Kasey was one of three teens featured in “Homestretch” a documentary film based in Chicago – Image screenshot of film website, homestretchdoc.com

“Be proud of who you are,” Kasey said. “As long as you are proud of who you are no one can stop you.” Words of inspiration from one LGBTQ teen whose faced a world of adversity, and is now a part of an upcoming documentary on the PBS “Independent Lens” series.

Kasey (pictured in the image) is featured in the documentary “Homestretch”, which follows the lives of three Chicago teens dealing with homelessness and home insecurity. According to Will Thwaites, Associate Producer on the film, the filmmakers became interested in the idea of homelessness while working on another project in Chicago, where an estimated 20,000 youth and young adults are struggling with home insecurity.

“Kasey ended up being, really, the highlight of the film,” said Thwaites.

Take a listen to our interview with Kasey and Will and find out more about the movie, how Kasey liked working on “Homestretch” and enjoys her new found fame from the project, and what message they hope to send with the documentary. Plus, learn more about the misconceptions surrounding youth homelessness, and more of Kasey’s words of encouragement for LGBTQ youth who might be experiencing similar situations.

“Homestretch”, a co-production between Spargel Productions and Kartemquin Films,  airs this Monday, April 13 10/9c on your local PBS station.