The city's first and so far only homeless shelter for LGBTQ young adults unveiled a new mural Thursday highlighting its diverse community.
Imaj, a 24-year-old who's gender-nonconforming, became homeless after getting kicked out by family members four years ago. Imaj is one of 80 clients residing at Marsha's House in Belmont.
Imaj, shelter administrators and community leaders on Thursday unveiled a hand-painted mural representing the shelter and its mission to provide a safe and empowering environment for LGBTQ individuals ages 18 to 30.
The mural features some of the actual residents of the shelter, as well as late activist Marsha P. Johnson.
"The opening of Marsha's House and the mural behind me sends a message that we are committed to supporting every kind of New Yorker, including the LGBTQ community," says City Councilman Ritchie Torres.
Imaj is now looking for work to make the transition from homeless to their own place.