Online Workshop: Becoming an Ally for LGBTQ+ Youth with Special Guest Presenter Kyle Teller, PhD, of The Trevor Project

Many LGBTQ+ youth report feeling ignored or discounted when their foster and adoptive parents or other caretakers are unable to talk about gender and sexual identity issues. LGBTQ+ youth who are struggling with self-identification often aren’t able to explain their sexual orientation, because they themselves are in the process of learning who they are. Because LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system, many of our kids may be at a higher risk for mental health disorders and thoughts of self-harm or suicide if they have no one they feel they can talk to. As caregivers, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves about sexual/gender orientation and how to support the youth we care for. The Ally Training is designed to create dialogue around being an adult ally for LGBTQ+ young people by informing participants about common terminology, the “coming out” process, and challenges at home, in school, and the community. This training welcomes all to learn how to support LGBTQ+ young people, no matter your starting point.