As part of Whitman-Walker’s 40th anniversary, officially January 13, 2018, we’re sharing 40 stories to help tell the narrative of the Whitman-Walker community. This week we hear from Valerie Villalta! Valerie left Central America to come to the United States in search of safety and acceptance. She found a home in Washington, DC. With the help of Whitman-Walker’s medical-legal partnership and services, she gained asylum and healthcare, and the chance to live authentically and love openly.

Please note this story was recorded in 2016.