Prioritizing Equity in Prevention Series

Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth & Community

Learning Session Overview and Objectives

This Learning Session will address the risk and protective factors of substance misuse and health inequities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and communities. Through research and evidence-based practices, participants will receive information on why this population is at greater risk of substance misuse, has difficulty gaining access to services, and health inequities. Presenters will share strategies and best practices to identify specific needs of LGBTQ+ youth and the LGBTQ+ community to effectively help prevent substance misuse and provide strategies to support LGBTQ youth in your community.

This Learning Session will be formatted as a 45-minute presentation followed by a 45-minute facilitator-led discussion.

By the end of this event, participants will be able to:

• Name at least two (2) factors that put LGBTQ+ youth population at greater risk of health inequities.  
• Identify at least three (3) indicators that lead LGBTQ+ youth to misuse substances.
• Strategically plan how to work with LGBTQ+ youth in a way that is supportive and affirming to their specific needs.

Who Should Participate

Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in the Pacific Southwest region, including American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau. 

Learning Session Dates and Times

States and American Samoa
Thursday, June 16, 2022     Time Zone
03:00 p.m. – 04:30 p.m.    Pacific (including Arizona)
12:00 p.m. – 01:30 p.m.    Hawaii 
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.    American Samoa
 

Pacific Jurisdictions
Friday, June 17, 2022,    Time Zone
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.    Republic of the Marshall Islands 
09:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.    Pohnpei and Kosrae
08:00 a.m. – 09:30 a.m.    Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Yap
07:00 a.m. – 08:30 a.m.    Republic of Palau
(view in your time zone)

Presenter

Kevin McCloskey (he/him/his) has worked in non-profit organizations for over 25 years, focused on the development of communities, youth and families. Kevin started a non-profit organization in a diverse, low-income community of San Diego focused on community organizing, launched a Creative Arts Academy for children and youth, and was the co-founder of Brave Trails, an LGBTQ Youth summer camp. He has had the unique experience of working with many faith-based organizations, experiencing firsthand the intolerance and homophobia found in many faith communities. Currently, Kevin is the Director of Community-Based Programs at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. In this role, he works with a team of staff and volunteers who serve hundreds of LGBTQ young people through a myriad prevention programs, including educational assistance, support groups, housing services, school-based engagement and mentorship.

Mike Freeman (he/him/his) holds a Master’s in Psychology specializing in LGBTQ Youth Studies. Mike's position at the Los Angeles LGBT Center focuses on addressing substance misuse, leading prevention initiatives focused on LGBTQ youth, and building capacity for a coalition. Managing school-based programs, he and his team provide training and support to students, teachers, and administrators to make impactful changes on school campuses in Los Angeles and nationwide. He has brought his experience to national conferences helping prevention workers identify strategies to make their communities more inclusive for LGBTQ youth. Mike has over ten years of experience working with LGBTQ youth and communities.

Certificates of Attendance

Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for participating in the live event.

Registration

Register for the Learning Session - Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth & Community

Cost is Free!

Questions?

Please contact Karen Totten, [email protected] for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Britany Wiele, [email protected].