According to the 2016 Center for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey, youth who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are significantly more at-risk for struggles with mental health, addiction, homelessness and suicide. The American Journal of Public Health also shows that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately likely to experience childhood sexual and domestic violence, poverty, unintended pregnancy and STI risk, and other health problems compared to their heterosexual or cisgender peers.
With growing confusion and sometimes turmoil surrounding the experiences of sexual- and gender-minority youth, there is a great need for competency training. Youth-serving professionals and other adults have a unique opportunity to help alleviate these disparities by creating safe, culturally affirming environments for all youth.
Join us for this interactive workshop focused on learning ways to holistically support, engage, and uplift LGBTQ+ youth, and to foster environments of safety and stability for youth of every gender and sexuality.
Attendees will:
- gain a deeper understanding of the unique community health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ youth;
- increase knowledge of best practices in working with LGBTQ+ youth; and
- gain skills in identifying and intervening to prevent harmful language and behavior.