2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

11:00am PDT

Registration & Information

Wednesday April 30, 2025 11:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Wednesday April 30, 2025 11:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Registration & Information

2:00pm PDT

Opening General Session with Mason Funk

Wednesday April 30, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Wednesday April 30, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

General Session

3:30pm PDT

Breaking Bias: Creating Safe and Inclusive Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

This interactive session will explore how K-12 educators and administrators can create affirming and equitable environments for LGBTQ+ students. Participants will engage with research-based strategies to address implicit bias, reduce microaggressions, and implement inclusive policies. The session will include an overview of California Education Codes, the importance of culturally responsive teaching, and actionable steps to foster student well-being. Attendees will be equipped with tools to advocate for systemic changes that improve school climates for all students, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.

3 Key Audience Takeaways:
Practical Strategies to Address Bias and Microaggressions
Understanding and Applying Legal Protections
Building Systems of Support

Speakers

Angelica Chavez

Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Humanities, Championing Equity: Transforming Schools to Empower Every Student

Dr. Angélica K. Chávez is an educational leader and lifelong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over 19 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and professional learning leader, she currently serves as the Coordinator of Professional Learning and Civic... Read More →

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:30pm PDT

Breakout Session

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:30pm PDT

Breakout Session

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:30pm PDT

Gender Action Plans: How to Support LGBTQ+ Students & the Families and Staff who Support them

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Learn how two districts, San Francisco and Fresno, have created and continue to evolve systems for collaborative and equitable Gender Action Plans (GAPs). GAPs are a great way to empower staff to take meaningful and policy aligned action when supporting LGBTQ+ students and their families. In this politically fraught moment, helping folks know what can be done and said is crucial in turning policy into praxis. We will share our journeys and the tips we’ve learned along the way!
Key Audience Takeaways:
1. Understand how a GAP process can be used to create collaboration between school staff and families in order to meet the needs and uphold the rights of LGBTQ+ students.
2. Develop insight that will allow participants to iterate in the creation of their own GAPs and engender district-wide adaptation and ownership of GAPs.
3. Review materials used in two districts to assist you in reflecting on your own district’s process.

Speakers

Kena Hazelwood

District Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Student Services, SFUSD

Kena Hazelwood (ey/em) has been involved in public education for over 20 years. As a high school student with an emerging understanding of ier queerness the innovative queer-affirming initiatives of San Francisco Unified School District's LGBTQ+ Student Services helped Kena feel safe... Read More →

Erica Hasenbeck

Fresno Unified School District

Erica Hasenbeck (she/her) has served as a manager in Fresno Unified School District for the last 10 years with the focus on restorative practices and creating safe, supportive, and inclusive schools. She began her career in 2000 as a social worker serving children and families of... Read More →

Wednesday April 30, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

4:45pm PDT

Networking Reception

Wednesday April 30, 2025 4:45pm - 6:30pm PDT

Wednesday April 30, 2025 4:45pm - 6:30pm PDT

Network Reception

7:00am PDT

Continental Breakfast

Thursday May 1, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Meal Function

7:00am PDT

Registration & Information

Thursday May 1, 2025 7:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 7:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Registration & Information

8:00am PDT

Opening General Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

General Session

9:15am PDT

Breakout Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:15am PDT

Breakout Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:15am PDT

Critical and Affirming Conversations with Transgender/Non-Binary Youth

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Despite strong laws in California that protect our transgender/non-binary students, there is intense pushback in many districts and increasing confusion amongst staff regarding what they can talk about with queer youth. This workshop will provide tools to engage in positive and affirming conversations with transgender/non-binary students. Whether a student comes out to you for the first time, or you engage in ongoing conversations with them, come learn supportive and affirming ways to connect. Be that loving staff who stands up for transgender/non-binary youth through conversations that can help them feel affirmed in their gender, safe at school and celebrated for who they are.

Speakers

Maria Al-Shamma

Lead District Social Worker and LGBTQ+ Youth Liaison , Oceanside Unified School district

Maria Al-Shamma (she/her) is Lead District Social Worker & LGBTQ+ Youth Liaison in Oceanside Unified School District. She serves on the boards of both the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the California Association of School Social Workers. She is a , Welcoming Schools National... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:15am PDT

Navigating the Journey: Building Inclusive and Supportive School Communities for LGBTQ+ Students and Families

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Join us for an engaging and interactive session designed specifically for administrators and school leaders. This session will explore the progress, challenges, and strategies in fostering inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students and families. Through storytelling, data sharing, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will leave equipped with actionable tools and insights to support their school communities.

Key Takeaways:
- Building Community with family, student and teachers
- We must use Data to help schools commit to actions
- Soliciting student , family and staff voice through inquiry and fishbowl protocols will build collective efforts

Speakers

Chrissy MacLean

Director of State and Federal Programs, Pajaro Valley USD

Currently, the Director of Federal & State Programs, Ms. MacLean has extensive experience creating systems to increase equity and access for students at every tier and every domain. Before this position, Ms. MacLean was the Coordinator of Counseling Programs for PVUSD, where she built... Read More →

Kathryn

Proud Principal , Lakeview Middle School, Pajaro Valley USD

Mrs. Katie Kriscunas (she/her) serves as the Principal for Lakeview Middle School in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Mrs. Kriscunas began her career teaching high school science and taught science for nine years. In 2019 she began her role as an administrator at Aptos High... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am PDT

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Breakout Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Building LGBT Allyship

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Administrators rely on the important skill of building consensus across diverse perspectives. This workshop will give administrators specific tools to effectively build allyship for LGBTQ inclusive education among historically reluctant audience.

Speakers

Judy Chiasson

LAUSD, Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, LAUSD

Dr. Chiasson is recognized as a national leader in supporting SOGIE-affirming learning and working environments for students, staff, and families. She is designs and implements district-wide initiatives, curates resources, and advises on legislation. She also leads a team of amazing... Read More →

Julie Hall-Panameno

LA Unified Specialist-Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, LA Unified

Julie Hall-Panameno (she/her) of the LA Unified Human Relations Diversity and Equity office has spent over 20+ years advocating for student civil rights. She played a pivotal role in many of the District's foundational nondiscrimination policies. She sees conflict resolution skills... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Combating Transphobic Legislation with Inclusive Sex Ed

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

ince the beginning of 2024, over 660 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country, the majority of which target transgender youth in particular. Many of these bills are backed by pseudoscience and false information targeting gender affirming care and the affects of hormones on the body. In this workshop, we will be going through an expansive conversation of transgender reproduction that will allow you to give your students the inclusive sex education they need, equipping them with up-to-date, evidence-based, non-judgmental information so that they are able to make safe and informed decisions with their bodies. The content will cover the history, science, and experience of transgender reproduction, and will touch on the legal movement determined to hide it.

Speakers

Vann Jones

Independent Consultant

Vann Jones is a transgender political analyst and activist, community organizer, educator, and caretaker, born and raised in the East Bay Area. Vann got his start in working towards community care at the age of 12 when he became heavily involved in the Castro Valley Unified School... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Concurrent Session

10:45am PDT

Queer Teachers of Color: Experiences in Southern California K-12 Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The experiences of Queer Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
(BIPOC) have been excluded in Queer Educator research, which often focuses on White Queer educators or omits race as a variable (Boren & McPherson, 2018; Conrad, 2018; Taylor, 2018; Thomas-Durrell, 2020; Toledo & Maher, 2019). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of Queer BIPOC teachers
in the Southern California P-12 school system. Specifically, (a) what are out Queer BIPOC teachers' experiences (b) how did they make the decision to come out, and (c) what are their experiences with discrimination based on their Queer,
BIPOC, or intersectional identities. The goal of this qualitative study was to give a voice to a historically marginalized group, Queer BIPOC teachers. A total of six participants, five Latino/a/e and one Pacific Islander participated in this study.

Participants represented three school levels, elementary, middle, and high school. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. A total of five domains emerged from the data: (a) Outness on Campus, (b) Coming Out, (c) Mental Health, (d) Supportive Networks, and (e) Unsupportive Networks. Key findings included participants coming out because they wanted to be their authentic selves at work, Queer BIPOC teachers experiencing discrimination at work, and how administrators’ decisions can affect Queer BIPOC teachers’ mental health during
experiences of discrimination.

Speakers

Gavreel Asperillia-Zhu

Educator

Dr. Gavreel Asperillia-Zhu grew up in Thousand Oaks, California. They are a queer, Deaf (HoH), Filipino-Mexican-Italian-Spaniard who teaches American Sign Language. They graduated from CSU Northridge with their bachelor’s and master’s and from California Lutheran University with... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

Concurrent Session

12:00pm PDT

Luncheon General Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

General Session

1:30pm PDT

Breakout Session

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

1:30pm PDT

Leadership Practices to Boost Staff Morale and Foster Inclusive, Affirming Environments

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

our students and parents thrive best when their educators do too. How is the morale of your staff these days? How has it felt to lead them these past two years?

Here’s the thing: people are not moved into action by thoughts alone—they are moved by emotions. Research shows that positive emotions are more contagious than negative ones, and when leaders create emotionally resonant environments, they foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.

For LGBTQIA+ students and staff, the need for safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces is critical. Emotional resonance—when the emotional parts of our brains align positively and foster connection—plays a key role in building such environments. Leaders who prioritize psychological safety and compassionate leadership inspire trust and belonging, especially in marginalized groups.

In this highly interactive, energetic, and experiential workshop, we’ll explore:

How to lead with emotional resonance to promote inclusion and equity.
Tools to create affirming spaces that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities and empower staff to do the same for students.
The tenets of effective organizational climates, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Strategies to build psychological safety through active listening, allyship, and compassionate leadership practices.
All K-16 administrators are welcome to attend and will leave with actionable strategies to make their schools more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ students and staff. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and grow. Get ready for a session that’s insightful, engaging, and fun!

Speakers

Roni Habib

Founder and lead Trainer at EQ Schools, EQ Schools

Roni Habib is a speaker, author, and expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, more connected to their purpose, and more playful. The founder of EQ Schools, he speaks and leads workshops in organizations nationally and abroad. His dynamic keynotes... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

1:30pm PDT

LGBTQ+ Thrive Guide: A guide for school districts to better support their LGBTQ+ community

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Over the last decade of LGBTQ+ activism within the Castro Valley Unified School District—through GSAs, alliances, educational programming, marches, community events, school murals, and more—students have remained not only the powerhouse of the movement, but the primary beneficiary of the changes brought about. Through a sustained and concerted effort; teachers, staff, families, and community members have assumed the roles of essential stakeholders in this district-based activism, and together they have provided and will continue to provide the building blocks necessary for the creation of a safer and more supportive environment—not just on campus, but throughout the wider Castro Valley community. This presentation will provide a summary and tour of Castro Valley Unified School District’s “LGBTQ+ Thrive Guide,” a written toolkit detailing the history of Castro Valley and its many LGBTQ+ initiatives with the intent to offer other school districts seeking to better support their LGBTQ+ community a framework for action and ideas to pull inspiration from. The guide is rich in resources, case studies, best practices, advice, examples, explanations, and templates to better support every stakeholder at every step of the work.

Speakers

Vann Jones

Independent Consultant

Vann Jones is a transgender political analyst and activist, community organizer, educator, and caretaker, born and raised in the East Bay Area. Vann got his start in working towards community care at the age of 12 when he became heavily involved in the Castro Valley Unified School... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

1:30pm PDT

What is Allyship? Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Allyship. Cultivating a Path of Inclusion, Conversation

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Join me for an enlightening lecture on allyship and the backlash against DEIB, illustrating how individuals can bring about change and education during opposition. Discover how to be a supportive ally in both your workplace and community, while recognizing and dismantling biases and discrimination. This discussion focuses on transcending hatred and embracing comprehension, diversity, and inclusivity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Through captivating narratives, storytelling, and an interactive PowerPoint, you'll learn how to navigate differences to foster a positive atmosphere at work and in your community. The session also addresses diversity, inclusivity, and proper pronoun usage. Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself to instigate personal, professional, and community changes.

Key Takeaways:
* Personal storytelling can change hearts and minds.
* How to be a support ally.
* Fostering positivity at work and in your community.

Speakers

Greg Baird

Global Lecturer LGBTQ+ Civil Rights, Allyship & Community

Greg R. Baird has a wonderful journey encompassing 31 years of experience as a lecturer, educator, content creator and LGBTQIA+ civil rights advocate. He brings a blend of heart, humor, and passion to his engaging and inspiring speeches. Booking, Greg is educational and inspiring... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:00pm PDT

Empowering School Leaders to Create LGBTQ+ Affirming Environments

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Recognizing a growing need to support LGBTQ inclusivity in education, Leading LGBTQ+ Supportive Education was added to the complement of professional development opportunities for school administrators offered by the Los Angeles Unified Human Resources Division. The series focused on critical topics such as transformational leadership, administrator wellness, human capital management, coaching, and leading computer science.
This session aimed to equip school site leaders with the knowledge and tools to foster affirming environments for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Topics included foundational LGBTQ+ definitions and concepts, an overview of relevant LAUSD and state policies, and strategies for implementing visible support and inclusive language. The professional development also emphasized the importance of establishing LGBTQ+ liaisons, creating student groups like Genders & Sexualities Alliances, and embedding ongoing training for administrators to address real-world scenarios.
Participants noted several key takeaways:
• The critical role of inclusive language and visible allyship in fostering affirming school spaces.
• The need for sustained training to deepen understanding and tackle practical challenges.
• The value of scenario-based learning and access to dedicated resources to implement LGBTQ+ policies effectively.
This presentation will highlight the program's design, key learning outcomes, and participant feedback while sharing actionable strategies for attendees to replicate.

Speakers

Judy Chiasson

LAUSD, Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, LAUSD

Dr. Chiasson is recognized as a national leader in supporting SOGIE-affirming learning and working environments for students, staff, and families. She is designs and implements district-wide initiatives, curates resources, and advises on legislation. She also leads a team of amazing... Read More →

Mark Duncan

Administrative Coordinator, LA Unified

Mark Duncan is an experienced education professional with 27 years in the field, having served as a teacher, Instructional Coach, District Mathematics Coordinator, Principal, and Consultant. Currently, as Administrative Coordinator for Human Resources, Induction, and Credentialing... Read More →

Julie Hall-Panameno

LA Unified Specialist-Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, LA Unified

Julie Hall-Panameno (she/her) of the LA Unified Human Relations Diversity and Equity office has spent over 20+ years advocating for student civil rights. She played a pivotal role in many of the District's foundational nondiscrimination policies. She sees conflict resolution skills... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:00pm PDT

Language, Culture, Gender, & Sexuality

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Discussions on gender and sexuality typically focus on the United States perspective, with English dominating the language we use to discuss these topics. What happens when we switch languages? Cultures? Perspectives? How can these differences impact discussions about Queerness and Queer liberation between people of various cultures?

3 Key Audience Takeaways:
Participants will understand how language and culture influence perspectives of queerness.
Participants will have examples of how Queer people are treated in other countries.
Participants will understand how complex the decision to come out can be for a Queer Person of Color.

Speakers

Gavreel Asperillia-Zhu

Educator

Dr. Gavreel Asperillia-Zhu grew up in Thousand Oaks, California. They are a queer, Deaf (HoH), Filipino-Mexican-Italian-Spaniard who teaches American Sign Language. They graduated from CSU Northridge with their bachelor’s and master’s and from California Lutheran University with... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:00pm PDT

The Rainbow Connection – The story of building a dynamic partnership

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

This interactive workshop explores the transformative partnership between San Joaquin Pride Center and Stockton Unified School District, aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Attendees will gain insights into how collaboration between nonprofits and educational institutions can address key challenges such as bullying, mental health, and equitable access to resources.
The session will cover:
• Strategies for creating affirming spaces within schools.
• Training and support programs for educators and staff.
• The impact of community partnerships on student well-being and academic success.
Participants will leave with actionable tools, templates, and inspiration to replicate similar partnerships in their communities. This workshop is ideal for educators, school administrators, nonprofit leaders, and advocates dedicated to equity in education.

Speakers

Jennifer Robles

School Counselor Program Specialist and District LGBTQ+ Point Person, Stockton Unified School District

Jennifer Robles is a School Counselor of 25+ years in Stockton, California. She is a proud ally/co-conspirator with her LGBTQ+ family, friends and students. Currently, Jennifer is a Program Specialist in Stockton Unified’s Student Services Department providing training and support... Read More →

Jonathan Lopez

Senior Youth Outreach Coordinator

Jonathan Lopez, He/him/his, is the Senior Youth Outreach Cooordinator at the San Joaquin Pride Center. He has been with the non-profit organization for 10 years and enjoys working with community and LGBT+ youth. He has worked with children in dance programs and has made it his life-long... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Concurrent Session

3:00pm PDT

The Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card: School Policy Landscape in California

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

The Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card shares data gathered from 146 unified school districts in California on district-wide policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ student wellbeing and education.

This workshop will break down the underlying California Education Code that guides the survey and report, share the statewide and regional data, and discuss how the report card can be used as an advocacy tool for local stakeholders. Participants will leave knowing what is expected of school districts in California and how to take that information back to decision makers in their district.

Speakers

Julz Goff

Program Manager Equality California, Equality California

Julz Goff (he/they) is a Program Manager at Equality California and leads the Safe and Supportive Schools team. Prior to working with Equality California, they worked as a college admissions consultant and ESL teacher, and as an intern with Equality California's AmeriCorps program... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Concurrent Session

4:30pm PDT

General Session Student Panel

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

General Session

5:45pm PDT

Networking Reception

Thursday May 1, 2025 5:45pm - 7:00pm PDT

Thursday May 1, 2025 5:45pm - 7:00pm PDT

Network Reception

7:00am PDT

Networking Breakfast Buffet

Friday May 2, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Meal Function

8:00am PDT

General Session Panel

Friday May 2, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

General Session

9:30am PDT

Breakout Session

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:30am PDT

Breakout Session

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:30am PDT

Do Say Gay: Strategies for Supporting Queer Teachers

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Secondary schools have seen an uptick in homophobic micro- and macroaggressions in recent years, both from within their school communities and from outside aggressors (Meckler et al., 2024). While those who suffer the most from these homophobic acts are queer students, queer teachers must not be forgotten in the fray. Schools and districts can enact changes to better serve and support their queer faculty members. While schools must make improvements to directly support their queer teachers, they must also better support their queer students in order to improve overall campus climate. Districts also have a responsibility to support their queer teachers through protective policy initiatives.

Speakers

Julia Lathin

CSULB Ed.D. Student

Julia Lathin is a second year Ed.D. student at California State University, Long Beach. Her research will examine the positive experiences of queer, secondary teachers in Southern California and the school and district initiatives that best support those teachers. She is currently... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Concurrent Session

9:30am PDT

Embracing Our Scars: Self-Harm 101

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Self-harm is still a topic that is not talked about enough, especially with the growing concern for the safety of LGBTQIA+ youth. For many, self-harm is an invisible struggle, often compounded by stigma and shame that leads young people to conceal their behaviors. As more LGBTQIA+ youth come out at younger ages, there is increased attention on the heightened risks faced by this group, including a higher incidence of self-destructive behaviors related to social stigma and negative experiences. Research has shown that self-harm, along with depression and suicide, occurs at significantly higher rates among LGBTQIA+ youth compared to their peers. This disparity shows the critical need for providing LGBTQIA+ youth with resources that affirm their identities and increase support. As professionals and parents, it is important to be equipped with a clear understanding of the types of self-harm, average age range when it can occur, causes, populations, risk factors, as well as its connection to mental health challenges such as depression and suicide. It is imperative to provide protective factors for LGBTQIA+ youth in helping to replace self-harming behaviors with positive coping strategies. Compassionate, empathetic approaches are essential in engaging LGBTQIA+ youth, and this presentation provides evidence-based strategies for professionals, parents, and educators to respond to self-harm with care, sensitivity, and empowerment. By drawing on therapeutic techniques, lived experiences, evidence-based interventions backed in research, and experience from working with queer youth, this presentation offers actionable steps for combating self-harm and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in their journey toward healing and resilience.

Speakers

Bree Wiles

LCSW

Bree is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a rich background spanning over a decade in the mental health field. Her passion for advocacy shines through in her tireless efforts to champion LGBTQ+ youth, drawing from both her personal journey and professional expertise... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Concurrent Session

11:00am PDT

General Session

Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

General Session

12:00pm PDT

Grab N Go OR Stay and Network Lunch

Friday May 2, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Friday May 2, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Meal Function