Saturday Schedule at a glance:

8:00 am – 9:00 am – Registration & Breakfast

9:00 am – 10:00 am – Session One

10:00 am – 10:30 am   – Break

10:30 am – 11:30 am – Session Two

11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Grab & Go Lunch Cafeteria

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Keynote Auditorium

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm – Break

1:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Facilitated discussions

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Panel – Auditorium

Sessions:

9:00am – 10:00am  “Safer Sex for Queer and Trans Bodies”

This workshop will provide an overview of safer sex strategies for LGBTQIA+ youth/ young people. It will explore sexual/ reproductive health disparities among LGBTQIA+ folks and explain why inclusive and affirming sex education is vital. It will also provide information on how to reduce the risk of HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancy through barrier use, and other interventions such as PrEP/PEP. The workshop will include demonstrations of effective barrier use, including: external condoms, internal/ receptive condoms, and dental dams. Sara Weinstein, MS Ed.

 

9:00 am – 10:00 am “Queer 101″

This a judgement-free zone where we go back to the basics of understanding the LGBTQ community. your questions in a brave, safe space. The goal is to help those who work with LGBT youth provide safe environments, not to change your personal beliefs. We can answer your questions with up-to-date research and statistics and help you problem solve specific situations. Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc.

9:00 am – 10:00 am “Trans Youth Policy and Advocacy”

Young transgender and gender expansive Pennsylvanians have unique and often challenging experiences in affirming their gender under the law. Adopting effective policies, as well as ensuring their successful implementation, can be crucial for trans youth. This session will educate participants on the local, state, and federal laws, and educational programs, that have direct impact on trans youth. Participants will gain valuable skills to use in their home communities in the push toward trans justice. We will also examine several case studies of anti-trans discrimination involving youth in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Youth Congress – Jason Goodman

 

10:30 am – 11:30 am  “I AM the Revolution.”

Learn customizable solutions to actualize change that addresses the needs of an organization, or community.

Our seven step framework is a “revolution” packed with tools and steps towards growth. We integrate these practices by examining our current situation, making thoughtful decisions and doing the necessary work around change. When we invest our energy and go through the steps, the increase of positive change is realized. The more you revolve, the more you evolve. When applied, the tools presented will sustain an organization for creating culturally relevant programming and decision making for future endeavors. We are keeping our critical lens on global issues while doing work for our community on a local level. We do this by tackling issues of identity, self-exploration, and expression. Kim Moses and Rachel Lohr, MSW 

 

 

 

10:30 am – 11:30 am “How the LGB Can Support the T- Partnering as Allys for Our Trans Peers”

Post legalization of gay marriage, the conservative gaze has shifted to the transgender members of our community. 100 anti-LGBTQ laws were introduced in 2017, most targeting trans persons. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ umbrella gives the illusion of a supportive network between lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons with transgender individuals. Hate groups intentionally stoke divisiveness, for it is easier to conquer smaller, fractured groups. This session is intended for individuals to learn about the spectrum of gender, to understand the links between gender expression and violence, and to plan for active and engaged allyship for and with trans peers. Ashley Lauren Sullivan, Ph.D., MSW  and Laurie L. Urraro, Ph.D

 

 

10:30 am – 11:30 am  “Self-Care: For the Good Times & Bad”

The current social and political climate takes a toll mentally and physically on LGBTQ+ individuals.  This session will consist of a discussion addressing various ways to provide self-care to help individuals through these difficult times and ways to maintain self-care during great times.  We will address how to take care of the mind and body, ways to individualize self-care plans, and how to utilize self-care when under stress.  Attendees will be asked to draw on their personal experiences to develop new self-care ideas and assist peers with self-care plans. Jay Hess, MSW

 

10:30 am – 11:30 am Addressing Suicide Risks in the LGBTQA Population

In June of 2014, Tiffany came out as transgender and begin his transition to Tyler in both his personal and professional life. Tyler struggled with depression and suicidal ideation prior to and during his transition. This workshop will focus on how those in the helping profession can address suicidal risks in the LGBTQA profession. The material will used to empower the adults in the world of LGBTQA youth with tools necessary to support LGBTQA children in their care. Tyler Titus, LPC

 

 

 

10:30 am – 11:30am  “Face of a Queen”

Alysin, Local Drag Queen Superstar: Learn the secrets from a Queen. Alysin will give present a performer’s make up tutorial. She will share tips on creating, transforming, and performing. Her insight and personality are bright and brilliant.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Amanda Carter is a recording artist, songwriter, educator and the executive director of City Art Space, a nonprofit organization with fiscal sponsorship through Fractured Atlas. Carter is a proud Harrisburg native and Howard University graduate who earned her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School in 2010. She grew up immersed in the arts and developed a fascination with language, especially as it pertains to songwriting. She began her music career after law school and has performed as far as Paris, released a top ten album on college radio charts, aired music videos on national networks, and served as a voting member of the Recording Academy. Carter is commissioner of the newly reinstated Harrisburg Human Rights Commission and after having worked as an educator in the Harrisburg and Steelton-Highspire school districts, now serves as the Director of Youth Programs at the LGBT Center of Central PA.