Our Annual Letter for 2020

Dear Living With XXY Community,

Let’s go back to November 6th, 2019: Living with XXY was born, as an official nonprofit organization. We are very thankful for our community and both the friendships and professional relationships we have made. Slowly, the outdated information and photos given to newly diagnosed individuals is starting to change. Most of us know all too well the same feelings of being scared, confused, and hopeless. Each and every day, our community has an increased chance to save a life. You are helping us provide real-life, everyday information by highlighting success stories and focusing on the positives. Though it often feels very vulnerable and overwhelming to step out of the shadows, your stories are a constant reminder that everyone has a voice to share.

Brett Jones, age 24, chose to step out of the shadows in a recent podcast. He said, “We were in the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons when we were younger.” He was able to articulate the way many of us feel and it gave me chills down my spine. We have created a space for people to reappear in that spotlight as better versions of themselves while building up a brighter future for the next generation.

In the midst of a global pandemic, our community came together in the toughest of times and continues to offer support to one another all across the world. Marci, Kelsey, Daniel, and I have worked extremely hard to bring significant changes and increased awareness to people living with Klinefelter syndrome/47 XXY. Many of our accomplishments are printed on the back. We were credited in a publication by The University of Oxford in the textbook, “Discovering Human Sexuality.” This is one accomplishment of which we are particularly proud.

We have big things in store for 2021.

• We are working with Getty Images to build a database of real-life imagery that truly represents those living with Klinefelter syndrome.
• Our documentary series continues to film, casting a spotlight on the amazing people of our community.
• We are working with a team of creatives to build a usable self-advocacy tool kit, building a guide about acceptance, communicating you or your child’s diagnosis, and much more.

Our team of volunteers believe that with your help, we will continue to make a difference and that one day, everyone affected by a chromosome variation can feel proud to be themselves. The stigmas of the past will not take away the voices of the future.

Founder & President

Ryan Bregante