Skyler Labathe

Skyler Labathe, vey/vem/veir, has felt close kinship and found many supportive people within the nonbinary and trans communities.

Skyler identifies as a panromantic nonbinary person who is still learning more about veir asexuality every day. It’s definitely a journey and vey wouldn’t have it any other way. After having been in this general area for a long time, vey moved closer to Winona about a year ago. Vey find peace in the natural magnificence of these beautiful surroundings and vey enjoy the healing energy of the valleys and bluffs.

Skyler was raised in a semi-religious household. Vey did experience some bigotry and had trouble reconciling the contradictions of the religion with veir identity. Vey decided to leave the church and today vey follow a pagan practice which allows vem to more freely express veirself.. After becoming close with a boy,

Skyler was outed as queer to veir family by their mother and told that vey were going to hell because being gay was a sin. Vey were sent to therapy where Vey were unable to advocate for veirself. Veir family tried to “convert” vem to be straight more than once.

Vey have been determined to remain true to veirself through it all. Vier cousin Juhl and veir best friend Vik have helped vem do that by offering laughs, love and support. 

Another thing that Skyler uses to cope is veir hobbies. Vey absolutely love cooking, particularly comfort foods, because it brings vem a feeling of safety, warmth and peace.

Vey also love Star Wars for it’s lessons, it’s history, the awe it inspires and because vey feel very represented by the franchise as a queer person.

Skyler hopes that veir story can continue to reach, inspire and promote growth amongst the LGBTQIA+ community. Vey believe that one day will have a better world and until that day comes we must protect, defend and support our brothers, sisters and fellow nonbinary individuals.

We must share our own stories and prove that love is the answer.