From Youth Outright
Press release
Youth Outright’s Board of Directors announces its decision to hold monthly discussion group meetings for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) middle school youth (ages 11 – 13) on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Meetings are from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and are facilitated by Laurie Pitts, MSW, Programs Director. The next meeting is Saturday, September 19.
There are concurrent parent sessions scheduled during the middle school youth meetings in another room at the church (3rd Saturday of each month from 11:00 – 12:30). These meetings provide parents the chance to meet and talk with other parents and Youth Outright staff and volunteers. Parents of high school and elementary school youth are also invited to attend.
Both meetings are accessible through the automatic door located near the TD Bank parking lot.
The meetings for middle school youth were started following numerous requests from parents, teachers and youth, including an appeal from a then 12-year old gay youth: “Middle school, in my opinion so far, is one of the hardest times for youth determining sexuality and gender identity and dealing with stress at the same time. I’ve met plenty of people that agree that middle school and above is when it starts to get difficult.”
“Middle school is difficult for any youth,” according to Pitts, “and it is an especially challenging environment for LGBTQ youth and those who may be perceived as LGBTQ. The concurrent parent support meeting gives parents the chance to meet other parents and learn how they can be better advocates for their children.”
Refreshments will be served.
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.
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