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LGBTQ Network:

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning

BornThisWay2 - Online Bulletin Board for LGBTQ Youth and Youth Allies!

We are delighted to launch a new online bulletin board – www.BornThisWay2.org - for LGBTQ youth and allied youth, ages 13 to 21.

“BornThisWay2” provides a forum for young people to anonymously discuss challenges that they face at home, in school, and in the community regarding their sexual orientation or that of a friend or relative.

LGBTQ youth frequently feel excluded from the mainstream student body. One recent survey conducted by the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, found that 79% had been verbally harassed in the prior year due to their sexual orientation and 62% were harassed because of how they expressed their gender. Being repeatedly bullied is related to high risk of depression, as well as suicidal ideation and attempts.

“While bullying is always hurtful and potentially very damaging, being bullied about sexual orientation can be especially isolating,” JFS executive director Sonia Wagner stated, “because LGBTQ youth are often quiet about their orientation and how it affects their lives. BornThisWay2 is a place where they can be open and anonymous.”

For further information, contact LGBTQ@JFSorange.org or call Jewish Family Service at 341-1173 ext.398

Expanding Services Within the Schools
Our vision is to support schools that are already providing services to LGBTQ youth and to promote the beginnings of LGBTQ programs in schools that are not yet offering them.

Call us about staff training and consultation.

Supporting Parents and Caregivers
With support from Orange County System of Care, Jewish Family Service of Orange County is hosting several discussions for the LGBTQ community and allies – including parents, friends, and service providers – about growing up and living as a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or questioning/queer individual. Parents and other caregivers of LGBTQ youth are especially encouraged to attend.

The discussion topics will include the LGBTQ culture, common challenges faced by LGBTQ youth and their families, possible benefits and consequences of “coming out,” and other issues raised by participants.

The discussions will be facilitated by Peri Rainbow, an educator with extensive experience in trauma recovery work and LGBTQ support.

These discussions will take place in: Newburgh: Tuesdays, Feb. 28, March 27 and April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Newburgh Jewish Community Center, 68 Stewart Ave Middletown: Tuesdays, March 20, April 17, and May 15 at 6:30 pm, at Jewish Family Service, 720 Route 17M

For further information, contact LGBTQ@JFSorange.org or call Jewish Family Service at 341-1173 ext.398