On Wednesday, June 15th, the Youth Advocacy Board (YAB) and Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration (HCTAYC) will premiere policy recommendations to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit youth in Humboldt County. These recommendations were developed by a groundbreaking youth participatory research action project led by HCTAYC and YAB–with data gathered by youth, for youth. Researchers who conducted the majority of focus groups, interviews and surveys are all systems affected youth ages 16-26.
LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit youth and those who serve them reported youth harassment, discrimination, stigma and violations of legal rights across Humboldt County systems including foster care, probation, health and behavioral health, and education. The recommendations issue a call to action to public agencies, youth serving agencies, and the community to ensure safety, access to appropriate services, accountability, and welcoming spaces. In the words of youth participants, “It shouldn’t be dangerous to come out in Humboldt County…there is a constant fear of discrimination for just being who you are.”
We invite youth, community members, agencies and service providers to attend, learn and contribute to the effort to ensure Humboldt County youth have the opportunity to thrive. Kelsey Reedy, Youth Organizer with HCTAYC says, “We urge the community to join us on the 15th to listen to youth’s innovative ideas for change, and to be part of the solution. We have a responsibility as a community to ensure every youth is cared for.”
Please join us virtually over Zoom from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
For more information and to RSVP, contact staff@hctayc.org.
Zoom ID: 161 744 1734
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1617441734