LGBTQ+ of FIRST reaches out to over 1000 members across the FIRST regions and fronts multiple outreach endeavors. Archives
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