Safe Places, Safe Spaces: Creating Welcoming Environments for LGBTQ Youth Susana Rivera, Ph.D. SCAN, Inc. Laredo, TX

The Need For a Professional Resource Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth: significantly higher trauma exposure than straight peers Higher rates of bullying, physical/sexual abuse, domestic/community violence, traumatic loss, do not feel safe at school Many do not seek professional services and/or do not disclose their LGBTQ identity to professionals due to not feeling safe or welcome

NCTSN Child Sexual Abuse Committee Collaborative group of the SAMHSA-funded National Child Traumatic Stress Network Develop and disseminate resources to improve the quality and services for youth experiencing sexual abuse/assault and their families This funding cycle ( ) we particularly focus on the needs of LGBTQ and sex trafficked youth AGH Center funding to develop and produce the video, in collaboration with Committee and partners

Safe Places Video: Collaborators Persad Center : 2 nd oldest LGBT counseling center in US, community partner of AGH in Pittsburghwww.persadcenter.org LGBTQ youth in Pittsburgh AppleboxS video company in Pittsburgh National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, coordinating center for the NCTSN

Safe Spaces Video: Process LGBTQ Subcommittee developed themes and goals of the video (includes Persad members) AppleboxS developed the script, reviewed by LGBTQ Subcommittee multiple times Persad identified LGBTQ youth participants, LGBTQ Subcommittee provided professionals Video shot in Pittsburgh, June 2014 Edited June-December 2014 with ongoing input from Committee, Persad, and youth

Posting the Video Online Committee developed additional resources to accompany the video LGBTQ Youth and Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet for Professionals LGBTQ Video Resource Guide (discussion guide) LGBTQ Issues and Child Trauma (for policy makers) Webinar: Developing Clinical Competence in Working with LGBTQ Youth and Families Video posted 2/15, >2500 downloads 1 st month

Safe Spaces, Safe Places Video safe-places-video safe-places-video

Discussion – Basic Concepts Any new terminology with which you weren’t familiar? How do you determine what language to use when working with clients? Can you identify risk factors associated with LGBTQ youth that you were unaware of before? How do you discuss gender identity or sexual orientation with your clients without making assumptions?

Discussion – Assessing Program Capacity What is your agency’s current expertise in and capacity for effectively treating LGBTQ youth? How can you increase this capacity? What training or support have you received from your place of work about serving LGBTQ youth? How frequently is training provided to staff? How and when during the intake/assessment process do you ask clients about sexual orientation or gender identity? Do you consider confidentiality? What is your agency’s policy regarding documentation of this? What makes your setting a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ youth?

Discussion – Creating a Safe and Affirming Environment How does your agency do direct outreach to the LGBTQ community? Are you familiar with any LGBTQ affirming programs and referral sources in your community? Are there any LGBTQ books, resources, signs, or symbols present in your agency? If so, are they accessible to clients and staff? Are there opportunities for your staff to ask questions and explore biases in a safe space?

Discussion – Taking Action What changes would you like to make in your agency/practice? What resources or tools will you need to implement any changes? What challenges or barriers do you anticipate to making any changes? Who are the supporters in your agency/practice who will help implement any changes?

Discussion – Suggestions Post safe zone signs, rainbow flags, or other symbols representing the LGBTQ community where they are easily visible. Have LGBTQ affirming pamphlets, magazines, and books on display. Visibly post your agency’s non-discrimination policy. Make sure that any information provided is inclusive and representative of not just heterosexual orientation. Make sure intake paperwork is inclusive, with options for transgender or non-conforming gender identity and a range of relationship statuses including domestic partnerships. Provide training on LGBTQ cultural competency to all staff.

Discussion – Suggestions Gently confront and challenge homophobic language and behaviors when you observe them in the workplace. Don’t assume that everyone is heterosexual. Be mindful of your language. Use gender neutral terms when inquiring about relationships. Have gender neutral restrooms. Avoid labeling and stereotypes. Ask individuals what they prefer to be called. Ask transgendered individuals what pronoun they would prefer you to use. Maintain confidentiality regarding expressed sexual orientation or gender identity.

Future Steps Youth video: additional youth footage from video shoot in June 2014 is being assembled for LGBTQ youth voices video Posting date on NCTSN site: November 2015 Continued dissemination and development of LGBTQ/trauma-sensitive products Evaluate impact of video and other products on professional staff and trauma-impacted LGBTQ youth access to appropriate services

Thank You! Allen, Alex, CJ, J, Sarah and Persad Center— Sandy Soloski and Betty Hill Al Killen-Harvey, Antonia Barba, Arturo Zinny, Matthew Price, Jennifer Grady and the NCTSN Child Sexual Abuse Committee AppleboxS staff and crew Dr. Judith Cohen and Dr. Anthony Mannarino, AGH Center for Traumatic Stress 1 st United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh NCTSN, SAMHSA