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Judy Pearson I Contributing Writer So Kids DON ’ T HAVE TO FEEL ALONE A 2ND ACT { helping is healing } “A lot of people have to wait until they retire to do something they’re passionate about,” Nate Rhoton’s stepfather observed. But Rhoton is so passionate about his work as executive director of one•n•ten, he says it doesn’t feel like he’s working at all. Yet, he’s accomplishing so much. There are many kids in Arizona for whom going to school, having a part-time job or playing sports is safe and comfortable. But what if it weren’t? What if every day you wondered if you’d be accepted, if you’d be included, if you’d be harmed? That’s the reality for Arizona’s LGBTQ+ youth population. “I had spent 15 years in corporate management and finance,” Rhoton said. “I had done work on various boards, and nationally on human rights campaigns. But I was at a turning point. I wasn’t quite at midlife, but still felt like I was having a midlife crisis!” He laughs. He was making money, but he didn’t feel like he was making a difference. And he wasn’t leaving work each day feeling fulfilled. one•n•ten improves self-esteem and self-acceptance among LGBTQ+ youth Nate Rhoton leads a dedicated team focused on serving LGBTQ+ youth across the state. FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 23 | NOV/DEC 2021