LGBTQ YOUTH CONVENING 2024
Every Shade Shines
The Virtual LGBTQ
YOUTH CONVENING 2020
INTERSECT AND CONNECT
The LGBTQ Center OC presents: LGBTQ+ Youth Convening 2024
The LGBTQ Center OC is excited to announce its upcoming 2024 LGBTQ Youth Convening, a free youth conference that is organized and led by youth leaders from VIVID, a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) student leaders and their allies focused on community action and engagement through a queer- and trans-inclusive lens.
This year’s theme is Every Shade Shines!
The 2024 LGBTQ Youth Convening will take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at Segerstrom High School.
FREE Registration: bit.ly/convening24
This event is open to all ages and backgrounds, such as but not limited to: youth, students, parents, guardians, families, school staff and administrators, counselors, professionals, and community members and organizers. Each day, we will provide three tracks with educational workshops geared towards youth and students, parents and families, educators and professionals, and community members.
We invite the entire community to experience a day complete with influential speakers, workshop presenters, organizations, and a community resource fair working to provide inclusive practices to create restorative and intersectional spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in Orange County and beyond. Breakfast and lunch are included and free to attendees.
We invite the entire community to experience a day complete with influential speakers, workshop presenters, and organizations working to provide inclusive practices to create restorative and intersectional spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in Orange County and beyond.
Workshops and content include:
LGBTQIA+ Representation and Visibility | Intersectionality | LGBTQIA+ Mental Health | Building Resilience | Parent and Family Support | Queer and Trans Representation | GSA Support | Restorative Justice | Transgender Student Support | Youth Leadership and Empowerment | Self-care strategies | Education | Advocacy and Activism | Community Resources and Support | Creative Writing | Art therapy and Calming Space
We are excited to share that we will have special guest performances from local performers at the end of the conference, as well as opportunity drawings for gift cards!
Stay updated and informed through the LGBTQ Center OC’s Instagram (@lgbtqcenteroc) and website (lgbtqcenteroc.org) for the latest updates.
Questions? Please contact: stephanie.vandyke@lgbtqcenteroc.org
Keynote Speaker
DoctorJonPaul (
Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins (Doctor JonPaul, they/them) is an award winning educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender and race in entertainment.
Guest Speaker
Hector Bustos (he/him)
Hector is a proud alumnus of the Santa Ana Unified School District and lifelong Santa Ana resident. Board Member Bustos was elected to serve on the Santa Ana Unified School Board in 2022, representing the students and families in Area 5. At the age of 23, Mr. Bustos made history as the youngest and first openly out LGBTQ+ Elected Official in Santa Ana.
Performer
Strawberry Cassette is a local LGBTQ musical act that plays indie rock tunes and uses musical programming to create unconventional instruments. Members Khuê, Jasper and Daniel hope to get you dancing to a variety of vibrant songs and covers.
Funded by: OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA), Mental Health and Recovery Services, Office of Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Services Act/Prop. 63.
Conference Schedule
| Time | Action Item | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Event opens to the public and Opening Ceremony | |
| 10:00 am | No-cost Breakfast & Registration
Conference & Registration Opens Opening Ceremony: Welcoming and Opening Speakers |
|
| 10:45 – 11:00 AM | Transition to Workshops Session 1 | |
| 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM | Workshop Session 1 (50 minutes) | |
| 11:50 PM-1:00 PM | No-cost Lunch and Community Resource Fair
Transition to Session 2 |
|
| 1:00 – 1:50 PM | Workshop Session 2 (50 minutes) | |
| 1:50 – 2:00 PM | Transition to Closing Ceremony | |
| 2:00 – 3:00 PM |
|
Mental Health Resources:
The LGBTQ Center OC’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Program (714-953-5428)
This program improves mental health and well-being by providing accessible, culturally competent and high-quality mental health promotion, disease prevention and mental health programming. Mental health counseling is available on a slide scale depending on income and is offered to youth and individuals, couples, and families. In addition to English, we have several counselors who speak Spanish, Vietnamese and Farsi. We encourage LGBTQ youth who have been bullied or are victims of violence to enroll in our mental health services to rebuild confidence and well-being.
The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386)
The Trevor Project is one of the first organizations to offer a lifeline specifically for LGBTQ youth and advocates are there to help. They specialize in young LGBTQ people’s mental health, and they’re available 24/7. They’re a great resource if you need help or just want to talk about your life.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
The Lifeline is a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline and chat service for anyone struggling with issues related to suicide. The Lifeline has counselors specifically trained to be sensitive to LGBTQ issues. If you have suicidal thoughts, know someone at risk or just want to talk about the issue, reach out. This resource is for you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800-950-NAMI)
NAMI offers a daily hotline that you can call to talk about mental health and to find resources in your area. The hotline is only open on weekdays, so if you have a more immediate need, it’s a good idea to reach out to a 24/7 resource like The Trevor Project.
Love is Respect (1-866-331-9474)
LGBTQ teens experience dating violence too, and it’s never alright. Many young LGBTQ people aren’t out to their families or communities and many anti-violence organizations lack expertise in helping LGBTQ people. Because of these circumstances, it can be hard to get help. Love is Respect has resources for LGBTQ youth to learn about healthy relationships and their counselors are available 24/7 to offer education, support or to talk through your options.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (800-656-4673)
LGBTQ youth are at an especially high risk of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a difficult experience for any survivor, but it can be especially hard for LGBTQ youth who may not have support. Remember, your consent always matters and anyone who violates your consent — whatever their gender or sexual orientation — is in the wrong. If you’ve experienced sexual violence or you simply want to talk, you can call RAINN’s hotline anytime.
National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY)
The Safeline is available for all youth who feel unsafe at home, are considering running away from home or have run away. You can call or message 24/7 if you’re being bullied, abused, need help finding shelter support or just need to talk.
Event Contact: Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke (She/Her/Hers) | (714) 953-LGBT (5428) ext. 205 | stephanie.vandyke@lgbtqcenteroc.org
