Safe2 T.e.a. Summit
SAFE2 T.E.A. Summit: Teaching Engagement [through] Advocacy
Come celebrate Pride Month with the first-ever summit from The Center’s School Ambassadors for Educational Equity (SAFE2) program!
At this dynamic online conference, members of the SAFE2 program will address some of the most salient and systemic issues facing LGBTQIA+ students in New York City Public Schools, and work with you to reimagine how to create more just and equitable schools.
This free, educational event is open to the public. NYC-based students, staff, and families are especially encouraged to attend.
For more information, reach out to Áraien Bascome (they/he) at abascome@gaycenter.org. To request an accommodation for the summit, please contact Áraien via email or at 646.556.9292 by Tuesday, June 15.
T.E.A. SUMMIT WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Mental Health: LGBTQIA+ Youth & Mental Wellness 101 for Educators
Tuesday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Facilitated by Adrián Sibaja
Mounting social pressures, coupled with a lack of access to adequate mental health services, leaves many LGBTQIA+ youth at risk of falling through the cracks. This training will educate NYC public school educators, faculty, staff, and students on how to assist LGBTQIA+ youth who are experiencing a mental health crisis or living with mental illness(es). Topics will include: non-clinical methods that do not involve licensure, differentiating between good vs. bad coping, de-escalation, recognizing & responding to decompensation, and how to connect LGBTQIA+ individuals to various resources.
Substance Use Disorder Amongst LGBTQIA+ Youth
Wednesday, June 23, 12-2 p.m. ET
Facilitated by Tatiana B. Martin and Philip Siciliano
Join us as we discuss substance use disorders amongst LGBTQIA+ youth. This workshop will be an honest conversation about a prominent struggle within the community. We will be discussing early warning signs, environmental factors, harm reduction, and providing resources. We want to create a safe space for open discussion and judgment-free dialogue.
Adopting Transgender-Inclusive Literature in the Classroom
Thursday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Facilitated by Sophie Schoenfeld and Catherine Catrone
75% of transgender students report feeling unsafe at school because of their gender expression. Educators can use literature, along with appropriate lesson planning, to include trans youth in the classroom and create a safer environment. We aim to help youth feel validated by seeing others like them in the stories we discuss, both fiction and nonfiction. We will cover books by transgender authors as well as books about transgender people. We will offer reading lists that help build a trans-inclusive curriculum and mock lesson plans for dynamic learning.
Beyond Inclusion: LGBTQIA+ Student Affirmation
Friday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Facilitated by Milo O’Connell and Alex Ambrose
Being an LGBTQIA+ student is difficult, and requires a strong sense of self. Affirmation—both internal and external—is an invaluable tool in self-development. Through reflection exercises, thought-provoking questions, and extensive background research, we will dive into the world of active and passive affirmation, building and contributing to affirming environments, and holistic student support. This workshop is for any member of a school community interested in making sure their students and staff feel safe and supported.
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
Adrián Sibaja
Adrián Sibaja is a first-year Masters in Bioethics candidate at the NYU School of Global Public Health. He is a first- generation Costa-Rican immigrant who has focused his work primarily on LGBTQIA+ Healthcare, Trans* Education and Healthcare, Mental Health, and Indigenous Rights.
Alex Ambrose
I grew up in Brooklyn most of my life. I am 24 years old. I am a Gay black male who is inspiring to become a writer and Social worker. One of my major goals is to be able to work with LGBTQ individuals of color to give back the knowledge I’ve learned to my community in any professional and emotional capacity I can muster.
Catherine Catrone
I graduated from St. Joseph’s College, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Psychology. I have worked for non-profit organizations for the last five years doing fundraising, outreach, and advocacy. Currently, I work at The Center as a diversity and inclusion professional for the School Ambassador for Educational Equity Internship program. Our mission is to bring resources to New York City public schools and support LGBTQ+ youth. In addition, I volunteer at the Transgender Resource Center of Long Island, which provides services for the transgender and gender nonconforming community.
Milo O’Connell
Milo O’Connell (she/they) is an Arts educator, LGBT advocate, and interdisciplinary artist based in Queens New York. Their work has been featured in theater festivals, galleries, and educational symposiums. They aspire to contribute to a brighter and kinder world for TGNC young people.
Philip Siciliano
SAFE² ambassador, New Jersey native, Sagittarius, and former preschool teacher with a background in theatre. LGBTQ+ youth equity has always been a passion of Phil’s. In the face of a pandemic Phil decided to focus his attention on bettering the LGBTQ+ community.
Sophie Schoenfeld
I am an Emerson College graduate and hold a Bachelor’s of Arts in Media Studies and minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I have worked in media and nonprofits for the last three plus years. I am currently a leading volunteer of the RiseOut Action Team at The Center, where we conduct outreach to thousands of New Yorkers and fight for LGBTQ+-inclusive state policy. I have worked as a Teaching Artist for the nonprofit Reel Works, and am currently at The Center as part of the School Ambassador for Education Equity program.
Tatiana B. Martin
Tatiana B. Martin is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor from Hollis, Queens. She is a black gay woman who is passionate about educating people of all ages about the importance of mental health support, especially for members of marginalized communities, as well as the dangers, causes, and what we can do to help people struggling with substance use disorder. She has overcome substance use disorder herself and is passionate about helping LGBTQ+ youth facing the same struggles. In her free time, she plays six instruments, sings, writes songs and poetry.
About the School Ambassadors for Educational Equity (SAFE²) Program
SAFE2 is a 5-month internship for young LGBTQ+ professionals ages 21-30 who are passionate about LGBT+ educational equity. Throughout the program, SAFE2 interns work with NYC high schools to provide consultation and support services around how to create safe and equitable learning environments for LGBTQ+ youth by providing outreach, equity assessments, community education workshops, direct professional support, and more.
For more information or to work with the SAFE² program, please contact Áraien Bascome (they/he), Economic Initiatives Developer, at abascome@gaycenter.org.
DETAILS
Tuesday, June 22-Friday, June 25, 2021
Workshop times vary