Hi! My name is May Lafer-Kirtner, and I use she/her pronouns. I am a writer, a dreamer, an activist, and an empath. More simply, though, I’m a member of the class of 2024 in Eugene, Oregon, still trying to figure myself out. I’m the youth board member elect of my local synagogue, youth member of the Library Advisory board at my local library, and a cheerleader at my high school (shout-out South Eugene). I’ve known since a very young age that I love writing and art. It has been my outlet in the hardest parts of my life, and the happiest (it’s also been the thing that keeps me awake until 2 a.m. sitting in front of my computer). In my first year of high school, I started trying to publish my poems (and had a few of them accepted). I did this because I’m stupidly ambitious, yes, but also because I wanted to somehow let others like me know they weren’t alone.
I have struggled with severe chronic pain and illness for over three years and with my mental health from a pretty young age. When I saw that jGirls+ had openings for teen editors, it felt like some incredibly lucky draw. I get the chance now to be part of shaping a community that feels like home to many. I get the chance to help make people feel heard and to make them feel a little less alone.
