Who we are

HOW OUR JOURNEY BEGAN

Founder & Executive Director of Love on a Mission, Deena, shares how her vision to help LGBTQ+ youth came about.

My journey started in February 2013 when I found a letter addressed to me that I was never intended to find.  It started out by saying, “If I never get a chance to tell you….”  In this letter written by one of my twins, Aaron, he revealed that he was gay.  I felt as if my heart had stopped beating.  I have always been very close to my three boys and I did not want this newfound information to come between our relationship.  For three months I prayed, fasted and tried to research everything I could get my hands on.  After I finally shared with Aaron that I knew and assured him of my love for him and that I would stand with him even though I didn’t fully understand nor at this time even agreed with everything, Austin (his twin) felt safe to come out as well.  What I found, as I prayed for God to speak to my boys and change their hearts, was that God began to speak to me and transformed my heart and mind.

Aaron & Austin moved to LA in July of 2014 to pursue a YouTube channel and modeling.  In January of 2015, they uploaded a video that has changed their lives along with mine.  They had a viral coming out video to their father.  The video has over 27 million views and it has helped others gain courage and hope for their lives.

In April 2015 I received a text from a friend that knew my heart and passion for young people and the LGBTQ community.  In this text, he asked if I knew of any resources for a young man, a senior in high school, that after coming out to his parents he had to move out.  My heart broke for this young man that I didn’t even know, but through this brokenness Love on a Mission was birthed.