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This training aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the intersectional challenges and experiences faced by LGBTQ2S+ youth, with a focus on girls of color. The content will delve into how race, ethnicity, and gender intersect with LGBTQ2S+ identities, creating unique barriers and disparities for this population. Here’s an outline of the key components of this training program:
1. Introduction to Intersectionality in LGBTQ2S+ Youth Experiences
- Overview of Intersectionality: Explanation of how race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation intersect to shape the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ youth.
- Understanding the Diversity within LGBTQ2S+ Communities: Emphasis on the diversity of identities within the LGBTQ2S+ spectrum and the distinct challenges faced by various groups, with a focus on youth of color.
2. The Unique Challenges Faced by LGBTQ2S+ Girls of Color
- Double Discrimination: Exploration of how LGBTQ2S+ girls of color experience discrimination based on both their race/ethnicity and their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Cultural and Family Expectations: Discussion on cultural expectations and familial dynamics that may conflict with LGBTQ2S+ identities, contributing to feelings of isolation or rejection.
- Impact on Mental Health and Well-being: Understanding how the compounded discrimination impacts mental health, self-esteem, and the overall well-being of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color.
3. Barriers and Disparities in Systems
- Juvenile Justice System: Insight into the unique experiences of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color within the juvenile justice system, such as overrepresentation, mistreatment, and lack of appropriate support.
- Access to Healthcare: Examination of barriers to accessing gender-affirming care, mental health services, and culturally competent healthcare for LGBTQ2S+ youth, especially those from marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Educational System: Discussion of the barriers faced in schools, including bullying, lack of inclusive curricula, and inadequate support for LGBTQ2S+ students of color.
4. Root Causes of Disparities
- Structural Inequities: Understanding how historical and systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia create and perpetuate disparities.
- Cultural Stereotypes and Stigma: Analyzing the role of societal stereotypes and stigma in the marginalization of LGBTQ2S+ youth of color, and how these stereotypes are reinforced in various systems (e.g., schools, healthcare, criminal justice).
5. Strategies to Address and Mitigate Disparities
- Building Cultural Competency and Sensitivity: Training on how to be culturally competent and responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ2S+ youth of color.
- Advocacy and Allyship: Exploring how participants can advocate for systemic changes, challenge discrimination, and support LGBTQ2S+ girls of color both in institutional settings (e.g., juvenile justice, schools) and in the community.
- Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments: Practical strategies for creating safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ2S+ youth, particularly girls of color, in schools, communities, and juvenile justice systems.
- Community Engagement and Support Systems: Understanding the importance of mentorship, peer support, and community-based organizations that can provide tailored support to LGBTQ2S+ girls of color.
6. Case Studies and Interactive Discussions
- Real-World Examples: Case studies exploring the experiences of LGBTQ2S+ girls of color in different contexts, such as the juvenile justice system, schools, and healthcare settings.
- Interactive Scenarios: Role-playing exercises or group discussions that help participants practice applying the strategies learned to real-life situations, enhancing their ability to navigate complex issues.
- Collaborative Solutions: Working together to brainstorm solutions and action plans for addressing disparities in local communities and institutions.
7. Closing Reflections and Action Plans
- Personal Reflection: Participants will reflect on their own learnings and experiences and how they can apply this knowledge to their work or advocacy efforts.
- Commitment to Change: Participants will develop individual or group action plans to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ2S+ girls of color in their respective spheres of influence.
This training will equip participants with the knowledge, empathy, and practical skills needed to support and advocate for LGBTQ2S+ girls of color, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Child welfare system responses to families experiencing domestic violence (DV) and child maltreatment are based largely on the premise that children need to be rescued from the parent(s) who have “failed to protect” them. This understanding of the problem justifies “solutions” such as surveillance of families and mandated reporting, family separation, and coercive service and treatment plans. Well-documented race, class, and gender inequities are inherent in child welfare and its intersections with the criminal legal system, juvenile justice, immigration, and other systems of carceral control.
Given the history of child welfare and current mindsets and practices, it can be difficult to envision possibilities for transformation toward what many people around the U.S. are calling for – a child and family well-being system in which ALL children and families are valued. Yet some organizations are successfully re-imagining the system landscape and actualizing new ways of seeing, thinking, and doing! In this critical conversation, leaders from Safe & Sound, the Young Women’s Freedom Center, and Futures Without Violence will share their learnings.
Objectives:
This webinar will aim to:
- Energize activists, organizers, and systems actors & leaders to create a bold vision for supporting and empowering families and comm-unities to end family violence.
- Identify active ingredients & critical touchpoints for innovation within the child welfare ecosystem.
- Learn from the histories two long-established organizations who have evolved to meet the needs of impacted people.
Promoting Positive Change in Communities by Confronting Poverty
Louisiana CASA is excited to host our third webinar series. This series is brought to you in partnership with the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund so we are required to ask participants certain demographic questions during registration. Once you register, an email will be sent to you that includes the link to join the webinar. We hope to see you there!
Child Academic Resilience to Poverty
Child poverty is a global issue, affecting millions of children worldwide. Children in poverty face unique challenges, but with targeted strategies, we can help them develop the resilience needed to thrive academically. Recognizing signs of distress, providing targeted support, and creating safe spaces where children feel valued and respected build in their ability to achieve academic success despite some family dynamics. Join us as we empower children to break free from generational poverty.
Promoting Positive Change in Communities by Confronting Poverty
Louisiana CASA is excited to host our third webinar series. This series is brought to you in partnership with the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund so we are required to ask participants certain demographic questions during registration. Once you register, an email will be sent to you that includes the link to join the webinar. We hope to see you there!
Navigating Poverty Alleviation: Legislative Insights from Louisiana
Join us for an informative webinar as we delve into the latest legislative developments in Louisiana aimed at combating poverty. Together, we will explore how the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) accounts for government assistance and its impact on poverty reduction, and we will highlight recent recommendations for budget adjustments and fiscal responsibility. The framework of sustained poverty reduction efforts will guide us to chart a path forward in poverty eradication.