Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW (He/She/Dr.)
Dr. Elizabeth M. Aparicio, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C (She/Her)
The Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC) (created by respected clinicians Michael Vigorito and Sean Lare) was cultivated by the University of Maryland Prevention Research Center to address the lack of competency within the mental health field and is committed to the better-quality care and treatment of LGBTQ+ people. Within this session, the team will discuss the creation of their Individual and Organizational Assessments, Training Workshop, Clinical Consultations, Technical Assistance Sessions, and Simulated Client Experience as multilevel interventions used to address the needs of both individual practitioners and organizational level administrators to better serve their clients. This session is for any participant interested in learning more about how to enrich their practice by recognizing the intersections of LGBTQ+ identity, mental health and research through evidence-based interventions.
All sessions hosted by this Center of Excellence are recorded and housed in Innovations, our Learning Management System. Eligible sessions offer free continuing education credits (CECs), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To view a recording, please choose below from the CEC version or non-credit version, which provides a certificate of attendance. To view the list of upcoming live sessions, visit our Live Sessions page.
The UConn School of Social Work is approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health to provide continuing education credits (CECs) for social workers. The School is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Sign up for an account or log in to the Innovations Learning Management System to view session recordings.
FOUNDATIONAL TOPICS
Presenters:
Lyndsay Smith (she/her)
Jabari Lyles (he/him)
This webinar enables behavioral health service providers to be more equipped to support, treat and advocate for people with diverse sexual orientations. Considering a general lack of LGBTQ+-affirming knowledge among healthcare providers, along with data and research which suggests LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk for poor health outcomes, this webinar offers institutions the skills they need to minimize gaps. Participants will define sexual orientation and explore related terms and concepts in human sexuality, become more intimately aware of the unique experiences of people who have diverse sexual orientations, learn specific behavioral health disparities, including risk and protective factors for people of various sexual orientations, and gain a toolkit of best practices for applying this knowledge in the field.
Presenters:
Lyndsay Smith (she/her)
Ezra Halstead (they/them, he/him)
This webinar provides foundational knowledge about gender identity and gender expression, and how to best provide services for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals across the lifespan. Participants will learn concepts relating to gender identity and expression, as well as the process of transitioning, and respectful terms. Important terms that will be defined include but are not limited to: transgender, cisgender, nonbinary, intersex, and pronouns. Social, legal, and medical types of transition will be reviewed, as well as potential interpersonal/familial and systemic barriers to transition. Risk factors and behavioral health disparities for adults and children in this community will be reviewed, as well as best practices service providers can use to create a respectful and welcoming environment.
Presenter:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
This webinar explores concepts around implicit and explicit bias that people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities experience. The session also connects these biases with other systems of oppression, such as sexism and racism. During the session, examples of biases, as well as strategies to manage and intervene when biases are witnessed or experienced, are shared. The content is relevant to all age groups.
ADVANCED TOPICS
Presenters:
Justine Larson (she/her)
Christopher Bellonci (he/him)
This webinar is aimed at practitioners interested in building knowledge to serve transgender and gender diverse children and youth. The use of Gender Dysphoria diagnosis in children and adolescents was analyzed, and participants learned how to evaluate and treat a child presenting with gender dysphoria. A parent shared her journey with her transgender child, including lessons learned and implications for clinical practice and work with families. Participants also learned the importance of evaluating whether the gender dysphoria is being exacerbated in the context of family rejection and how best to support that child/adolescent and family.
Presenters:
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Ryan Papciak (he/him)
This webinar is aimed at practitioners interested in building knowledge to serve transgender and gender diverse clients. The first part of the webinar introduced Gender Dysphoria as the experience and as the DSM diagnosis with a focus on exploring both the benefits and limitations of the diagnostic criteria. There was discussion on emerging literature on the experiences of gender dysphoria among trans and gender diverse adults, as well as the different manifestations of dysphoric feelings over time and across clients. Furthermore, attendees learned about how gender dysphoria can negatively impact clients’ psychological, interpersonal, and occupational functioning. Clinical strategies for supporting clients with gender dysphoria were explored. Finally, the importance of gender affirming experiences was discussed. One of the co-presenters shared his lived experiences of gender dysphoria and gender affirming interventions with particular attention to the implications for clinical practice.
Presenters:
Toni Donnelly (she/her)
Linda Mitchell (she/her)
Vida Khavar (she/her)
This webinar provides behavioral health providers with best practices on working with families of LGBTQ+ youth. Many families struggle at first to embrace their LGBTQ+ child‘s identities, and need support and tools after their child comes out to them. Early intervention is essential in preventing harm to the family unit and to the mental and physical wellbeing of the youth. This webinar features three speakers with a wealth of professional and personal experience as parents. Linda Mitchell will share her own journey as a parent of a lesbian girl and as someone who has dedicated her career to working with other families around building their knowledge and skills to support their LGBTQ+ youth. Toni Donnelly is a parent with lived experience in systems of care, and also has a background in helping systems partner with families around system reform. Lastly, Vida Khavar will join to discuss the Youth Acceptance Project: a clinical intervention for families of LGBTQ+ youth.
Presenters:
Jill Levenson (she/her)
Shelley Craig (she/her)
Using SAMHSA’s guidelines for trauma-informed care (TIC), this 90-minute training describes how to apply TIC when working with LGBTQ+ populations. Research describing the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) will be summarized. Participants will learn about the effects of childhood trauma on psychosocial development and family functioning. Participants will be introduced to SAMHSA’s guiding principles of TIC. Mental health practitioners and social service professionals will learn to view client presenting problems through the lens of trauma, as well as practical skills to implement trauma-informed service delivery across a variety of roles when working with LGBTQ+ clients.
Presenter:
Edward Alessi (he/him)
Empirical research has consistently demonstrated the negative mental health consequences of minority stress among LGBTQ+ populations; however, there is little understanding of how minority stress should be addressed in the actual clinical situation. This webinar discusses the impacts of minority stress on the mental health of LGBTQ+ people as well as treatment issues relating to LGBTQ+ mental health. LGBTQ+ affirmative and trauma-informed clinical practices are also shared.
Presenter:
Karen Fredriksen Goldsen (she/her)
Increasing diversity is a defining feature of the dramatic aging of the world-wide population. Research demonstrates that midlife and older adults from marginalized populations are at elevated risk of health disparities, include behavioral health risks. The National Institutes of Health and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify the lack of research on sexual orientation as one of the most pronounced gaps in health disparities research. In this webinar, Dr. Fredriksen Goldsen will discuss findings from the first federally-funded and largest longitudinal study, Aging with Pride: The National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS), addressing the health and well-being of midlife and older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) adults. Based on the Health Equity Promotion Model, Dr. Fredriksen Goldsen will examine behavioral health disparities in these populations as well as explore the interplay between risk and protective factors associated with mental health and substance use among LGBTQ+ midlife and older adults.
Presenters:
Kevin Keegan (he/him)
Johanna Miller (she/her)
Organizations with historic or current resistance to working with LGBTQ+ individuals present an additional challenge to implementing an LGBTQ+ affirming approach. Over the past six years, Catholic Charities of Baltimore has met this challenge and has enacted a range of practices that support LGBTQ+ clients and staff, ultimately allowing for enhanced provision of services. A brief overview of Catholic Charities journey toward greater LGBTQ+ inclusion will be offered and strategies to address common barriers will be discussed.
Presenters:
Caitlin Ryan (she/her)
Antonia Barba (she/her)
LGBTQ+ children and youth are at high risk for trauma that is both related to and unrelated to their identities. This webinar will discuss the integration of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the most widely used trauma treatment model for children and youth worldwide, and the Family Acceptance Project (FAP), the first research and family support model to reduce risk and promote well-being for LGBTQ+ children and youth.
Presenter:
Michael Dentato (he/him)
LGBTQ+ individuals are at heightened risk for alcohol and substance use across the lifespan as a result of myriad stressors which can result in a variety of health and mental health concerns. While the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model has been widely used among adults as a universal screening assessment for alcohol and/or substance use, there is a growing body of literature which examines its use among youth, older adults, and special populations (e.g., LGBTQ+). The SBIRT model includes a screening process to assess for risk of alcohol and/or substance use disorders via validated tools, followed by a brief intervention based on the tenets of motivational interviewing, which may or may not result in the need for a referral to care. This presentation will begin with some background on current statistics and trends related to alcohol and substance use among various segments of the LGBTQ+ community, followed by an introduction to SBIRT and each stage of the model, and conclude with a discussion about the impact of using universal screening tools and methods across a variety of practice settings.
Presenter:
Mills Smith-Millman (they/them)
Youth spend most of their times in schools, and most youth who receive mental health services receive these services at school. LGBTQIA+ youth are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide than their cisgender and/or heterosexual peers. Thus, it is critical for school-based mental health providers to understand the impact of sexuality and gender identity on mental health and be equipped with the necessary tools to support these students. Participants in this webinar will learn more about the increased risk of mental health difficulties in LGBTQIA+ populations as well as their experiences of safety and discrimination in school. Participants will also learn how to use affirming evidence-based practices to treat LGTQIA+ youth with mental health difficulties, including how to create cope ahead plans for big moments like coming out to family members or friends.
Presenter:
Skyler Jackson (he/him)
Accumulating research suggests that multiple, interlocking forms of stigma-related stress (e.g., racism, homophobia, transphobia) drive and maintain behavioral health disparities among Black LGBTQ individuals. Despite this knowledge, most research and clinical interventions related to stigma-related stress focus on one type of stigma (e.g., racism) in isolation from others (e.g., homophobia, transphobia). Intersectionality provides a framework to help researchers and clinicians better understand the multi-dimensional experiences of Black LGBTQ people, but the application of intersectionality to such empirical and clinical efforts remains in its infancy. To address this gap, this webinar includes emerging efforts to better understand and intervene upon links between intersectional stigma and aspects of behavioral health (e.g., mental health, HIV risk) among Black LGBTQ individuals.
Presenters:
John Pachankis (he/him)
Chirstopher Bellonci (he/him)
All sexual minorities experience the closet – a period in which they recognize their sexual identity but have not disclosed it to significant others – and the majority of the world’s sexual minority population is likely closeted. This talk positions the closet as a central experience of sexual minority development that can exert a powerful and potentially lasting impact on mental health. The talk will present a developmental model of the closet’s influence on mental health, delineating the structural influences that shape one’s experience of the closet; the stressors that take place after one has become aware of their sexual orientation but has not yet disclosed it, which often takes place during the developmentally sensitive period of adolescence; and potential lifespan-persistent mental health effects of the closet, even among those who do ultimately come out. The talk will conclude with a discussion on implications for structural and clinical interventions.
Presenters:
Edward Alessi (he/him)
Sarilee Kahn (she/her)
Over the years, increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ people have fled to the United States seeking protection based on persecution of their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, upon arrival in the United States they contend with a number of stressors, including challenges meeting basic needs, navigating the asylum process, and dealing with structural barriers (e.g., stigma and discrimination, lack of access to healthcare). To assist LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in settlement, a clinical practice framework for working with this population is presented. Integrating concepts from complex trauma, minority stress and intersectionality, acculturation and integration, and resilience, the framework is intended to help LGBTQ+ asylum seekers manage traumatic stress, handle the demands of the asylum process, and contend with stress related to their multiple marginalized identities.
Presenter:
Alyssa Fenix (she/her)
Finn Gratton (they/them)
Conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces are becoming increasingly critical when supporting neurodiverse populations and individuals with intellectual and emotional disabilities. Historically, the communities have been addressed separately with the assumption of little overlap or impact, yet a growing body of research demonstrates the need for LGBTQ+ inclusive practices that are accessible and affirming for individuals with disabilities. This webinar examines the intersections of gender, sexuality, and disability in school, clinical, and community based settings, and identify ways to make spaces and programs accessible and affirming for neurodiverse youth and young adults.
Presenter:
America Islas (she/ella)
This webinar give context to the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity faced by Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. The presenter explores Latinx culture while examining how LGBTQ+ identities and mental health are perceived within the culture. The presenter also shares knowledge to assist with transitioning from rejecting behaviors to affirming, culturally responsive best practices when providing mental health care to the Latinx LGBTQ+ community.
Presenters:
Darquita Fletcher (she/her)
Lauren Wethers Coggins (she/her)
Leah Love (she/her)
Lawrence Bryant (he/him)
This 90-minute webinar and panel discusses culturally adapting behavioral health practices for Black and African American LGBTQ+ people. The first 30 minutes details a systematic review findings on what types of evidence-based culturally responsive programs are effective in behavioral health services, followed by a 60-minute discussion from providers who have adapted their practices to meet the needs of their Black and African American LGBTQ+ clients.
Presenter:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
This session provides guidance on what types of school policies and strategies can be implemented to help promote and build an affirming environment for LGBTQ+ young people. Attendees will also learn strategies for responding when a student discloses their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
Presenter:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
This presentation provides helpful tips on working with families and other caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth. Some families may struggle to understand their child or youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Some may fear rejection from their own communities or fear what the future may hold for their family. During this session, attendees will hear about the importance of family support, strategies for helping families process their feelings, and promising programs that are making strides towards creating evidence-based programs for families of LGBTQ+ youth.
Presenter:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
This session provides information on safety planning with LGBTQ+ youth. Safety planning is a protective measure that can be implemented with youth in situations that may lead to distress and crisis — from disclosing their identities to engaging in gender-segregated activities. This session covers: (1) assessment of available supports for LGBTQ+ youth; (2) anticipation of challenges LBGTQ+ youth may face in distressing situations; and (3) tools that can help youth cope through difficult times.
Presenter:
Matthew Malouf (he/him)
Katharine Dalke (she/they)
This webinar provides an overview of issues impacting individuals with intersex variations across the lifespan and provides guidance for service providers on how to work with individuals and families as they navigate systems of care. Participants will learn key facts about intersex variations as well as the history of intersex health care in the United States. Important terms that will be defined include, but are not limited to: intersex, differences of sex development, endosex, and shared decision making. Physical health, behavioral health, and quality of life outcomes will be reviewed, and will include a discussion of best practices to support and center individuals with intersex variations in their care throughout the lifespan. Additionally, an exploration of advocacy, family and community needs and resources, and representation in pop culture will enrich participants’ understanding of these individuals’ experiences.
Presenters:
Rajeev Ramchand (he/him)
Lynsay Ayer (she/her)
Suicide is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, with over 40,000 Americans ending their lives each year. After a brief discussion of data limitations on sexual and gender identity, this presentation provides an overview of the recent data on suicide rates and risk among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults. It also discusses how risk of suicide among LGB adults differs by gender, race/ethnicity, and age. Following the discussion of epidemiologic trends, the presentation reviews evidence-based approaches for reducing suicide risk, ranging from public policies to clinical practices. It ends with a discussion on clinical and research priorities to strengthen suicide prevention for LGB adults.
Presenters:
Judith Glassgold (she/her)
Laura Kuper (they/them)
Scott Leibowitz (he/him)
This session provides an overview of the new guidance from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) entitled, Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQ+ Youth. This webinar will explore general influences, both positive and negative, on LGBTQ+ behavioral health, clarify SOGI change efforts and how they differ from SOGI exploration and affirmation, and discuss helpful interventions for LGBTQ+ children and youth in clinical settings.
Presenter:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
Recent federal guidance urges behavioral health agencies serving young people to offer LGBTQ+ relevant programing to address the dire disparities the population experiences. During this webinar, 5 newly developed programs and resources are presented for LGBTQ+ youth and their families which could help behavioral health providers meet the call for increased programing. This presentation includes program information for two direct clinical interventions for families, one group intervention for families, one group intervention for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, and one adapted family finding intervention focused on expanding networks of support for LGBTQ+ young people in foster care. The webinar also features several available resources for behavioral health providers to share with LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Presenters:
John Pachankis (he/him)
Skyler Jackson (he/him)
Audrey Harkness (she/her)
During this webinar, presenters discuss the distinction between the “closet” and the stigma of concealment. They introduce “The Development Model of the Closet,” discuss the eventual experiences of the closet, the stressors that take place after one has become aware of their sexual orientation, and the time-based context of disclosure. The session also presents implications for clinical practice among behavioral health providers.
Presenters:
Skyler Jackson (he/him)
Many global cultures rely on strict binary definitions of identity to categorize their population into distinct, dichotomized groups (e.g., gay vs. straight, man vs. woman, Black vs. White). However, these blunt binary categories do not reflect human diversity. Many social groups—including many sexual and gender minorities—identify in ways that do not fit into such rigid categories. For example, people identifying with a bi+ identity (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, sexually fluid) or a gender nonbinary identity (e.g., enby, genderqueer, Two Spirit) defy, blur, or transgress conventional binary classification.
Although mental health providers are increasingly trained to intervene upon anti-LGBTQ+ related stress, few clinicians are equipped to intervene upon the unique—and often hidden—identity-related challenges faced by individuals who defy binaries. Towards that goal, this webinar introduces a new and powerful cross-population framework—border identity stress and resilience theory—which highlights the theorized psychosocial challenges (and potential strengths) associated with holding an identity that defies binary categorization. Drawing upon existing (but previously isolated) scholarship on bi+, nonbinary, bicultural, and Multiracial individuals, the presentation explores how border identity stress and resilience theory can advance our understanding of the mental health of LGBTQ+ people—and all who break binaries. Clinical implications and applications are also discussed.
Presenters:
Angela Weeks (she/her)
Leah Love (she/her)
This presentation dives into what it means to have culturally responsive services and key strategies for working with families of LGBTQ+ young people. Findings from a recent systematic review on cultural adaptations, as well as important insights from SAMHSA’s guide on Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Under-Resourced Populations, are shared. Presenters also discuss case examples from a recent project called the Youth Acceptance Project, which focused on supporting families of LGBTQ+ young people involved in, or at risk to entering, foster care.
Presenter:
Cec Hardacker (she/her)
Older LGBTQ+ adults’ lives can be rich and fulfilling as they age. This webinar explains the necessity of cultural humility as well as how to demonstrate gender affirming and culturally safe skills appropriate for working with LGBTQ+ older adults. This presentation concludes by exploring the many ways health care professionals can support their patients by learning evidence-based best practices, applying cultural humility frameworks, and using a trauma-informed lens.
Presenter:
Michael Vigorito (he/him)
The interaction of substance use and sexual health within the LGBTQ+ community is complex. Segments of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) or engage in ChemSex behaviors, all of which can contribute to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. Part one in a two-part series, this workshop discusses the reasons people use drugs and how that relates to the LGBQ+ experience. The presenter will also review LGBTQ+ health disparities and affirmative practices in SUD treatment, which lays the foundation for Part Two of this workshop on sexual health conversations.
Presenter:
Michael Vigorito (he/him)
Providing affirmative care has been shown to improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ clients in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. An underappreciated component of affirmative care is facilitating conversations about sexual health that positively engages LGBTQ+ clients in the treatment process. Segments of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders or engage in ChemSex behaviors, all of which can contribute to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. Behavioral health providers have an ethic responsibility to facilitate sexual health conversations and address the connection between mental health, sexual health and substance use disorders. This interactive workshop is designed to improve treatment outcomes and client engagement by integrating sexual health into mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
Presenters:
Christopher Stults (he/him)
Jillian R. Scheer (they/them)
Danielle S. Berke (she/her)
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in gender and sexual minority populations, including among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. IPV is also associated with numerous mental and physical health problems in these populations. Despite this, few resources and treatments exist that are culturally appropriate for and specifically tailored to the needs of these groups. In this session, three expert panelists (Dr. Danielle Berke, Dr. Jillian Scheer, and Dr. Christopher Stults) will present on their respective programs of research related to IPV in LGBTQ+ populations, followed by a lively discussion and question/answer session with audience participants.
Presenters:
Jama Shelton (they/them)
Jordan Blair Woods (she/her)
Lisa Fortuna (she/her)
Bianca Wilson (she/her)
This webinar maps current research on the needs, issues and structures facing LGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system, as well as the possibilities and challenges for future research, improved care and evidence-based advocacy to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have the material and emotional care to survive and thrive in natal or new family settings. This work necessarily engages anti-racist and intersectional perspectives, as well as historical contextualization, across race, gender, sexuality, and poverty in understanding the child welfare system, its role and functioning, and its impacts, including the historical and present undue surveillance, control and separation of children and families – particularly Black families. Panelists will discuss inequities affecting LGBTQ+ youth within child welfare systems, key advocacy issues, barriers, and interventions for improving outcomes
Presenter:
Lawrence Bryant (he/him)
Research shows that LGBTQ+ populations of all ages disproportionately experience disparities and poorer health outcomes compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. These disparities are particularly salient among Black gay men. For example, according to CDC data, while HIV has declined among White gay men, it has increased significantly among Black gay men. In fact, 1 in 2 Black gay men will contract HIV within their lifetime. This statistic is startling and is an immediate call to action to help mitigate this trend. The goal of this webinar is to provide a closer look at the issues and trends that impact this population; including substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, stigma, race, and homophobia. This webinar will further explore evidence-based strategies that are effective in working with this population.
Presenter:
Lawrence Bryant (he/him)
Crystal meth has had a devastating effect on the gay community, once a drug that was considered popular only among White gay men, methamphetamine use has been shown to transcend racial and ethnic boundaries. Already bearing the burden of HIV, meth use can be devastating to a community already struggling to find resources. Because of the connection that exists between meth use, HIV risk in the Black gay community, and the sexual inhibitions engendered with methamphetamine use, this drug presents a formidable public health challenge. This webinar will explore issues and trends related to meth use among gay men, with a focus on Black gay men. This workshop will also provide evidenced-based research findings and rich discussions to raise awareness of this formidable public health threat facing Black gay men.
ASK OUR EXPERTS & PANEL DISCUSSIONS!
Presenters:
Jabari Lyles (he/him)
Lyndsay Smith (she/her)
Ezra Halstead (they/them, he/him)
Christopher Bellonci (he/him)
This Ask Our Experts recording provided a follow-up opportunity for questions and discussion about the Sexual Orientation & Behavioral Health 101 and Gender Identity, Expression & Behavioral Health 101 webinars.
Presenters:
Christopher Bellonci (he/him)
Justine Larson (she/her)
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Ryan Papciak (he/him)
This Ask Our Experts session provided a follow-up opportunity for questions and discussion about the Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis & Clinical Considerations for Children & Youth and Gender Dysphoria in Adults: Moving Beyond Diagnosis & Toward Affirmative Practice webinars.
Presenters:
Jill Levenson (she/her)
Shelley Craig (she/her)
This Ask Our Experts session provided a follow-up opportunity for questions and discussion about the Translating Trauma-informed Care Principles into Practice with LGBTQ+ Clients webinar.
Presenters:
Christopher Bellonci (he/him)
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Ryan Papciak (he/him)
As of the the date this session was originally held, thirty-three states had introduced more than 100 bills targeting the rights of trans people, the majority of which would affect children and youth. These bills, which range from barring trans students from participating in sports to criminalizing gender-affirming medical care, are detrimental to the health and well-being of young trans people. This session provides an opportunity to connect with clinical and legal experts from across the country on supporting the mental health of trans youth affected by this legislation.
For a list of resources and peer-reviewed articles clinicians can use to better meet the needs young trans people, please visit our Supporting Trans Youth page.
Presenters:
Michael Dentato (he/him)
Lawrence Bryant (he/him)
Ryan Papciak (he/him)
This Ask Our Experts session features an interactive panel discussion on substance use disorders that impact members of the LGBTQ+ community. Panelists bring a diverse array of backgrounds ranging from lived experiences with substance use and diverse SOGIE to providing services within the LGBTQ+ community and conducting research on LGBTQ+ populations. Panelists will discuss substance use disorders across various LGBTQ+ populations, as well as the intersections of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, among other areas.
Presenters:
Christopher Bellonci (he/him)
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Angela Weeks (she/her)
Holidays, weddings, funerals and other family gatherings can be challenging times for LGBTQ+ people. It is a time when they may traditionally get together and engage in family and religious rituals. For LGBTQ+ folk whose families are not affirming, it may mean making a choice between being with their family of origin, being with a family of choice (friends and loved ones), or being alone. This Ask Our Experts session features an interactive panel discussion about some of these challenges and will debut the launch of a newly developed tool to help clients plan for a safe, happy and successful visit with their family.
Use the links below to download the accompanying resources!
Presenters:
Coley Alston (they/them)
Lawrence Bryant (he/him)
Jesi Harris (any pronouns)
Leah Love (she/her)
During this session, panelists discussed the gaps in behavioral health services that exist for Black and African American LGBTQ+ people and what providers can do to fill those gaps. The panelists shared personal and professional experiences and offered practical tips for behavioral health providers to integrate into their practices.
Presenters:
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Ryan Papciak (he/him)
Martha Fairbanks Perry (she/her)
Beginning with a discussion of gender dysphoria, this panel addresses impacts of unrealistic expectations in the media, relevance to transgender people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and difficulty finding a provider that understands the complex intersections of gender dysphoria and disordered eating. The panel concludes with implications for the field, including recommendations on how to identify and address disordered eating and gender dysphoria with clients, as well as practical resources.
Presenters:
Donna Hines (she/her)
Jan Willis (she/her)
Justine Larson (she/her)
This recorded panel discussion features three parents of LGBTQ+ children who discuss their own journeys and share their expertise with the audience. Attendees hear important information that will build understanding about what a family may be experiencing after their child discloses that they are LGBTQ+. Panelists also discuss the importance of support from others with lived experience, including strategies that Family Peer Supports should consider when working with families of LGBTQ+ children and youth. This session was hosted in partnership with the National Family Support Technical Assistance Center.
Presenters:
Matthew Malouf (he/him)
Katharine Dalke (she/they)
Sean Saifa Wall (he/him)
Marissa Adams (she/her)
This panel explores the concept of intersectionality within intersex populations. Through moderated and audience questions, our panelists speak to the experiences and needs of intersex individuals with diverse racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, and gender backgrounds and diverse roles within the intersex community (e.g. as a healthcare consumer, an advocate, an ally, and a healthcare provider). Intersections of privilege are also explored including ways to validate individuals’ unique experiences and to empower them to use their voices to advocate for themselves and others.
Presenters:
Ashley Austin (she/her)
Michael P. Dentato (he/him)
Jeremy T. Goldbach (he/him)
Eli Edwards (they/them)
During this panel discussion, presenters will discuss recent efforts to adapt and create prevention and screening resources to serve LGBTQ+ young people. Presenters will include a first person perspective from a trans person in recovery; implementation of SBIRT in high school settings; newly drafted guidelines for using SBIRT with transgender and nonbinary populations; and important findings about what drives harmful substance use among LGBTQ+ adolescents.
Presenters:
Angélique “Angel” Gravely (she/her)
Megan Crofford-Hotz (she/they)
Malik Muhammed (he/him)
Terri Clark (she/her)
This panel provides an opportunity for participants to learn about unique experiences of bi+ individuals. Through moderated and audience questions, panelists will discuss health disparities exacerbated by monosexism and bi+ erasure, as well as how age, race, and gender intersect with bi+ identities. Panelists will share first-person perspectives of navigating mental health care as bi+ individuals, what helps, what harms, and what providers need to know. Panelists will share resources and best practices for supporting bi+ individuals, as well as examples of bi visibility across multiple settings.