What does it mean to turn unimaginable loss into lasting change?

After losing her close friend Drew Leinonen in the Pulse Nightclub shooting, writer and strategist Sara Elizabeth Grossman co-founded the DRU Project to carry forward his vision of a world where queer youth are safe, supported, and empowered.

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR speaks with Sara about transforming grief into advocacy and why the classroom can be as radical as the protest line. Together, they explore the legacy of the Pulse tragedy, the importance of inclusive curriculum, and how storytelling became a survival tool for a generation shaped by loss.

From GSA grants to youth leadership, Sara shares how the DRU Project honors Drew’s life while building a future where queer students thrive—not just survive.