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For Chad (he/him), coming out is a story of becoming more authentic to himself, becoming who he is, inside and out, and being more open.⠀ ⠀ “I had a hard time coming out to the snowboarding community… I didn’t know where I would fit in.⠀ ⠀ “I didn’t know if the timing was right, I didn’t know when and how I should do it… and I realized there is no best time. There is no better time than now. I realized it’s a journey for everybody, and it just takes time.”⠀ ⠀ 📷: @lukegilford⠀ 🎬: @rivergallo⠀ ⠀ ⠀

“We were made for community. We were made for connecting. That's what keeps us alive. So checking in is a lifeline to somebody and you never know what day they'll need it.” - Sha, Social Worker and good friend, living in Columbus, OH. In honor of the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing the story of B. and Sha. “How is Your Heart?”is the question Sha asked her college friend B, which unlocked a tidal wave of emotions that B had been holding on to for years. Though they haven’t seen each other in a decade, their bond is one of love, respect, and not taking ‘I’m fine,’ for an answer. That phone call check-in was the catalyst to Sha helping B through. If you are looking for resources, Facebook has partnered with experts to provide tips on your emotional health. To access these tips, search for "Emotional Health" in the Facebook app.

“I know two negatives don’t make a positive sometimes, but maybe if we talk through it together, we will help each other out. It’s easier to climb a mountain as a team rather than by yourself. I need my teammate.” - Ruben, a hairdresser and close friend to Mary in California. In honor of the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing the story of Ruben and Mary, who became friends in a salon, and have been inseparable since. Well, until the pandemic. Not being able to see each other during quarantine was really weighing on Ruben’s mind -- especially since he knew his client Mary was dealing with a series of hardships. And Mary wasn’t responding to his attempts to reach out to her via phone and Facebook messages. This story shows how persistence, love and care (plus a bit of color) can change everything. If you are looking for resources, Facebook has partnered with experts to provide tips on your emotional health. To access these tips, search for "Emotional Health" in the Facebook app.

“If there are any people in your life that you love and that you also haven’t talked to in awhile, because you just think that, ‘Oh, they’re fine. They’re doing great.’ Those are probably the people that you need to reach out to.” - Lexy, a filmmaker living at home in Troy, Missouri. ⠀ ⠀ “What Do You Love?” These are the four words that Lexy asked Levi, which led to her discovering that her friend of 15 years had a love for reading. That question during their video call led to a two-person book club to stay connected, and it proved the catalyst for helping Levi through his difficult time. Sometimes, a small gesture can go a long way. ⠀ ⠀ If you are looking for resources, Facebook has partnered with experts to provide tips on your emotional health. To access these tips, search for "Emotional Health" in the Facebook app.

“One thing that I've seen from the Mayan community is that they're not giving up on their culture. They’re keeping it alive with traditional music, language, textiles. My mom and my wife weave all of my clothing — it’s a big part of our culture. It’s the work of art that gets passed on between generations.” Henry Sales (Mintz Xalx Nantz in Mam) moved to Oakland from Guatemala nine years ago. His story of resilience is about preserving his culture and traditions far away from his hometown of San Juan Atitan (Xjan Xwan in Mam) as he teaches the language and history of his people. “I’m proud that I didn’t give up on my language. When I first started teaching Mam, only two people showed up for the first session. But now, two years later, I have 150 students registered and taking the class at Laney College. Living in California and not giving up on my culture — that’s an example of resilience.”

Felix Navarro & Felipe Abrahao’s story of resilience is about following their dreams of becoming @thejuicyleaf owners, no matter the obstacles and sacrifices required. Here are some objects that gave them strength on their way to becoming who they are today.

“To us The Juicy Leaf is a magical place. And I feel like it is for a lot of people. When you walk into the store, you feel the love and passion that we put into it.” - Felix Felix Navarro is a Mexican-American business owner of @thejuicyleaf, a succulent boutique that he manages with his work and life partner, Felipe Abrahao. His story of resilience is about following his dreams no matter the obstacles and sacrifices required. “Since I was a little kid, I always had my hands in the dirt. I learned everything I know from my mom. To leave my secure job for my passion was absolutely terrifying. I would second-guess myself a lot. I went from being an executive in corporate America, making really good money, to selling succulents at flea markets. Resilience to me means to never give up, to evolve, to pivot. No matter what comes at you, you just keep fighting and doing what you need to do.” - Felix

Eriberto (EribertoOriol.com) and his son Estevan’s bond is behind their most groundbreaking work in photography. These are the photos that father and son took of each other with a car that has a very special meaning to them. Their shared love for antique cars is rooted in their Chicano identity.

Small businesses turn neighbors into family. “@chingchingcha has many regulars in the neighborhood,” says Geraldine M., who has been bringing friends and family to the tea shop for over 20 years. “It’s an institution in the Georgetown community and it just gives this feeling of unity.” What iconic small businesses are in your neighborhood?

Small businesses can be bridges to new cultures. “We serve always with respect and receive with gratitude,” says Hollie W., the owner of the @chingchingcha. “When we serve tea, we always pour to others before ourselves.” Ching Ching Cha and 45% of the small businesses we love may not survive the next 3 months.

Small businesses give communities a sense of pride, and place. "@1840creative are the heart of Chicago. They’re really holding ground and making a difference." Nellie is a local architect who believes custom furniture makers like 1840 Creative and other small businesses add to the identity, character, and uniqueness of the neighborhood. 1840 Creative and 45% of the small business we love may not survive the next 3 months.

@eribertooriol (EribertoOriol.com) and his son @estevanoriol have dedicated their lives to capturing the authentic beauty of the Latino and Chicano Mexican community of LA. Here are some objects that gave them strength on their way to becoming who they are today.