Nevin William Blaythorne-Rae
Born and raised in Bucks County, Nevin is the youngest of our “change-makers and legends profiles. At 16 he courageously and literally stood up for his rights as a gay young man in front of the School Board of New Hope-Solebury and spoke, bleached hair and nails painted, about his experiences as an “out teen at his school. The outcome was the initiation of the high school’s first Gay-Straight Alliance, which is still currently in existence.
He was also honored that year by the Human Rights Campaign of Philadelphia for an essay he submitted-a proud and strong young man.
He thanks former Borough Council member Geri Delevich for helping foster his courage to stand up and effect change.
To Nevin, the most influential person in his life has been his environmentally activist mom, Hope, who –along with his stepfather and sister, McKenzie—made the area their home in 2001. He found the accepting, diverse environment one in which he could thrive and contribute his vision.
“I’m not sure what I had in mind as far as my ‘place’ as much as I just wanted to contribute to making my community a positive, inclusive one. If I contributed anything, I would hope that it is positive energy toward a noble cause.
In addition to his stellar home life and high school experiences, Nevin gained security and strong hospitality skills in his years working at Triumph Brewery and Restaurant, or “my Triumph family as he calls them, where he met his best friend and through his training, felt competent. Today he employs skills he learned there about traveling the world in hospitality positions. Currently, he resides in Australia!
“I am still in the beginning stages of creating a life for myself. But as far as my current progress, I think having lived in an inclusive, compassionate community has really made me more in touch with my emotions as a young adult. I feel love and pain very deeply, and I’m not scared to feel them as such. I would say this comes from always feeling like it was acceptable to be yourself in my area and always have people there who were ready to help when failure seemed imminent.
Adds Nevin, “People often talk about living in New Hope as being in a bubble and that they said that put things in perspective for me. Today I am living 11,602 miles away from home. Coming from a small community really influenced my interest in seeing the world, so if you don’t let the ‘bubble’ rule you then it can really take you to amazing places.
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From a letter from Geri Delevich
In 2011, without hesitation, Nevin Rae assumed the leadership role in starting the Gay-Straight Alliance at his high school. Within 24 hours, Nevin had signed up over 25 students for the alliance. He worked with teachers, parents, students, and administrators to establish the GSA. I attended the school board meeting where Nevin so eloquently presented his case for a Gay-Straight Alliance. His impassioned speech received hearty applause from the audience and a unanimous yes vote from the school board members.
His first year as the leader of the GSA, Nevin led his group in the New Hope Lambertville Winter Festival parade as they marched carrying the Human Rights Campaign equality banner. Nevin also was awarded a trip to the HRC’s annual dinner in Philadelphia for his essay written as part of an HRC youth contest.
Nevin is congenial, well-spoken and respectful of differences in people. He is active in his community. Nevin represented the youth on the New Hope Celebrates gay pride committee and continues his strong leadership of the GSA at his high school. Nevin would be a worthy recipient of the LAX Scholarship for gay men who are involved in their communities. He is a superb role model for others who aspire to live their lives as proudly gay.
Geri Delevich
New Hope Borough Council
Community Affairs – Chairperson
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Gay Straight Alliance
In 2011, without hesitation, Nevin assumed the leadership role in starting the Gay Straight Alliance in his high school. Within 24 hours, Nevin had signed up over 25 students for the alliance. He worked with teachers, students and administrators to establish the GSA. I attended the school board meeting where Nevin so eloquently presented his case for a Gay Straight Alliance. His impassioned speech received a hearty applause from the audience and a unanimous yes vote from the school board members.
His first year as the leader of the GSA, Nevin led his group in the New Hope Lambertville Winter Festival parade as they marched carrying the Human Rights Campaign equality banner. Nevin also was awarded a trip to the HRC’s annual dinner in Philadelphia for his essay written as part of an HRC youth contest.
Nevin is congenial, well-spoken and respectful of differences in people. He is active in his community. Nevin represented the youth on the New Hope Celebrates gay pride committee.
