COLE Chloe

give spaces for community members to talk about difficult topics such as mental health, racial inequities, LGBTQ+ issues, all of those things,” says Cole. That work is done at live shows, workshops, open mic nights and other gatherings held throughout the year.

Cole is also the program coordinator of Valley Youth House’s Project Silk, an LGBTQ+ inclusive drop-in program for people ages 13 to 29 that offers a variety of free services, such as HIV and STI testing, counseling, education and food and emergency supplies. “Truly we’re just a space for people to come together and be in community,” says Cole. “Our community deserves radical spaces where there is radical belonging.”

Cole speaks openly about her own struggles in the hopes of buoying others who may feel adrift amidst their own trials and tribulations. “I lead with that,” she says. “I lead with love and supporting people with grace.”