Our Story
Where Community Meets Family
Hi, my name is Ashley, and I was born and raised in Sussex County, New Jersey. I was recently featured in HBO’s hit series, “We’re Here” where Bob the Drag Queen (my Drag Mom) helped me spread my wings and instead of desperately search for an inclusive community, create one myself. I introduce to you, Homeward.
Homeward is based on a personal mantra of mine: We are your family now. It is echoed by my statement after Bob and I’s drag performance: “To the deepest corners and closets in this country, I hope you know that if you don’t have a support system at all, we’re your family now.” Home, to me, is not a place, but instead is family. Homeward, by definition simply means, “towards home.” Aren’t we all just trying to find a safe, inclusive, loving, home? Homeward was created to provide it to and for any and everyone who needs it.
Enter, my incredible TransMother, Simone Kraus, who is a late stage transitioner and a lifelong Jersey Girl. I met Simone in early 2020 and we were fast friends. Not only have I learned so much from my TransMother, but she has also taught me so much about myself that I was struggling to undercover on my own.
Simone was forwarded an email in early 2022 related to casting for HBO’s “We’re Here” Season Three. “We’re Here” celebrates, unites, and empowers the LGBTQ+ community through the transformative power of drag. Simone forwarded the scout seven names to interview for the show, and I am honored to report that one of them was me.
It is hard for me to put into words how much the HBO Crew, including the incredible Shangela, Eureka, and Bob, meant to me. The week and a half long process of filming, culminating in a full drag show, was something I will never forget.
The fact that we had the privilege of bringing a message of love and acceptance to the world's stage here in Sussex is something I will never take for granted. Soon after the episode aired, Simone and I knew we had much more work to do. Together, we created Homeward with the intention of creating a safe space and social group for anyone who has ever felt "different". Homeward is committed to the ideals of inclusion, support, equality, community, and social activism, and honey, this is just the beginning.
Welcome to Homeward, where community is family. We are happy to have you and look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.
Homeward in Action
January 6, 2023 - "We're Here" Viewing Party and Drag Show Fundraiser with special guest Amy Rambow!
Nine members of our incredible Homeward Community joined us for our first "Pop-In" Meeting at Cafe e Dolci on Route 23 in Sussex on January 19th. What a night full of great conversation, connection, love and laughter.
