What's Good

Meet the incredible force behind Adulting IRL, our Founder and Executive Director, M. Desiree (Des) Bansile!

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I see myself as a visionary, advocate, and someone who’s always thinking outside the box. Growing up as a first-gen African-Caribbean American, I faced domestic violence at home and struggled with my sexuality from an early age. By sixteen, I started having thoughts of suicide, and by twenty-three, those thoughts led to a suicide attempt. But through navigating all of that and embracing my identity as a lesbian, I found my calling in youth advocacy and peer support.

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My professional journey started with being a Peer, and over time, I grew into a trusted coach, trainer, and consultant. I've worked with organizations to help them better serve Black, Brown, and Indigenous LGBTQ+ communities. But at the heart of it all, my passion has always been addressing the high rates of suicide among youth with intersectional identities. In 2020, I founded Adulting IRL, a space dedicated to suicide prevention and intervention. Through the #IRLSeries, we’re changing lives with a range of supports, from student workshops to parent guides and training for new Youth Peer Support specialists.

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My story is a testament to resilience and the power of turning personal struggles into something that creates real social change. My hope is that, through this work, we can build communities that are more supportive, understanding, and inclusive for everyone.

 

💪🏾🏳️‍🌈✊🏾 #IRLHeroes