Grace Kim grew up in a community where being gay was unacceptable. At age 4 they already knew they didn’t fit within the gender binary (Kim uses gender-neutral pronouns), and the trauma led them to become selectively mute for almost 20 years. They were severely depressed and suicidal.
They decided that before they committed suicide they would have one amazing day. They spent that day in their hometown, San Francisco, riding the trolley cars and stopping in bookstores. By just being present and free to feel joy, something changed. It turned out that one good day in SF gave Grace a reason to live.
“There’s always hope if you’re alive,” Kim told Upworthy.
LGBTQIA youth are 4x more likely to commit suicide. Kim is dedicated to reducing this number and is giving youth the freedom and joy they might not know can exist, starting with the best day of their life. Their organization is called Best Day Project, fittingly, and it’s an LGBTQIA youth suicide prevention organization. Here you’ll find videos on the hundred things Kim committed to doing in 100 days on their journey to self-discovery, and you can enter to win your own best day of your life. You submit your biggest dream and you have a chance to win it.
Gaela Graciela Solo was the first to win the best day of their life from Kim.
“When I first met Grace I confided in her my secret: wanting to wear a long wedding gown with layers of tulle,” Solo told Upworthy. Her biggest wish was to throw a wedding for herself. That’s exactly what happened.
100% of donations to the Best Day Project go towards giving someone the best day of their life. Or if you’re still waiting for the best day of your life, submit your dream and, who knows, maybe it’ll come true.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
