Opening Convocation
Speaker: nadeen herring
nadeen is a HERstory Maker. From her humble beginnings in the Bronx, NY to her coming of age in Harrisburg, PA, nadeen modeled her parents’ commitment to equity and social justice in the way she educated and mentored youth in K thru 12 and college studies. In 2022, nadeen walked away from her education career of 30+ years to do something more aligned with truth and humanity: Fighting for trans youth lives. nadeen’s “daughter” introduced himself to her when he was almost 7. From there, nadeen became her son’s student and realized that she had to unlearn just about every teaching she’d ever received. Fast-forward to today, nadeen started her own consulting business - blaq noyz, LLC, where she also birthed her children’s book series, Life...According to Z, based on her son’s and family’s trials and triumphs on this journey. Now, nadeen works as a coordinator for the Bryson Institute for The Attic Youth Center - the only LGBTQIA+ youth center in Philadelphia for the past 31 years - and she continues to use her voice to unapologetically let people know that trans youth deserve not only to exist in peace, but to live to become adults. She admits, “It ain’t an easy job, but it’s all I know how to do...”
Rainbow Seekers Musical, by Ants on a Log
Ants on a Log— Julie Be (they/them) and Miles Crabtree (he/him)— is a Philadelphia-based duo performing for children and other childlike people. Their award-winning music centers positivity, social justice, and silliness. Full of humor and harmony, Ants concerts are energetic, interactive, and a delight for children and adults. Julie and Miles blend their skills as music therapists, camp directors, and musicians, enabling the Ants to reach beyond the usual scope of simple songs for children, and tackling complex themes and embracing the full potential of a child’s ability to think and feel. Performance credits include Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Philadelphia Children’s Museum (Please Touch Museum), Wolf Trap, PAC NYC (NY Performing Arts Center), Cabot Theater, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philadelphia Zoo, Iron Horse (Northampton), DC Zoo, Provincetown Family Week, and many more libraries, museums, festivals, schools, and beyond! The Ants often partner with environmental, LGBTQ, and other justice-based organizations. Watch the Rainbow Seekers Trailer here.
Session 1 (12 PM - 12:55 PM)
*Interfaith Working Group: Stories from Affirming Spaces
Facilitators: Josh Gill and Nathanial Mahlberg
Track: Interfaith
This workshop focuses on the stories and experiences of lay and clergy leaders and members who are in faith communities that are fully affirming. We are sharing stories of the cost of that journey, the rewards on the other side as leaders and as members of these spaces, and resources for communities that are looking to answer the question, "what's next?" in an affirming faith space.
This Interfaith Working Group, composed of spiritual leaders from around the Greater Philadelphia Area, will focus on several key goals:
- Establishing a network of interfaith individuals and organizations committed to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth
- Sharing resources, contact information, preferred organizations amongst the interfaith network
- Developing recommendations for inclusive best practices for LGBTQ+ spiritual individuals and organizations
* This Working Group convenes during all 3 workshop sessions. If you are interested in joining the Interfaith Working Group, please email Facilitator Sarah Weisiger at pastor@trinityberwyn.com.
Ants on a Log
Facilitator: Julie Be / Miles Crabtree
Track: Parents, Youth, Educators
Are you ready to become a Rainbow Seeker Super Hero!? During this interactive family musical, children learn the six Rainbow Seekers Super Powers, which are themed around self-expression, social-emotional skills, and community building. After the show, kids get to practice their superpowers at multi-sensory activity stations, and then receive an official Rainbow Seekers badge. Recommended for grades K-5. Rainbow Seekers is performed by the award-winning family music duo Ants on a Log. Check out their NY Times feature, and watch the trailer!
Self-Defense Workshop
Facilitator: Robin Gow
Track: Youth
This training teaches skills and techniques for avoiding unsafe situations, verbal-de-escalation, safety practices for interacting with police, and basic self-defense techniques for LGBTQ+ folks. Grounded in abolitionist thought, we take an anti-carceral approach to safety and emphasize community care.
Strategies to Address Transphobia & Homophobia
Facilitator: Lex Horwitz
Track: Youth, Parents, Educators
We all have the responsibility to address transphobia and homophobia, but how can we do this in an effective and impactful way? In this session, participants will gain the knowledge and the tangible tools and strategies needed to address transphobia and homophobia in the school setting, in addition to engaging in inclusion strategies for our classrooms and discussing opportunities for advocacy.
Session 2 (2 PM - 2:55 PM)
Interfaith Working Group: Stories from Yearning Spaces
Facilitator: Rev. Sarah Weisiger
Track: Interfaith
This workshop focuses on the stories and experiences of lay/clergy leaders and members of faith communities that are in the thick of the process of learning how to be more affirming communities. What kinds of conversations are productive? What resources can help churches that have good will but that have work to do to move beyond the rainbow flag? What does it look like to embrace affirmation beyond saying the words: "We want to be inclusive?"
Guide to Being An Ally to Trans and Non Binary People
Facilitator: Cindy Apostolico / Julie Moyer
Track: Parents
The conversations about gender identity and gender expression are constantly evolving. “Guide to Being An Ally to Trans and Non Binary People” will help you learn more about what it means to be transgender and non-binary, develop competency around talking about the issue, become better informed about the challenges that many trans and binary people face, and learn specific ways that you can be a strong ally to trans and non-binary people.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Facilitator: Aries Powell
Track: Parents, Educators
This is a moderated panel of LGBTQIA+ youth leaders working in the Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy (CTQA) at West Chester University. As LGBTQIA+ peer educators these student-leaders are particularly equipped to talk about what resources, further education, and best practices are most essential for educators, parents, and other allies looking to support the LGBTQIA+ youth under their care. These students will answer a series of predetermined questions to frame a larger group conversation about the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth in 2024 from their own experience and perspectives. Although this session is intended for teachers and parents, it can serve as a great opportunity for other LGBTQIA+ youth in attendance to share their voices and perspectives, and for other allies to join an ongoing conversation about how we care for LGBTQIA+ children in an increasingly hostile cultural climate.
Cyber Safety Workshop
Facilitator: Robin Gow
Track: Youth, Parents, Educators
The internet and social media can be an awesome place of self-discovery, learning, and community building but it can also be a dangerous place, especially for queer ands trans people. This workshop is intended for trans people and allies and educates on safety planning in cyberspace, techniques for responding when receiving online harassment or "hate", and provides a space for discussion and scenarios to put new skills into practice.
Mental Health and Queer and Trans Youth
Facilitator: Arrive Therapy / Eben Hilpert
Track: Parents, Educators
This workshop, led by LGBTQ-focused counseling practice Arrive Therapy, is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the tools to confidently support queer and trans youth. It focuses on addressing the mental health challenges that particularly affect Queer and Trans youth and provides best practices for navigating this critical period in their lives. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain both the knowledge and resources necessary to foster a healthy and supportive environment for their loved ones during the most vulnerable times.
Session 3 (4-5 PM)
Interfaith Working Group: Stories from Spiritual Seekers
Facilitator: Lee Paczulla
Track: Interfaith
This workshop focuses on the stories and experiences of those who have traditionally found themselves "spiritually homeless" and who are seeking affirming spaces. We are centering the experience and stories of the spiritual journeies of those who are seeking home--what, exactly, are folks looking for? What matters most in that journey? What tools and resources can seekers make use of to help them find a place that embraces the fullness of who they are?
Drag Workshop
Facilitator: Jacob Kelley
Track: Parents, Youth, Educators
This workshop will offer an introduction to the concept and culture of drag. Topics covered will include: a brief overview of the evolution of drag culture, an exploration of various drag styles and their influence, lessons from drag on self-expression and creativity, and using drag as a tool for social change and leadership development.
Campus Pride: A Guide to the College Search for LGBT+ Youth and Families
Facilitator: Aries Powell
Track: Youth, Parents, Educators
“The college search is difficult, especially for LGBTQIA+ students looking for a place to call their home away from home. There are a myriad of factors to consider: from academic programs, to scholarships, housing, inclusive bathroom access, and so much more. We are here to help! Representatives from the Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy (CTQA) at West Chester University will walk students and families through the tools and tips to find the best collegiate fit for you!”
Sports and LGBTQ+ Youth
Facilitator: Lex Horwitz
Track: Parents, Educators
Misinformation and disinformation are driving fear and discrimination of trans athletes, primarily transfeminine people. We will understand how to approach the “debate” based on current legal, medical, and scientific knowledge, dismantling two core misconceptions, which are rooted in transmisogynoir and cissexism. Participants will leave with tools to engage in dialogue on the “debate”, in addition to best practices for supporting and advocating for non-binary and trans athletes at individual and institutional levels. Presented by Lex Horwitz, a queer, non-binary trans former collegiate athlete who switched from competing on the women to the men’s team.
This session will impart knowledge, build skills, and share tools to make us all better advocates for trans athletes – understanding that this is not a debate but rather a fight for equal and equitable rights for all transgender people.
Learning objectives:
- Understand that this is not a debate but rather a fight for equal and equitable rights for all transgender people
- Critically look at the ways in which misinformation is driving fear and discrimination of transgender athletes, primarily trans women
- Leave with tools to address the “debate” and best practices for supporting transgender athletes
