School-Based Advocacy for LGBTQ System Involved Youth

Kelsey Pacha

Training Description

This training will educate providers about how to advocate for system involved LGBTQ children & youth in school-based settings. With over 568 anti-LGBTQ laws proposed limiting access to gender-affirming & safe educational spaces proposed since the beginning of 2023 across the United States, there is a lot of confusion about what practices support not only LGBTQ youth health, but the well-being of all children in schools. Participants will learn 3 empirically-based responses to 6 common anti-trans youth myths, review 5 laws protecting LGBTQ children in the educational system, and familiarize themselves with 6 resources that can help them advocate for LGBTQ youth in California school-based settings.

Learning Objectives

· Review 5 laws protecting LGBTQ children in the educational system in California

· Learn 3 responses to 6 common anti-LGBTQ youth myths.

· Practice using 4-step conversation structure to advocate for system involved LGBTQ children’s needs in California schools.

Agenda

3-4pm  Introductions: name, gender pronoun, one thing you wish to learn. Community agreements, Agenda. Context: review of anti-LGBTQ youth laws and common myths about LGBTQ youth. Review foundational premises—define transgender, gender nonconforming, & gender creative. Review research on supporting LGBTQ children’s resiliency and the impact of negative messages about being queer or trans on health and school performance.

4-5pm Review 4-step conversation structure to advocate for system involved LGBTQ youth, & perform role play. Best practice recommendations and community resources. Presenter models how to fill out Gender Support Plan. Final Questions & Answers, and wrap-up.

Meet Our Trainer

Kelsey Pacha, MA, M.Div. is a trans man who has worked with marginalized communities for 15+ years in a variety of settings. He holds a Master of Religion and Psychology, Master of Divinity, and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He is the owner of Kelsey Pacha Consulting, which supports the work of institutions and individuals in increasing their capacity for cultural humility and social justice-informed institutional change. Kelsey offers educational trainings and LGBTQ workplace policy expertise with an emphasis on practical skills, identity awareness, and personal empowerment. He regularly works with corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion officers and LGBTQ affinity groups, as well as legal, clinical, medical, and direct service (including child welfare and faith leader) personnel. For more information, visit kelseypachaconsulting.com or email info@kelseypachaconsulting.com.

This course meets the qualifications for (2) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.