Youth Outright holds “Creating Safe Spaces forLGBTQ Youth” workshop at McDowell Hospital January 12

Press release:

CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR LGBTQ YOUTH WORKSHOP AT MCDOWELL HOSPITAL

ASHEVILLE, NC (December 15, 2015): Youth Outright (YO), the leading advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in WNC, will present “Creating Safe Spaces: Working with LGBTQ Youth in Western NC” on Tuesday, January 12 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Administration Building at McDowell Hospital, 430 Rankin Drive, in Marion, NC.

This free workshop is designed for professionals who work with youth (teachers, counselors, social workers, and therapists), health and wellness professionals, community members and parents. The workshop is offered as part of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Schools Outreach, YO’s program developed to better serve and connect secondary school LGBTQ and allied youth and supportive school personnel in Western North Carolina.

The workshop is free but reservations are requested in order to plan for a complimentary lite supper. Reservations can be made by contacting laurie.pitts@youthoutright.org or (828) 785-3621.

Creating Safe Spaces is designed to provide adults who may work with LGBTQ youth and young adults – in any professional capacity – with basic information needed to create affirming and supportive climates,” says Programs Director Laurie Pitts. “Youth Outright is eager to work with adults who are open to and supportive of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.”

Workshop syllabus:

• Defining common LGBTQ terminology and provide basic information on LGBTQ history.

• Identifying common stereotypes associated with the LGBTQ population.

• Identifying symbols used within the LGBTQ community.

• Exploring heterocentrism, heterosexism, and homophobia in our communities.

• Discussing issues facing transgender youth and young adults.

• Explaining the coming out process and its significance to LGBTQ youth.

• Discussing issues that LGBTQ youth face in school.

• Discussing the importance of using inclusive language whenever possible.

• Discussing LGBTQ youth and the prevalence of suicide.

• Providing practical ways be visible and accessible to LGBTQ youth in professional settings

• Discussing the special challenges for LGBTQ and allied youth in small towns and rural communities

Creating Safe Spaces: Working with LGBTQ Youth in Western NC is underwritten by Mission Health System. Youth Outright’s GSA and Schools Outreach program is funded by The Palette Fund, Gamma Mu Foundation, Mission Health System, The Chaddick Foundation, Wells Fargo and Bank of America.

Youth Outright is a youth advocacy and leadership program dedicated to providing affirmation, information, support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in 18 counties in Western North Carolina. Our vision is to empower LGBTQ youth to be confident, proud, compassionate about their neighbors, and to instill in them a passion for stewardship in their community and the world.

For more information please visit our website at: youthoutright.org.