NSV Radio: Streetwise Partners's Story

Courtney

Courtney grew up in an upper middle class, suburban family, but from an early age she felt different – “I didn’t know exactly what I was.” Born Calvin, she felt most comfortable with female friends and enjoyed being “girly.” Like most kids, she just wanted to be herself — unfortunately her parents would not accept her as a girl.

She struggled to survive living her “double life.” She started using drugs and alcohol to cope, but wasn’t concerned because “partying was what young people did.”

Karen

Karen was born and raised in D.C. She started using drugs in high school, as the pressure to be cool and fit in began to escalate. She graduated high school, but what began as a casual habit with friends soon spiraled into a serious drug addiction.

Tracy

Tracy never felt like a part of her family. She started using drugs and alcohol to “make friends” when she was just 12 and continued using through college, marriage, and pregnancy with her twins. Tracy still managed to hold a steady government job and she believed no one knew when she was drunk or high at work. In Tracy’s mind she had it “all under control,” but in reality her life was slipping away.